Overview
Provider: Wildlife Forensic Academy
Location: Buffelsfontein Game and Nature Reserve, South Africa (1 hour from Cape Town)
Dates: See provider website for upcoming start dates
Duration: 2 weeks, full-time
Application deadline: Rolling – early booking advised
Eligibility: International students and wildlife professionals based outside Africa
Overview
Join the Wildlife Forensic Academy for an immersive two-week programme designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to investigate wildlife crime. Combining expert-led training with unique educational tourism in the spectacular surroundings of greater Cape Town, this course offers a rare opportunity to gain hands-on experience in wildlife forensics.
You will learn to investigate wildlife crime scenes, collect and preserve evidence, and present findings in court, while also exploring South Africa’s biodiversity, conservation initiatives, and culture.
This immersive two-week program is ideal for individuals seeking a comprehensive introduction to wildlife forensics and conservation, enriched by multiple excursions to experience the cultural richness of South Africa. The course, through combining hands-on learning with elements of educational tourism, offers a unique opportunity to explore the diverse ecology of the Greater Cape Town area while developing practical skills in wildlife crime investigation and ancillary fields.
Why This Course?
Wildlife crime – including the illegal wildlife trade – is one of the largest criminal activities in the world, worth over USD $30 billion annually. Despite its scale, it is often under-prioritised in law enforcement. This course empowers you to be part of the solution, strengthening wildlife crime investigations and supporting successful prosecutions.
What You’ll Learn
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
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Apply best practices in wildlife crime scene management and documentation.
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Collect, preserve, and process evidence for forensic analysis.
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Conduct crime scene photography and sketching.
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Present evidence in a courtroom setting through a moot court experience.
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Understand the role of forensic veterinary pathology, entomology, and tracking in wildlife crime investigations.
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Recognise environmental threats and poaching methods, and apply anti-poaching skills.
Training Includes
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Practical fieldwork at mock crime scenes within a game reserve.
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Moot court sessions to practise testimony.
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Specialist lectures on forensic science applications in conservation.
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Hands-on labs for trace evidence collection and analysis.
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Educational excursions to conservation centres, marine wildlife facilities, and cultural sites.
Highlights
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Located in a working nature reserve with state-of-the-art forensic training facilities.
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Led by experienced professionals in wildlife forensics and law enforcement.
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Unique mix of technical skills training and South African wildlife experiences.
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Networking with other conservation professionals and students from around the world.
Example Itinerary
Training covers topics such as:
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Crime scene reconstruction and investigation
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Photography, sketching, and evidence handling
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Forensic entomology and veterinary aspects
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Poaching methods, anti-poaching skills, and survival techniques
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Plant poaching trade and environmental threats
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Educational trips to cheetah conservation, marine bird rehabilitation, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, and more
Who Should Apply
This course is ideal for:
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University students in conservation, biology, veterinary, or forensic sciences
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Law enforcement officers, rangers, and customs officials
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Conservation professionals seeking to expand into wildlife forensics
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Those considering a career in wildlife crime investigation
Costs
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2025: USD $3,025
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2026: USD $3,375
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2027: USD $3,560
Please see the Wildlife Forensic Academy website for details on what is included in the fee, as well as accommodation and travel information.
Contact: admin@wildlifeforensicacademy.com