Field Research

And Monitoring Techniques

Learn & Explore Skills & Techniques To Become A Research Assistant

Join us as we explore various techniques for data collection and monitoring on a course that is the perfect blend of hands-on, field-based learning and classroom lectures. Learners who complete the six-week course are eligible to become certified with CATHSSETA as a Research Assistant.

This two, four or six- week course is run by our partner, Chrysalis Nature College and based at Wilderness Leadership School’s headquarters in Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve.

This course is ideal for:

People working in the field of conservation and assisting with field research and conducting monitoring in the terrestrial and marine environments
People interested in different research methods and learning how to apply these in the field for their own research or to assist researchers
People working in the guiding/tourism industry who are interested in research methods and assisting visiting researchers in the field
Anyone who is planning to or is currently completing an ecology, conservation or environmental sciences qualification
Anyone who is interested in being a volunteer for organisations that offer volunteer programmes that include research and monitoring

We work on different reserves and private game farms, that often have all or some of the Big 5. We provide a service of collecting data to suit a need of the reserve or farm owner, the techniques that we use are in line with the required technique on the reserve and are techniques used internationally, allowing for the skills learnt to be used in research and monitoring worldwide. The data that we collect are not only used by our participants to do their assessments, but to assist reserves and private farm owners to better manage their properties, and ultimately lead to better conservation decisions being made.

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Course Outline & Modules

Learners have the option of joining the course for either two, four, or six weeks. Each two-week segment will build on the one previous to it, so a longer stay will allow for a more in-depth understanding of the principles and techniques on which we focus throughout the course.

Week One & Two: An introduction to the field of Research and Monitoring

An introduction to conservation principles and ethics
An introduction to ecology and ecological principles
An introduction to research and monitoring techniques
How to use a field guide

The research focus during the first two weeks is on doing vegetation surveys- using Alien Invasive Plants in a Nature Reserve or on a Private Farm as a case study. The techniques learnt are in line with techniques used by researchers and monitors worldwide, and therefore can be applied to research and monitoring projects around the globe.

Week Three & Four: Terrestrial Ecology and Survey Techniques

This segment of the course builds on the introduction learned in the previous two weeks. Much of the course is spent out in the field, practising and perfecting various research and monitoring techniques, which may include:

Conducting basic rapid biodiversity assessments
Conducting basic visual encounter surveys
Qualitative assessments of dominant indicator species

These are done in conjunction with:

Vegetation surveys
Data collection on alien invasive plant species infestations
Camera trap surveys
Game counts
Collecting and preserving specimens, such as tree and grass samples

Other survey techniques may be included if there is a need expressed by the partners that we are working with.

Four-week students will complete a final assessment report, which can be submitted up to a month after the course.

Week Five & Six: Marine Ecology and Marine Survey Techniques

The course affords participants the opportunity to spend a large portion of their time in the field, learning not only, about the research and monitoring techniques taught, but also having the opportunity to spend time in nature and learn by being immersed in nature and the marine environment.

Where time and opportunity allow, we also do guided bush walks and early morning or evening game drives, for the enjoyment of it, and for participants to learn more about the African bushveld, and have some photo opportunities.

During the course, you will complete various assignments and practical tasks, with a final report that needs to be submitted. Should you successfully complete all of the requirements of the assessments, you will receive a certificate of completion for this course stating the modules and techniques covered in the course.

All training, and assessments are in line with the nationally accredited Skills Programme, Research Assistant.

Minimum Requirements