This is a 12-day active training course in game reserve in a game reserve in South Africa. Participants will learn the principles of camera trapping for research and conservation science, including how to design, collect, and process camera trap data to answer ecological questions and obtain standardised reports. During the course participants will deploy camera traps in the Greater Kruger National Park system and can spend their evenings and free time connecting with other camera trappers and researchers surrounded by the sounds of the African bush. The course is an official short learning programme offered by the Nelson Mandela University
What We Will Cover - Camera trap models, functionality, and deployment considerations, a brief review of how camera traps have been used in the past and present for research and monitoring - How to organise camera trap surveys and data collection in the field with practice deploying camera traps in a game reserve - An introduction to R and its use in camera trap research, including an overview of image processing and various methods for the extraction of data from camera trap images, including overviews of machine learning models and image classification platforms - Exploration and organisation of camera trap datasets to create standardised reports - Study designs and data analysis for a wide range of wildlife monitoring strategies, research questions, and statistical models - Statistical analyses to estimate various ecological parameters (i.e., occupancy, abundance, density, activity rates) - Visualisation and interpretation of results from model outputs - Space to organize your own study or analyse your own camera trap data with the help of peers and course lecturers. Course Details Dates 2-15 July 2025, allowing for 12 days of theoretical and practical course work with 1 day safari halfway through the course Location Nestled on the edge of the iconic Kruger National Park, the Hans Hoheisen Wildlife Research Station <https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.up.ac.za%2Fveterinary-tropical-diseases%2Farticle%2F2722479%2Fhans-hoheisen-research-laboratories&data=05%7C02%7Cs216020123%40mandela.ac.za%7Caab5b4e4199f498e56e408dd477aed35%7Cbd70eeb3a537435a937c7cd330dc74d8%7C0%7C0%7C638745315777830238%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=9ZFqscEOtuNvg%2FHuI6w6BKiZSNgH2wtd%2FQYVotWyawI%3D&reserved=0> (HHWRS), offers an unparalleled setting for learning and discovery in the heart of South Africa’s wild landscapes. Just a short drive from the vibrant town of Hoedspruit, this renowned research facility provides the perfect balance between scientific inquiry and immersion in nature. With the sounds of the bush as your backdrop and the chance to witness Africa’s incredible biodiversity up close, this location sets the stage for an unforgettable educational experience Cost ZAR45,900 (+/- US$2,700 )– chalet accommodation (sharing 3 pax per unit) ZAR 39,100 (+/- US$2,300) – camping (tents provided)(sharing 2 pax per tent) Course fees cover all course materials, accommodation, all meals (plus tea and coffee), airport transfers, a course t-shirt, and a full-day safari in Kruger National Park Participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements to and from course destination (e.g. Hoedspruit or Hoedspruit Airport). Participants The course is limited to 20 participants and is open to graduate students and conservation professionals. Deadlines Course registration is not open but indicate your interest to attend here <https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=s-5wvTelWkOTfHzTMNx02HutzRs1VLdHjwRmHj2QmRJUQTMwWFlRM1NTQzk2M0lYNjdKWjdYWVE0MS4u>. Contact Miss Ira Tzitzika s216020123 [at] mandela.ac.za or Dr Rob Davis s226043789 [at] mandela.ac.za if you have any enquiries. More details here: https://wildecolabdotcom.wordpress.com/courses/ To unsubscribe from this list please go to https://community.esa.org/confirm/?u=RhPWqPxFwODKvbkiT32nkIqRrsiSgulp
