Participate in an ongoing wildlife research project; Learn and demonstrate scientific data analysis techniques;

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1 Credit Information: Department: Natural Science Course #: 4009 College credit hours: 3 Prerequisites: None Wildlife Safari and Conservation South Africa South African Wildlife Safari and Conservation Course Description: This course explores wildlife management and conservation in South Africa. Students will study the natural history, ecology and management of African wildlife populations, and conservation issues through formal and field lectures, group discussions, field exercises and hands-on participation. These activities allow students to become familiar with survey techniques and research methodologies. Contact Hours: 76 Academic Lectures and Discussions 18 hours Guest Lectures and Discussions 3 hours Field work, surveys 55 hours Course Objectives/Outcomes: Students will be exposed to and will demonstrate an understanding of: Geography, vegetation, biological diversity of South Africa and the history of it s protected areas through discussions with the academic instructor, fellow students, and local experts. The value of the natural history of South Africa through readings and discussions. The similarities and differences among South African species and what makes each unique. The ecology and management of African wildlife in protected areas, including the practice of ex-situ conservation through survey techniques and research models used in wildlife management. Students will: Participate in an ongoing wildlife research project; Learn and demonstrate scientific data analysis techniques; Grading: Midterm: 20% Final: 20% Field Work and Report: 30% Journal (5 total entries): 15% Field and Class Participation: 15% Assessments: Specific learning outcomes are taught through lectures, discussions, reading assignments, and field work. By the completion of the course, each student will demonstrate his/her achievement of the outcome through the following activities and submissions:

2 Exams: There will be two exams given during this course, a midterm and a final. Exams may consist of multiple choice, matching, short answer, essay, and skills-based questions. They will require identification or explanation of concepts that have been discussed in class, journal assignments and /or illustrated during practical field work. Field Work/Field Reports Field work will consist of field lectures, data collection, and basic data analysis (compiling data, basic calculations, converting data into graphs etc.). Students will submit 5 field reports on the respective due dates for grading. These reports will consist of writing a report which includes the interpretation and discussion of the results collected during field work, and how they relate to the broader theme. Journals: Students will complete 5 journal entries throughout the course. The journal topics are designed to encourage students to incorporate the broader themes of the course into short reflective essays. Journals are graded on organization, quality of reflection, length, and how well the answer is supported by additional information. Journals are typically due 24 hours after being assigned. Participation Students are expected to be active participants in all field exercises, service learning opportunities, and course lectures/discussions. Required Text for Students: Textbook: This text book is one of the most important reference works on southern African wildlife. It is a compendium of the knowledge and experience of various authorities in particular fields. The information is presented in a practical and understandable manner without compromising scientific integrity. It provides essential information for the owners and managers of game ranches, researchers, conservationists, and nature lovers. Bothma, J. du P. & Du Toit, J.G. (eds.) Game Ranch Management. 5th edition. Van Schaik Publishers. Pretoria. ISBN: Additional Texts & Journals: Stuart, C. & Stuart, T Field Guide to the Mammals of Southern Africa. 4th Edition. Struik Publishers, Cape Town. ISBN Apps, P Wild ways: A field guide to mammal behaviour in southern Africa. 2nd Edition. New Holland Publishers, ISBN Hackel, J.D Community Conservation and the Future of Africas Wildlife. Conservation Biology. Vol 13, pp Mills, M.G.L Conservation management of large carnivores in Africa. Koedoe. Vol 34(1): Sinclair, I., Hockey, P., Tarboton, W Birds of Southern Africa (Princeton Field Guides). Princeton University Press. ISBN-10:

