Preserving indigenous wisdom, while contributing to modern conservation efforts and eco-tourism
The aim of the Tracker Academy is to restore indigenous knowledge in Southern Africa, through the preservation of cultural heritage and promotion of diversity, resulting in increased opportunities for employment, conservation and biodiversity protection.
Tracker Academy is the only formally accredited specialist tracker training school in Southern Africa and stands as a training division of the SA College for Tourism (SACT) which operates under the auspices of the Peace Parks Foundation.
Made possible by Mrs Gaynor Rupert in 2010, and led by Alex van den Heever and Renias Mhlongo, the Tracker Academy is a bold and visionary action that has benefitted hundreds of wildlife trackers and made a significant impact on conservation efforts.
Rhino Guardians
Tracker Academy Rhino Guardians is an integrated Rhino protection strategy promoted by the Tracker Academy and Londolozi Game Reserve that seeks to use the ancient African craft of animal tracking to create safe havens for endangered species, particularly rhino and elephant.
At the current rate of rhino loses in Kruger National Park the species faces local extinction by 2028. Existing anti-poaching forces are deficient in their ability to reverse this trend and there exists a lack of trained bushcraft and traditional tracking skills within the ranks of the anti-poaching personnel.
The Tracker Academy Rhino Guardian programme is on a mission to train and deploy highly specialised expert trackers as Rhino Guardians – able to bolster wildlife protection efforts by bringing enhanced bushcraft skills to counter-poaching units.
Watch this video to learn more about the Tracker Academy Rhino Guardians:
The Tracker Academy trains 16 recruits on a yearlong formally accredited Conservation Guardianship programme incorporating both specialist tracking skills (bushcraft) and combat training, and deploys graduates to create safe havens for rhino populations in reserves where management has demonstrated competence and trustworthiness.
Tracker Academy is seeking funding to double their reach – from 16 to 32 Rhino Guardians per annum. The cost per student is R150,000 (i.e., £7,500 or $8,800 – per candidate rhino guardian).
You can support the SA College for Tourism, Tracker Academy by making a donation through their secure online payment gateway. The SA College for Tourism (SACT) is a non-profit organisation (PBO 18/11/13/349; 080-778-NPO)