1-WEEK COURSE: WILDLIFE FORENSICS

AND CRIME SCENE MANAGEMENT

This One-Week Wildlife Forensic & Conservation Course offers a comprehensive introduction to wildlife forensics, conservation and the investigation of wildlife crime. Combining academic lectures, practical forensic exercises and educational excursions, participants explore key aspects of wildlife crime scene management, forensic evidence collection, veterinary forensics, conservation challenges and environmental legislation.

The programme culminates in a simulated wildlife crime investigation and moot court exercise, providing participants with an opportunity to apply their newly acquired knowledge and practical skills to a realistic investigative scenario.

KEY INFO

Course Start Date: 14 February 2027

Location: The training will be facilitated on a game reserve on the West Coast. 

Course Price: $2020 | €1800 | £1500 - 12% discounted rate

Study Mode: In-Person

Included

Excluded

  • 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:

This program is ideal for students, graduates and professionals interested in wildlife conservation, forensic science, veterinary science, environmental management and law enforcement. It is particularly suited to individuals looking to explore the specialised field of wildlife forensics, gain practical exposure to wildlife crime investigations, or broaden their understanding of how forensic science contributes to conservation and the fight against wildlife crime. No extensive prior experience in wildlife forensics is required, making it an excellent introduction for those eager to develop new skills and explore an emerging interdisciplinary field.

And why not escape to the South African summer while you're at it? Taking place in February, during the height of South Africa's summer, the course offers the perfect opportunity to trade the winter cold for sunshine, beautiful landscapes and incredible wildlife experiences. Participants can combine an immersive educational experience with the opportunity to explore Cape Town and the surrounding Western Cape, making it a unique learning adventure and summer getaway rolled into one.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Apply forensic science and investigative techniques to the investigation of a range of wildlife crimes.

  • Understand relevant legislation and conservation challenges, including human-wildlife conflict, and evaluate their implications for wildlife crime investigations.

  • Demonstrate an understanding of wildlife crime investigation procedures, including the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required by investigative personnel.

  • Understand and apply wildlife crime scene management principles, including crime scene documentation, evidence identification, collection, preservation and analysis.

  • Demonstrate practical investigative skills through the examination and interpretation of evidence from a simulated wildlife crime scene.

  • Understand veterinary and wildlife forensic principles, including wildlife post-mortem procedures, poisoning and wildlife first aid.

  • Prepare forensic documentation and communicate investigative findings, including the drafting of statements and preparation of photographic and sketch evidence.

  • Understand the legal process involved in wildlife crime prosecution, including courtroom procedures, presenting evidence and providing testimony.

How You Will Learn

Lectures

Theory, knowledge, understanding

Experimental Learning

Practice, problem solving, application

Educational Excursions

Context, background, culture

What You Will Learn:

  • Wildlife Crime & Conservation: Understand wildlife crime, conservation challenges, biodiversity and human-wildlife conflict.

  • Forensic Science & Investigation: Explore forensic science principles and investigative techniques used in wildlife crime cases.

  • Wildlife Veterinary Forensics: Gain insight into wildlife post-mortem procedures, poisoning and wildlife first aid.

  • Crime Scene Management: Learn the principles of wildlife crime scene investigation, documentation and evidence collection.

  • Forensic Evidence Analysis: Develop practical skills in identifying, collecting, documenting and interpreting forensic evidence.

  • Forensic Reporting: Learn to prepare investigative statements, crime scene sketches and photographic evidence for legal proceedings.

  • Environmental Legislation: Explore relevant legislation and the legal processes involved in investigating and prosecuting wildlife crime.

  • Courtroom Skills: Understand courtroom procedures, presenting forensic evidence and providing expert testimony.

  • Practical Case Investigation: Apply your knowledge through a simulated wildlife crime investigation and hands-on moot court exercise.

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Payment options:

Participants have two payment options:

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

2.        Pay a deposit: Alternatively, a participant can secure their booking with an initial 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.