1. General Knowledge :

• Definition, understanding and protecting global, macro, micro and microscopic eco systems.
• Micro ecosystems: The termite mound, Elephant dung, a Fallen tree, a Carcass, etc.
• Identification of Animals, tracks, droppings, birds, insects, snakes and other reptiles, trees, shrubs & grass species.
• Habitat: definition, identification, threats and protection.
• Animal behavior, speed and comfort zones: The dangerous nine.
• Eating habits: various species.
• Hunting versus Poaching
• Game Farm Management
• Integration of previously disadvantaged South Aficans into game farms and national parks.
• Animal diseases.
• Conservation management.
• Educational bush walks, game drives and hikes.
• Educational wildlife videos and documentaries.
• Geology and basic study of the Lowveld region.
• Raptors - The birds of prey.
• Nature's "Clean up Company"
• Elephants: Family structure. Their impact on the environment.
• Pollution of eco-resources: (water, soil, air) and sanitation.

2. Necessary knowledge and competency in the bush:

• Record keeping of sightings in Field Guides.
• Navigation, day and night.
• Survival - How to.
• Astronomy - The southern Hemisphere.
• Camouflage - Wild life and people.
• Rifle handling and shooting.
• First aid - snakes and insect bites and general first aid.
• The art of game tracking: ground and aerial spoor.
• Bush craft: weapons, snares, rope, fire, water, sundial and finding north.

3. FGASA field guiding course
    COURSE OUTLINE – LEVEL 1 MODULES:

1. Introduction to Guiding in the Natural Environment
2. Creating a Guided Nature Experience
3. Geology
4. Astronomy
5. Weather and Climate
6. Basic Ecology
7. Basic Taxonomy
8. Introduction to the Biomes of Southern Africa
9. Botany and Grasses
10. Arthropods
11. Amphibians
12. Reptiles
13. Fish
14. Birds
15. Mammals
16. Animal Behavior
17. Conservation Management
18. Historical Human Habitation
19. The Art of Tracking
20. Duties of the Game Ranger on a Game farm
21. First Aid Level 1
22. 4x4 off-road training course
23. Reptile rangers course
24. Snake handling course

4. Management:

• Conservation and preservation.
• A game farm or nature reserve: The planning, designing, building, maintenance, management, marketing and budgeting for it.
• The ranger. His function and responsibilities.
• Fencing, patrolling and maintenance ~ consequent status of the land
• Classification of South Africa's animals and exotic species
• Hunting, culling, problem animals and green hunting.
• Poaching and anti poaching techniques
• Erosion: causes, cures and prevention
• Alien plant identification and control.
• Foreign objects, dangers, prevention and removal
• 24-hour waterhole monitoring and game assessment.
• Breeding projects: which animals and why.
• Animal Rehabilitation projects.
• Animal diseases.
• Fire: A management tool.
• Video: "The African Game".

Please note:

We have simplified the course to "easy to understand" practical subjects and lectures in order that the student or volunteer can apply the knowledge, thus acquired, immediately to his/her assignment or bush experience.

This training programme and study course was designed to:

• bring the student in close contact with nature, wildlife and conservation.
• encourage eco-friendly utilization of South Africa's nature and wildlife resources,
• point out ways and methods to generate revenue to be re-invested in conservation and preservation.

For more information on the carriculum click here!