This hands-on course explores the often-overlooked but ecologically critical world of insects, spiders, reptiles, and amphibians in South Africa’s bushveld ecosystem. Designed for students and researchers in zoology, ecology, and conservation biology, the program focuses on taxonomy, behaviour, habitat preferences, and survey techniques.

Participants gain field experience in identifying and monitoring a wide range of arthropods (insects, arachnids, myriapods) and herpetofauna (amphibians and reptiles), with emphasis on ecological roles, predator-prey dynamics, and seasonal activity. Learn how to safely trap, record, and release specimens, and develop basic ethograms, pitfall trap setups, and herp encounter logs.

With guided field walks, night surveys, and spotlighting activities, this immersive two-week program highlights the conservation relevance of small species in ecosystem stability and global biodiversity challenges. Ideal for students conducting dissertations or those seeking to specialise in lesser-studied fauna.

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