This hands-on course explores the often-overlooked but ecologically critical world of insects, spiders, reptiles, and amphibians in South Africa’s bushveld ecosystem. Designed for students and researchers in zoology, ecology, and conservation biology, the program focuses on taxonomy, behaviour, habitat preferences, and survey techniques.

Participants gain field experience in identifying and monitoring a wide range of arthropods (insects, arachnids, myriapods) and herpetofauna (amphibians and reptiles), with emphasis on ecological roles, predator-prey dynamics, and seasonal activity. Learn how to safely trap, record, and release specimens, and develop basic ethograms, pitfall trap setups, and herp encounter logs.

With guided field walks, night surveys, and spotlighting activities, this immersive two-week program highlights the conservation relevance of small species in ecosystem stability and global biodiversity challenges. Ideal for students conducting dissertations or those seeking to specialise in lesser-studied fauna.

Invertebrate & Herpetofauna Field Studies

The Wildlife Field Research & Ecology Program at Baobab Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS) is an immersive two-week experience designed for anyone looking to build real-world research skills and ecological insight in Africa’s bushveld.

Whether you're preparing for an independent research project, considering a career in conservation, or simply eager to move beyond the classroom, this intensive program will train you in core field techniques, from ethical data collection and species tracking to interpreting ecological patterns in wild environments.

Based on a 1,200-hectare private reserve in Limpopo, South Africa, the program blends guided fieldwork with practical workshops and daily mentorship. Participants leave with the confidence, skills, and context needed to pursue more advanced research or further study.

We don’t just teach you about wildlife. We show you how to read the bush.

Wildlife Research & Conservation Field Study

This hands-on field program focuses on the behaviour of wild baboons and the challenges of managing human–primate conflict in an active conservation environment. Students investigate group structures, feeding habits, and social interactions while working in areas where primates frequently access orchards, food storage, waste zones, and interact with people and animals. The course equips participants with skills in behavioural observation, ethogram construction, and field-based conflict assessment. Emphasis is placed on identifying strategies that apply ecological knowledge to real-world land-use tensions. Designed for students in zoology, ecology, conservation, or animal behaviour, this two-week experience delivers meaningful, bushveld-based research aligned with urgent conservation issues in southern Africa.

Baobab Wildlife Sanctuary

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