4-WEEK COURSE: WILDLIFE FORENSICS, CRIME

SCENE MANAGEMENT, ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRADE AND CONSERVATION

This training builds on the Wildlife Forensic Academy’s two week training with an additional two weeks of expanded in-depth practical training and lectures in Forensics, Veterinary Science and Ecology. Taking place at the Wildlife Forensic Academy in the Western Cape, as well as at other educational sites in the Eastern Cape and Garden Route, this training provides a truly unique African Wildlife Educational Experience.

For University students, this course may be eligible to be used for university course credits - please check with your university. A summary on contact hours and learning objectives can be requested - please contact us directly to arrange.

KEY INFO

Next Course Start Date: 27 July 2026

  • 4 July 2027

Location: The training will be facilitated on a game reserve on the West Coast and the Garden Route, South Africa

Study Mode: In-Person

2026 Course Prices: $6600 | €5650 | £4850

  • $6600 | €6050 | £5215

    • Accommodation at Buffelsfontein Nature and Game Reserve and in the Garden Route;

    • Catering (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner);

    • Transport during the course;

    • All park entrance fees and permits for educational excursions.

    • Alcoholic drinks

    • Flights to and from Cape Town

    • Our shuttle service will collect course participants from Cape Town between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM on the Sunday the course begins. The course will conclude on Saturday afternoon, with participants being dropped off at their accommodation or the airport. Upon request, we can provide recommendations for reputable drivers for airport transfers and suggested Cape Town accommodations.

This course is for you if:

  • You are a professional working in wildlife conservation, wildlife protection, forensic science, criminology, law enforcement, and crime scene investigation.

  • You are an individual in adjacent fields seeking to broaden your understanding of wildlife forensics and related disciplines.

  • Are an undergraduate and postgraduate university student pursuing studies in forensic science, criminology, biology, conservation or related areas.

  • We welcome participants from diverse professional and academic backgrounds who share a passion for applying science in the pursuit of justice.

Course Objectives:

  • In-depth understanding of Wildlife Forensics, Wildlife Crime and illegal wildlife trade.

  • Gain confidence to conduct a Wildlife Crime Investigation with Forensic Trace Collection, documentation and presentation of evidence in a courtroom.

  • Unique learning experience in Africa. Witness the diversity of South African wildlife and be exposed to the issues and role-players in this field.

How You Will Learn

Lectures

Theory, knowledge, understanding

Experimental Learning

Practice, problem solving, application

Educational Excursions

Context, background, culture

What You Will Learn:

  • Explore a wide range of wildlife crime cases and investigative methods used in real-world scenarios

  • Learn essential ecology, history, and survival skills relevant to the local environment

  • Develop skills in identifying, documenting, and presenting forensic evidence, including moot courtroom presentations

  • Gain practical experience in crime scene preservation, documentation, and analysis at the WFA’s dedicated training facility

  • Understand the veterinary role in conservation, including pathology and stress-related mortalities

  • Gain insight into ranger operations, anti-poaching strategies, and weapon handling practices

  • Explore conservation principles across rural and urban environments, including human-wildlife conflict and socio-economic factors

  • Develop experience in both terrestrial and marine conservation

  • Participate in educational excursions to explore conservation landscapes, organizations, and South African culture

  • Take part in field trips to the Eastern Cape and Garden Route to learn about species management, reintroduction, and sustainable utilization

DOWNLOAD PROGRAM
DOWNLOAD PROGRAM

Program subject to change due to weather conditions and availability

Educational Aims and Learning Objectives:

  • Develop practical wildlife crime investigation skills by integrating forensic science, policing principles, and evidence handling

  • Understand key legislation, conservation challenges, illegal trade, and human-wildlife conflict in South Africa

  • Gain insight into the roles and practices of investigators, conservationists, veterinarians, and other stakeholders

  • Apply standard procedures for crime scene management, evidence analysis, and clear communication of findings

  • Build hands-on experience through mock investigations and evidence-based problem solving

  • Explore conservation practices, protected area management, and real-world challenges such as poaching

  • Understand core principles of wildlife management, including veterinary support, rewilding, and sustainable utilisation

What Can I do With This Course?

  • Law Enforcement: Strengthen your career prospects in wildlife crime investigation, conservation organisations, and anti-poaching units

  • Forensic Analyst: Gain practical insight into forensic evidence collection and analysis skills

  • Conservation Impact: Build a career in conservation, supporting efforts to combat wildlife crime and protect biodiversity

  • Postgraduate Studies: Use the course as a foundation for postgraduate studies in wildlife forensics, conservation biology, or related fields

Payment options:

You have two payment options:

1.        Pay in full: You can choose to pay the entire course fee upfront.

2.        Pay a deposit: Alternatively, you can secure your spot with a deposit of $500/€500/£440. The remaining balance can then be paid either in one lump sum or in 2–4 instalments.

Please read our FAQ section for more payment related details.

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Got Questions?

Start by browsing our FAQ section - you might find your answer there. If not, feel free to fill out our contact form, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.