Eco Ranger Academy

Eco Ranger Academy (Pty) Ltd
www.ecoranger.co.za
ECO RANGER ACADEMY
Established in 1998, Eco Ranger is the leader in providing quality Wildlife
education in Africa and is the benchmark Tourism, Conservation and Wildlife
educational academy globally. A One-Stop Academy and the only one
presenting Outdoor Eco Tourism (Nature Guiding, Tracking, Dangerous Game
Guides), Conservation (Field Ranger, Anti-Poaching Ranger, Game Ranger),
Wildlife Ranching (Game Farm Management, Game Capture, Game Breeding
and Wild Animal Care)
Our professional integrated training expose all students to non-traditional
coursework and develop essential professional skills to produce graduates to
bridge the science–management gap and promote the sustainable conservation
of natural resources.
Courses are offered on a phased basis to allow local, national and international
students the opportunity to enhance professional skills, prepare for a new career
or pursue intellectual inquiry for personal enrichment.
Educational and training programs adhere to prescribed curricula and are
approved by SAQA the only educational authority in South Africa.
Eco Ranger is an Accredited Training Provider with
Eco Ranger :
SDL: L 216
Provider Reg No: 613/P/000242/2014
CAMPUS
Eco Ranger Academy is located on the private Nyani Game Farm, Klaserie,
Limpopo Province and Mtibi Game farm, Malelaan, Mpumalanga Province South Africa, both in close proximity of the Kruger National Park.
GPS 24°3035 S -31°0737 E
The region offers unique fauna and flora, all the Big Game and Predators of
Africa with 42 mammal varieties and approximately 350 bird varieties.
At most education institutions, the campus is merely a backdrop to the program.
Our campus is an integral and deeply rewarding part of the Eco Ranger
Academy experience.
The Eco Ranger Academy campus offers students a unique and vast
‘classroom’.
Whilst the campus is located on Nyani, practical training is conducted on greater
Conservancies, Nature Reserves and Wildlife Ranching Farms.
The Main Campus of the college is a place of intellectual stimulation and
discovery, where ideas foster change and awareness will inspire commitment
and success.
The student village is in harmony with the environment and aligned with ecofriendly building principles.
FACILITATORS & ASSESSORS
All courses are taught by our full-time lecturers that are registered with
Our team are noted for their contributions to conservation, field-based research, their commitment to teaching, and their bond
with the environment. They are renowned for their ability to draw upon practical environmental wisdom and to engage
participants in provocative, life-changing class activities that expand their abilities as leaders. In addition to their Eco Ranger
Academy roles, our lecturers also serve as advisers and consultants of conservation initiatives and academic institutions
across the globe.
We offer lecturers who thrive in the vibrant, interactive environment of the Eco Ranger Academy classroom where
unexpected insights and challenges are a natural consequence of our participatory learning model.
Lecturers encourage productive participant interaction that extends learning beyond the classroom.
Other instructors / lecturers include:
•
Wildlife experts, scientific researchers and professionals in Nature and Wildlife Training
•
Experienced professionals from community and business organizations
JC Strauss – BIOGRAPHY
JC Strauss is the Director of Education and Training at Eco Ranger Academy, he has a joint appointment at the AntiPoaching Unit and Eco Ranger Conservation and Research Initiatives.
Most recently, his projects focus on continuous learning and the ways and extent to which students determine their future
using knowledge gained from the environment. In addition to his career in eco and wildlife conservation, JC has held several
positions as environmental and safety consultant. He worked with customers from a wide variety of industries including
national parks, tourism, media and international diplomats. He serve on the “Community of Expert Practitioners” CEP for the
QCTO on the new qualification development of Park Ranger.
In 2005 – 2007, JC trained and developed 350 Wildlife Rangers for Limpopo Parks Board in South Africa and headed the
Anti-Poaching teams covering 53 Protected Areas that brought down rhino and elephant poaching with 80%.
In 1998 he launched Eco Ranger, training Wildlife Rangers, Dangerous Game Guides for various Wildlife Parks and
organizations such as the South African Wildlife College and Game Rangers Associations. The first 34 Women Wildlife
Rangers for African Countries (Botswana, Mozambique, Zambia, Namibia, Tanzania, Kenya, Swaziland, Lesotho and South
Africa) were trained by JC’s organization Eco Ranger at the SA Wildlife College. Eco Ranger trained more than a 1,000
Rangers and Wildlife Guides that created job opportunities that support and sustain more than 10,000 African people
currently.
