Park Ranger

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to function as a Park Ranger. A Park Ranger protects and manages biodiversity in areas of natural and ecological importance in accordance with relevant legislation, regulations and policies. Typical graduate attributes will include among others leadership, discipline, compassion and dedication. A qualified learner will be able to: • Prepare and carry out field operation for conservation of natural and ecological areas. • Conduct law enforcement within a designated natural and ecological areas. • Develop and monitor integrity management plan.

Since 2008 there has been a huge increase in rhino, elephant and other key animal species poaching in Southern Africa, in which 93% of the remaining rhino in the world occurs in South Africa. Poaching is taking place at an alarming rate of 1000+ of the key species per year and threatens their existence. During the African Wilderness Foundation (AWF) emergency Rhino Summit in Kenya for African Countries in April 2012 and the 1st National Rhino Conservation Dialogue held by the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) in May 2012, the primary objective to ensure the survival of these species emerged with the theme: 'Boots on the Ground' - an increase in the deployment of well trained and equipped Anti-Poaching Rangers. Currently there is a limited number of new generations of Park Rangers to fulfil the huge demand in National Parks, Provincial Parks and Protected Areas; Private Nature Reserves and Wildlife Ranches. The 'Conservation / Park Ranger Career Path' initiative will utilise models with new processes and approaches to capacitate a new generation of Rangers with theory, skills and practical experience to address the challenge to save existing biodiversity and wildlife heritage for future generations. Entry into this specific occupation and specialisation will allow for career progression from Field-Ranger, Anti-Poaching Ranger and Management that are all specialised fields within the ranger occupation. Qualifying learners may be able to gain employment in National Parks, Provincial Parks, Protected Areas, Private Nature Reserves, Wildlife Ranches, Anti-Poaching Units as well as Specialised Wildlife Security Providers. Qualifying learners can use a series of legal, security, technological and environmental skills to protect biodiversity and wildlife. This will position a qualified learner to fulfil the mission of creating a safe and secure environment for all wildlife in South Africa and range states.

• Apply procedures and techniques to perform field operations to conserve and protect premier natural biodiversity environments.
• Gather and information to locate, identify, and interpret different types of tracks and signs to determine and distinguish the age of a spoor and track quarry.
• Interpret and apply operational requirements to implement, monitor and maintain biodiversity conservation practices.
• Apply processes and techniques to protect and manage the biodiversity integrity of a specific area.