Giant Sable Conservation Efforts
Found only in central Angola, the giant sable is one of the most impressive but also one of the most critically endangered African antelopes. It was unprotected during the civil war that began in 1975 and only ended in 2002. Government and rebel armies alternately occupied the 8,280 sq km Luando Integral Reserve of the Giant Sable and the 630 sq km Cangandala National Park, 50 km from Malange, the provincial capital. Without a giant sable bull, the sable in Cangandala were doomed to extinction, hybrids or no hybrids.
To read his article further and see the slide show of the operation, go here.
Breaking News - Giraffe kills Impala
Fresh scarlet brain-blood had flowed from the baby imapal's nostrils to pool thickly in the footprint of a bull giraffe Read further...
How can we help you!
With holidays, career breaks or future employment opportunities taking a back-seat, many people are looking towards doing something constructive, affordable and above all for themselves. EcoTraining offers a wide variety of courses to suit many individual needs for now and the future!
Why Choose EcoTraining?
•We’ve been training since 1993 - one of the first organisations to conduct formal training.
•We train in great wilderness areas including the Kruger National Park.
•Our students train while living in the middle of the African wilderness, with wild animals potentially right outside their tents as our canvas tented camps are unfenced.
•We have trained Field Guides for top tourism operators such as Wilderness Safaris, Tanzania Wildlife Safaris, KZN Wildlife, Heritage Group and various privately-owned game lodges in southern Africa.
•and more reasons to choose us…
Join the Saddle-bill stork survey
Join the Endangered Wildlife Trust and SANParks in a photographic survey of Saddle-billed Storks in the Kruger National Park. The survey starts on 1 September 2009 and will run for a full calendar year.
This survey forms part of a research project that will be conducted over the next three years on the population status of Saddle-billed Storks, one of Kruger’s rarities, and one of the “Big Six” birds. “Census operations on any species within the boundaries of the Kruger National Park are important to help us get an idea of that species’ status within the context of biodiversity management,” says Marcelle van Hoven, the project’s coordinator. “The last Saddlebilled Stork survey conducted in 1993 suggested that there were less than 60 of these birds left in the Park.” More info here...
Advanced Birding Course 7 day | Advanced Birding Course |
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These days, visitors to the African wilderness areas want to do more than simply spot the large game. Birding as a hobby has become popular and EcoTraining's courses have been designed to broaden and enrich your knowledge and skills by educating you about the fascinating world of birds and the interdependent relationships between them and other life forms. Birding in this area is unsurpassed all year round, with many South African ‘specials’ being found here, such as Black-throated Wattle-eye, Racket-tailed Roller, Three Banded Courser, Bohm’s and Mottled Spinetails, Lemon-breasted Canary and Pel’s Fishing Owl. The wonderful diversity of habitats lends itself to a staggering 400 species of birds found here. This Training Course (FGASA Accredited) has been designed to provide sufficient specialist information and training for any individual wishing to boost their bird knowledge or undertake any formal birding qualifications. Previous students who have joined the course to prepare for their Special Knowledge and Skills Birding examination have all indicated to us, that their success in their exam was due to the knowledge gained whilst attending the course. Courses incorporate theoretical lectures on different aspects of birds and birding as well as early morning and afternoon/evening practical birding excursions. Students are provided with a Lawson’s Training Manual, which contains detailed information on all the lecture theory subjects covered by electronic media. We do recommend participants bring notepad/book/pens to take further notes, your own bird field guide (various bird books are provided for use during the course) and most importantly good binoculars Major Theory SubjectsEvolution, Anatomy and Physiology, Zoogeography, Habitats & Environments, Bird Behaviours (Breeding, Chick Development, Feeding, Mating etc), Migration, Ethics/Conservation and Bird Identification. Practical Field SessionsThe practical sessions in the field will assist you in knowing what to look for to successfully identify birds, also to point out the differences between certain 'difficult' species. Both sight id and call id is discussed during the practical sessions. Course AssessmentsThe course includes both a Bird Slide and Bird Call Identification assessments along with a Theory test on the final full day. 75% pass mark on both assessments and the Theory is required to pass the course. We are confident that any person attending our course will leave us more enriched and with greater confidence in being able to pass on the wonders and beauty of the South African birdlife to your clients or friends and family. Certification and AccreditationThe course participants receive a Lawsons "Certificate of participation"and those succesfully passing both assessments (Slide and calls) will receive a Lawson's "Certificate of Competency". Head Instructor – Bruce LawsonBruce Lawson is a fully qualified (FGASA, SKS Birding and Dangerous Game, Level 3 Tracker) Specialist Wilderness Guide and Trainer. Bruce has been leading bird tours throughout Africa for the past 18 years and has a deep love and understanding for all wilderness areas.Where we utilize a second trainer, that person will also be a qualified SKS or Specialist Birding Guide. Duration: 7 days, 6 nights Don't delay to book on one of our courses, they fill very fast. Apply now. If this is your dream or passion, allow us to help you fulfill that dream. After all, there is no time like the present. Contact us. |
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