Out of the Shadows
A six-part live online course exploring leopard ecology, behaviour and conservation with Dr Nikki Balme of Panthera’s Sabi Sands Leopard Project.
Exciting opportunity
The leopard (Panthera pardus) is the most widely distributed of all the big cats — and one of the most difficult to see.
Secretive, solitary and remarkably adaptable, leopards survive in environments ranging from deserts and forests to mountain slopes and the edges of cities. Yet beneath this adaptability lies a growing conservation challenge.
Across much of their range, leopards face increasing pressure from habitat loss, declining prey, poaching and conflict with people.
Out of the Shadows brings the leopard into the light, exploring the evolution of this remarkable predator, its ecology and behaviour, and the conservation choices that will help determine its future.
Join conservation biologist Dr Nikki Balme for six live online lectures exploring one of Africa’s most elusive and fascinating big cats.
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What to Expect from the Out of the Shadows Course
Explore the World of the Leopard
Discover the ecology and behaviour of one of the world’s most adaptable big cats and gain a deeper understanding of what makes the leopard such a successful predator.
Learn from a Conservation Specialist
The course is presented by Dr Nikki Balme, conservation biologist of Panthera’s Sabi Sands Leopard Project.
Her experience in leopard research and conservation brings valuable insight into the challenges facing leopard populations and the work being done to protect them.
Six Live Online Lectures
Join Dr Nikki Balme every Tuesday and Thursday at 18h00 SAST for six live online lectures.
All sessions are recorded, giving you the opportunity to revisit the course content whenever you like.
Certification
Participants will receive an EcoTraining Certificate of Participation upon completion of the course.
What you can expect to graduate with
- A deeper understanding of leopard ecology and behaviour
- Greater insight into the adaptations that make leopards such successful predators
- An understanding of the conservation pressures facing leopard populations
- Insight into the relationship between leopards, their prey and their environment
- A greater appreciation of the challenges involved in leopard conservation
- An EcoTraining Certificate of Participation
- Access to recordings of the live lectures
Entry level requirements
- Basic understanding of English (write, read, and speak).
- Participants need to be older than 16 years.
- Access to a stable connection to the internet or WiFi.
- Access to an electronic device (e.g., tablet, cell phone, laptop) to view live lectures.
Why Choose the Out of the Shadows Course?
- The Evolution of the Leopard: Understanding the evolution and remarkable adaptations of one of the world’s most successful big cats
- Leopard Ecology: Exploring habitat, prey, territories and the leopard’s role within the ecosystem
- Leopard Behaviour: Understanding the secretive and solitary lives of leopards
- The Elusive Leopard: Exploring how leopards survive, hunt and adapt across a changing landscape
- Threats to Leopards: Understanding habitat loss, prey decline, poaching and conflict with people
- Leopard Conservation: Exploring the conservation choices and actions that will help secure the leopard’s future
Expert-led lectures
Meet Your Instructor — Dr Nikki Balme
Dr Nikki Balme is a conservation biologist associated with Panthera’s Sabi Sands Leopard Project, where she has worked extensively on leopard ecology and conservation.
Through Out of the Shadows, Nikki shares her specialist knowledge to explore the lives of leopards and the conservation challenges that threaten their future.
FAQ about the Inside the Pride Course
This course is designed for anyone with an interest in leopards, African wildlife and conservation, including wildlife enthusiasts, field guides, conservationists, students and lifelong learners.
The course is delivered through six live online lectures. All sessions are recorded, so you can revisit the content whenever you like.
The course runs from 29 September to 15 October 2026, with six live online lectures taking place every Tuesday and Thursday at 18h00 SAST.
The course fee includes:
- 6 live online lectures
- Live online teaching with Dr Nikki Balme
- All session recordings
- EcoTraining Certificate of Participation
There is no formal assessment or exam for this course.
Yes. Participants will receive an EcoTraining Certificate of Participation.
Have more questions? Check out our general FAQ page or get in touch for more information.
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