The knowledge and experience in Tracking and Survival, that were gained from years in the African Bush makes him a
favourite consultant for media productions on Discovery and Nation Geographic. Most recent productions includes:
“Dual Survival” and “Man Hunt”. JC is also the Deputy Editor of the Wildlife Ranching Magazine
JC plays a key role in shaping sustainable Eco and Wildlife Conservation in Africa,
JC is a Qualified National Guide with Qualifications on Nature NQF 6, Tracking NQF 6, Dangerous Game NQF 6
Memberships: Wild Ranching SA, GRAA Game Rangers Ass Africa, PFTC, SAHCA
Facilitator & Assessor:
Nature Guiding
Culture Guiding
Animal Tracking
Dangerous Game
Field Ranger I, II, III
Conservation Guardianship
Conservation Resource Management
Professional Firearm Training Council
COURSES
Cost
Course Category
Course Subjects
Duration
No Specific or Minimum Qualification Requirements for enrolment – Only a Love for Nature!
Nature Guiding / Ranger
Subjects: Taxonomy, Ecology, Geology
Course Fees:
½ Year
Weather and Climate, Astronomy
R 29 950
(Feb – June)
Botany, Birds, Mammals, Insects, Reptiles
National Certificate Animal Tracking
1 x Vacation
FET
Break in
Basic Firearm Handling
April
Bushcraft & African Bush Survival
“Entry Level
Requirements in the Wilderness First Aid
Wildlife Photographer
Eco Tourism
Industry”
Full year
“Intermediate Level ”
Game Reserve and
Game Lodge
Management
Certificate
Field Ranger I: Conservation Practices
Field Ranger II: Game Reserve Management
(July – Nov)
Dangerous Game VPDA
1 x Vacation
Break in
September
Advance Weapon Handling .458 / .416
Course Fees:
R 29 950
Game Lodge Management (Eco Tourism Industry)
“Advance Level”
2nd Year
st
Requirements: Completed 1 Year / FET Nature Conservation
Full year
Course Fees:
Conservation Management (CM)
R 29 950
3 x Vacation
Wildlife
Ranching
(WR)
and
Game
Breeding
(GB)
in
Africa
Breaks in:
Wildlife Ranching
Animal Production (AP)
Optional:
April
FET Certificate
Extra Additional Courses Available:
PH:
R 14 950
July
 Professional Hunting (PH)
GC:
R 14 950
September
 Game Capture (GC)
Practical on Rotation: CM / WR / GB / AP / PH / GC
Integrated in 2nd year (with no additional cost if enrolled for the Full 2nd Year Package)
*Individual Enrolment Anti-Poaching Ranger: Entry Level Requirement: Field Ranger 1
**Individual Enrolment Game Ranger: Field Ranger I + II or Nature Conservation (Btech / Diploma/Degree)
Park Ranger
New QCTO: Biodiversity Protection as a Park Ranger
6 Months ( if not 2nd Year)
Anti-Poaching Ranger
Park Ranger / Anti-Poaching Ranger
180 Days
R 29 950
** Game Ranger
Game Ranger: Area Integrity Management
NOTE:
Courses are on the NQF System of SAQA (South African Qualification Authority)
a National Certificate is the Only Qualification needed as per Tourism Act 70 of 2000
that’s legal to register as a Tourist-Guide with DEAT
(Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism).
No other rating or qualification is necessary - Such as a Field Guide… Qualification
Walk the Talk! Be a Legal Registered Guide!
Go to www.cathsseta.org
Ensure your training provider is accredited!!!
180 Days
R 29 950
ECO ACADEMY
Mantra & Selected Programme Descriptions
Eco Ranger Academy sets a high bar for its eco-tourism, wildlife and conservation
programs, and high expectations for its participants. Our programs demand a great deal
from both the lecturer who create and deliver the courses aligned with curriculum, and
customised when required, and the students who participate.
Once enrolled, students are immersed in education and training that will challenge their
assumptions, disrupt their ordinary ways of living, and introduce them to new and
unexpected ways of thinking. By participating, they will prepare for the next steps in their
careers and lives demonstrating leadership at the Academy, in their classes and among
their peers. Most important, they will return to their own communities with fresh ideas, new
skills, and a greater capacity for addressing the environmental challenges faced in Africa.