3 Academic Overview: Day 1: Experiential: Travel Day No Assignment / Day 2: Lesson: #1 - Intro to South Africa, Politics, History, Culture Experiential: No Assignment/ Day 3: Experiential: Lesotho Hiking Tour No Assignment Journal Entry: J #1 Day 4: Lesson: #2 Introduction to Geography and Vegetation Types Experiential: Tugela Falls Hiking Tour Assignment: Game Ranch Management Ch 4 (Geomorphology and Climate of S. Africa) and Ch 5 (Vegetation of South Africa) Day 5: Lesson: #3 African Wildlife Experiential: Cathedral Peak Hiking Tour Assignment: Game Ranch Management Ch 18 (Antelope and other small herbivores) Journal Entry: J #2 Day 6: Lesson: #4 Human Dimensions Pt. 1 Experiential: Optional Activity (Hiking, Horseback Riding, or Rock Climbing) No Assignment/ Day 7: Lesson: Guest Lecture: Orientation and Introduction to Enkosini Wildlife Reserve Experiential: Travel to Enkosini No Assignment/ Day 8:

4 Lesson: # 5 Reserve Planning and Management Experiential: Volunteer Activities and Reserve Management Assignment: Game Ranch Management Ch 2 (Objectives), Ch 3 (Ecological Monitoring and Benchmarking), Ch 6 (Wildlife Ranch Acquisition and Cattle Ranch Transformation), Ch 7 (Information Systems and Data Management); Field Report: Reserve Management Day 9: Lesson: # 6 Fire Management Experiential: Creating Fire Breaks and/or Block Burning Assignment: Game Ranch Management Ch 41, Sect 6, p 792 (Fire) Field Report: Fire Management Day 10: Experiential: Volunteer Activities No Assignment Journal Entry: J #3 Day 11: Lesson: #7 Roads Design and Ecological Effects Experiential: - Inspect roads in various area, slopes, vegetation types Assignment: Game Ranch Management Ch 12 (Roads) Day 12: Lesson: # 8 - Wildlife Counting Techniques Experiential: Game Ranch Survey/Population Density Count Assignment: Game Ranch Management Ch 31 (Wildlife Counting Techniques) Field Report: Estimate Population Size/Analyze Data Journal Entry: J #4 Day 13: Lesson: #9 Human Dimensions Pt. 2 Experiential: Visit to local orphanage Assignment Reading review and studying Day 14: Travel from Enkosini Eco Reserve to Siyafunda Wildlife Refuge Experiential: Game Drive at Siyafunda Assignment : Mid-term Exam

5 Wildlife Safari and Conservation South Africa Day 15: Lesson: #10 Animal Behavior Experiential: Animal Behavior observation on 2 daily game drives, use of radio tracking, data collection, and local knowledge. Assignment: Game Ranch Management Ch 24 (Animal Behavior) Field Report: Animal Behavior Day 16: Lesson: #11 Reintroduction of wildlife Experiential: Animal Behavior observation on 2 daily game drives, Elephant reintroduction project explanation from local scientist. Assignment : Game Ranch Management Ch 19 (Large Herbivores) and Ch 21 (Predators) Journal Entry: J #5 Day 17: Lesson: #12 Population Composition Experiential: Data collection (specifically identifying, sexing, and aging animals) and data entry onto research computer from game drives; Assignment: Game Ranch Management Ch 18 (Antelope and other small herbivores) Field Report: Population composition of ungulates Day 18: Lesson: Review Experiential: Game Drives Assignment: Review Journal Entry: J # 6 Day 19: Lesson: Water Supply Experiential: Service work at a local orphanage Assignment: Game Ranch Management Ch 11 (Water) Day 20: Lesson: Review Experiential: Day off to relax and review Assignment: Review _ Day 21:

6 Lesson: Orphaned animal care (Guest Lecture) Experiential: Visit Daktari Animal Orphanage; Explore Blyde River Canyon Assignment: Final Exam Journal Entry: J #7 _ Day 22: Experiential: Tubing the river in Blyde River Canyon No Assignment/ _ Day 23: Depart Johannesburg on evening flight Experiential: Visit Johannesburg Market No Assignment/ _ Day 24: Arrive Home