The 55-day EcoTracker: Wildlife Monitoring course is a first of its kind in South Africa. Tracking has relevance in the ecotourism, wildlife protection, and animal monitoring sectors of the conservation industry.
You will learn from instructors who have dedicated themselves to mastering traditional tracking skills. Tracker students will get a taste of this ancient knowledge.
EcoTracker is proud to have Norman Chauke (Certified NQF4 Lead Tracker) as the host instructor for this course. And the world-renowned tracker Renias Mhlongo will make guest appearances for certain modules. Students will have the opportunity to practice tracking animals themselves – under the watchful eye of an EcoTracker instructor.
The programme is offered in small groups (maximum of 8 people) to optimize your learning experience. Time on this course is split between up to two of our remote wilderness camps, maximizing exposure to different wildlife, habitats, and biodiversity.
Practical Tracking skills form the core focus of this course; with theoretical modules included to supplement learning. The programme roll-out takes place in four phases:
| Phase 1 | Theoretical & Practical Tracker Training | 21 days |
| Phase 2 | Tracker Projects x 3 | 21 days (7-days each) |
| Phase 3 | Self-practise & assessment preparation | 7 days |
| Phase 4 | Practical assessments & theory exams (voluntary) | 6 days |
Phase 1 focuses on tracking skills development. In phase 2 students will learn how to apply wildlife tracking in three areas: wildlife protection, animal monitoring, and predator habituation (ecotourism). You will embark on 3 exciting tracking projects where you will learn from specialist instructors. Phases 3 and 4 are intended to prepare the candidate for the final FGASA-endorsed assessments, which are optional.
You can graduate with:
- Tracker Academy Full Tracker Certificate
- FGASA Tracker Certificate (upon submission of Tracker Academy Certificate/s)*
- EcoTraining certificate of attendance
*Depending on the results achieved, the participant can receive a Tracker Academy and FGASA endorsed Tracker certificate.
The course dates run from May 11 to June 25 2021.
For more information, visit the website.
Picture: EcoTraining