Whichever program you choose you will emerge with the perspectives and
strategic skills to drive higher performance and deliver greater results
throughout your career.
NATURE GUIDING / RANGER
The term “nature guide”/ "field guide" is often confused with ranger
(game ranger) and "tourist guide". A game ranger manages a specific
area where wild animals roam. The tourist guide profession embraces a
vast complexity of specific areas of the entire country, guiding tourists in
cities, museums , battlefields and many places of interest, placing the
accent essentially on the man-made environment and cultural-historical
aspects. The Nature Guide leads people into the natural areas of the
environment. This form of guiding is not necessarily confined to walking
trails. It could also include vehicle drives, horseback safaris, canoeing
and other outdoor activities. The nature guide's interests relate to
Ecology and Nature, but the name Ranger is so embedded into the
Tourism Guiding Industry that it will never change… so by achieving this
Qualification and Register as a Nature Guide you will be employed as a
Ranger at Game Reserves… entertaining tourist to see leopard, lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino… the Big 5 of Africa!
DANGEROUS GAME GUIDE / TRAILS GUIDE
(View Potentially Dangerous Animals)
For the man in the bush, more important than having a sound
knowledge of firearms, is having an intimate knowledge of the
behaviour of dangerous game species. It is far better to avoid a
dangerous situation than have to face the consequences of a
confrontation.
To view potentially dangerous animals on foot, a hands-on
practical course, where Africa’s dangerous game are tracked
down and approach is most practical on foot. Learn the golden
rules, animal behaviour, anatomy and danger signs / displays
and how to let your clients have an unforgettable safe
experience, also learn and “Show your Competence through
superior knowledge rather than firepower” but just for in case you do need it … ……Advance Weapon Handling for Guiding
on Heavy Calibre Rifles (375, 458, 416) Learn how to use your big bore rifle fast and accurate under pressure on short
distances with the correct shot placement to “drop” charging dangerous game. You also qualify for the National Competency
Certificate on Act 60 of 2000 on Use of a Rifle.
TRACKING
Man has, in cause of time, developed skills to survive in his natural environment. We know
that man had to develop skills in the art of tracking to become more effective hunters. The
refinement of tracking in Eco Tourism ensured the development in better techniques to
locate elusive game such as lion, leopard and special sought after species. The art of
tracking has developed into a science with many practical uses and plays a major role in
Nature Conservation, Eco-tourism, Environmental Education, Scientific Research, the
control and the fight against poaching, nature research programs and trophy location.
However, it is impossible to become a tracker from simply reading a book or attending a
short course, this is a start and with an expanding knowledge of the bush and a bit of
experience, it will be remarkable what a little practical thinking and application can do. One needs practical experience to
master the art of tracking. The art of tracking also includes the continuous process of discovery and the most experienced
tracker will always find something to learn. Your tracking ability can only but enhances the enjoyment of nature.
.
FIELD RANGER / ANTI-POACHING RANGER / RANGER
Game Rangers and Field Rangers are the principal guardians of
the world’s premier natural and cultural protected environments.
Field Rangers are involved in complex and highly important tasks
in the preservation of natural and cultural resources, which
constitute core elements of the world’s natural and cultural
heritages. If you are looking for a career that will be an adventure,
this course is an ideal platform for a successful career in the
challenging private Game Reserve industry, or to find your way
into a Provincial or National Park as a Wildlife Field Ranger.
To become a Legal Qualified Anti-Poaching Ranger an Advance
Course are offered with Tactical Combat Techniques, Combat
Tracking and Security, Critical Incidents and Recovery (SCIR) to
become an Anti-Poaching Ranger
The Game Ranger (Area Integrity Management) complete this portfolio, where you learn in theory, practical and in the
Workplace to lead Ranger Teams and successfully managed the integrity of wildlife in Protected Areas, Game Farms, Nature
Reserves, Provincial and National Reserves.
Our approach equips young adults with life skills to become future leaders as Game Rangers
FET National Certificate: Nature Conservation Guardianship
The National Certificate: Nature Conservation Guardianship addresses skills and competencies enabling entry level
employment and positions qualifying learners to access opportunities for further development and training in the Nature
Conservation environment.
