Students around the world will have the opportunity to come together each summer to get hands-on wildlife forensics experience in Botswana.
UF in Botswana is a unique interdisciplinary opportunity for students to explore a country that protects some of Africa’s largest wilderness areas and experience the conservation and wildlife management issues that impact its biodiversity. Botswana is very representative of other African countries in terms of the challenges faced in biodiversity conservation and because of this, students will gain valuable insight into the African perspective.
The program also provides a rare chance to learn and practice the wildlife forensic science techniques that deter poaching, an international crisis threatening many species. Through a combination of on-location lectures, visits to wildlife parks and reserves, game drives, field-work, and interactions with local communities, students will gain an understanding of and participate in wildlife and vegetation assessments and management exercises, rhino ear notching and collaring, helicopter darting, One Health concerns, human-wildlife conflict issues, wildlife forensic investigations, and ecotoxicology occurrences and mitigation. Current conservation efforts and sustainable use of resources will be examined in detail. This program also offers the opportunity to contribute to ongoing, long-term wildlife conservation and forensic science research projects.
Botswana has a fascinating landscape defined by the Kalahari Desert and the Okavango Delta. It is home to diverse habitats and rich variety of wildlife and vegetation types. It is considered one of Africa’s premier wildlife countries. We will travel extensively throughout the country. Students will also spend their first and last few days in the Waterberg mountains area between Vaalwater (Matlabane) and Ellisras (Lephalale) in the Limpopo province of South Africa, experiencing some of that country’s equally beautiful ecosystem.
Your adventure awaits! Apply today for Summer in Botswana and to start your online Master of Science in Wildlife Forensic Sciences & Conservation.
You do not have to be a current student to join us on the study abroad.