Invertebrate & Herpetofauna Field Studies
Hosted by
Invertebrate & Herpetofauna Field Studies
About Program
Explore the hidden world of insects, arachnids, reptiles, and amphibians in South Africa’s bushveld with this immersive field study program. Designed for students in zoology, ecology, and conservation, the course focuses on species identification, behavior, and habitat analysis. Gain practical skills in pitfall trapping, spotlight surveys, and field recording techniques. You'll develop ethograms, monitor seasonal trends, and understand the vital ecological roles of arthropods and herpetofauna in maintaining biodiversity. From guided night walks to hands-on research tasks, this two-week course offers deep field immersion and academic relevance for dissertations or independent research. Ideal for those passionate about ecosystem stability, species conservation, and real-world data collection in Africa’s dynamic bushveld.
Video and Photos
Program Highlights
- Learn and apply techniques like pitfall trapping, transect walks, quadrat sampling, and night surveys under expert supervision.
- Learn and apply techniques like pitfall trapping, transect walks, quadrat sampling, and night surveys under expert supervision.
- Collect, identify, and record invertebrates and herpetofauna in situ, developing the field notes, logs, and data sets expected in academic research.
- Observe patterns in microhabitat selection, thermoregulation, and behavioural shifts across different times of day and ecological conditions.
- Understand the role of “small fauna” in broader conservation challenges, and how targeted research supports land management and species protection.