The Nature Conservation Sector is a highly regulated environment tasked with the protection and utilization of our Natural
resources and heritage whilst ensuring, controlling and managing access to this environment by both national and
international tourists.
The utilization of our natural resources protected and managed by Nature Conservation, is a main tourism attraction and thus
contributes significantly to the country's foreign exchange earnings and the marketing of South Africa as a tourism
destination.
A variety of organizations contributes to and operates within this sector, including:
Wildlife.
re Reserves including a vast range of private game lodges.
The acquiring of recognized skills and abilities is therefore required by the sector in order to meet legislative and operational
requirements and to remain profitable in order to increase growth and job opportunities whilst the main objective of the
protection and effective utilization of our natural resources are maintained at operational level.
WHY ECO RANGER ACADEMY?
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Lecturers are all accredited and optimally skilled in their respective disciplines
Eco Ranger Academy is the only provider that can train in Guiding + Eco Tourism + Conservation + Wildlife Ranching
We train on Industry Needs and Requirements in Eco Tourism, Conservation , Wildlife Ranching toKick-Start your Career
A National Certificate is the only course according to Law (Tourism Act 70 of 2000) that’s legal to enable students to register as
a Tourist Guide with the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT)
No other ratings or qualifications are necessary to commence your career – and you get Work Place Experience!!!
Our Practical Experiences are unmatched in the World and are Hands – On!
Program Portfolio - a visual time line of our Programmes
Course
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
½ Year - Entry Level
September
October
November
Full Year - Intermediate Level
Nature Guiding – Field Guide
Tracking Course
Survival & Bush-craft
Wildlife Photography
Wilderness First Aid, OHS, Fire
Anti -Poaching Rangers
Dangerous Game - VPDA
Lodge Management
Game Reserve Management
Optional 2
nd
Year - Advance Level
Conservation Management
Wildlife Ranching
Prof Hunting / Game Capture
FULL TIME STUDENTS:
“Entry Level” National Certificate Tourism Guiding – (Compulsory) ½ Year
Nature Guiding with Subjects: Taxonomy, Ecology, Geology, Weather and Climate, Astronomy, Botany, Birds, Mammals,
Insects, Reptiles, Care for Tourism Customers, Create a Eco Tourism Experience
Tracking / Tracker with Subjects: Animal Tracking, African Survival, Bush Craft, Navigation
Wildlife Photography, Wilderness First Aid, Basic Fire Fighting
Course Fees: 29 950
“Intermediate Level” Game Reserve and Lodge Management (Optional) Full year
Management Subjects: Game Reserve Maintenance, Game Lodge Management and Human Resources
Practical Subjects: Field Ranger I & II, Wildlife Monitoring and Wild Animal Care
Conservation Guardianship, Anti-Poaching Ranger with Area Integrity Management
st
VPDA – Dangerous Game – Backup Trails Guide and after Log completed final for 1 Rifle on trails.
Course Fees: 29 950
“Advance Level” 2nd Year:
Wildlife Ranching, Conservation Management & Game Capture/Professional Hunting
Course Fees: WR:R 29 950
PH: R 14 950 (Include Internship)
GC: R 14 950 (Include Internship)
Park Ranger Integrated in 2nd year (with no additional cost if enrolled for the Full Advance Level Package)
nd
*Individual Enrolment Anti-Poaching Ranger: Entry Level Requirement: Field Ranger @ R 29 950 if not enrolled 2 year
**Individual Enrolment Game Ranger: Field Ranger or Nature Conservation (Btech / Diploma/Degree) @ R 29 950


All Handbooks & Learning Material @ R 3 900.00 Extra per Level
All Exclusive of Meals, Board and Lodging
All Exclusive of VAT if applicable
Campus “Board & Lodging” Available:
Board and Lodging with Breakfast and Dinner @ R 4 950 per month (Feb – Nov)
Student Restaurant and Canteen on Campus
Alternative Area Accommodation: Cheetah Inn 7km, Maduma Boma 3km, Klaserie Park 4 km, Morula 4 km, Hoedspruit 25km
All inclusive Package: Full Year + DBB + Handbooks – Only R 98 950.00
( 50% Deposited Bookings Before 31 August)
GPS: 24°30’35” S - 31°07’37” E
www.ecoranger.co.za
Johan ‘JC” Strauss
076 789 5589
africa@ecoranger.co.za
Please see our Activities on
Eco Ranger