AFRICAN BUSH TRAINING

  Learn more at https://abt-edu.com Katydids are identified by their long antennae that can grow up to two to three times the length of their body and is covered with sensory receptors to help find their way in the dark. They are notorious for their plant like appearance and for their ability to blend in with vegetation. The katydid gets its name from the way the male and female songs sound.   They create sounds by rubbing a scraper on one forewing against another forewing.   It has hearing organs located inside a slit on its front legs.   Male song organs are located on their front wings and females chirp in response to the males song that sounds like “katy did, Katy didn’t.”   The song is usually used for courtship during the late summer. Katydids have adapted and come up with ways to hide from their predators.   They have excellent camouflage capabilities and are able to pose like leaves and mimic other insects.   Their predators are bats, birds...

  Learn more at https:abt-edu.com The purple-crested turaco (Tauraco porphyreolophus) is a species of bird in the family Musophagidae. It clambers acrobatically through riverine woodland and savanna thickets. In flight it explodes from the canopy with distinctive deep red panels in the wings. It produces a distinctive croaking “khoh-khoh-khoh-khoh….” that gets progressively louder before suddenly stopping. The Purple-crested Turaco is a fruit-eater. Its glossy and colourful plumage makes this bird very attractive for humans. Turacos have been hunted in the past for their beautiful red flight feathers used as adornments by African people. Today, this species has adapted to suburban life, especially in Durban. The Purple-crested Turaco is frugivorous and feeds on fruits from numerous plant species. It forages in canopy, picking the fruits by perching at the end of the branches. This bird does not feed on the ground, except in captivity. The small fruits are swallowed whole, whe...

  Learn more at https://abt-edu.com ©Estian Kruger Butterflies have a Holo-metabolic lifecycle and belong to the Order Lepidoptera. They undergo complete physical changes, i.e. insects undergo four developmetal stages, the embryo, larva, pupa, and adult. This is a meduim sized butterfly with a wingspan of about 59mm. Males are pinkish red , females are brownish red. Their wings are spotted with black and with black bases. Adults are on wing year round, with a strong peak in late summer in southern Africa. v   What is the difference between a butterfly and a moth ?   Butterflies                                                                   ...

  Learn more at https://abt-edu.com AVERAGE LIFE SPAN IN THE WILD: 25 years No animal has a more distinctive coat than the zebra. Each animal's stripes are as unique as fingerprints—no two are exactly alike—although each of the three species has its own general pattern. Zebras are social animals that spend time in herds. They graze together, primarily on grass, and even groom one another. Plains zebras are the most common species. They live in small family groups consisting of a male (stallion), several females, and their young. These units may combine with others to form awe-inspiring herds thousands of head strong, but family members will remain close within the herd. Zebras must be constantly wary of lions and hyenas. A herd has many eyes alert to danger. If an animal is attacked, its family will come to its defense, circling the wounded zebra and attempting to drive off predators. Plains Zebra are much less numerous than they once were, because of human activities suc...

Learn more at https://abt-edu.com Scorpions stridulate by rubbing their chelicerae (mouthparts) together to produce a hissing sound. In some cases, they may drag the telson (sting) over the body segments (tergites) to produce a sudden scraping sound in an attempt to frighten off a predator. This is a medium sized scorpion of around 9 cm with the tail extended.   It is black in colour, but often with a muddy appearance. It sometimes has lighter coloured legs and a lighter tipped tail. It is common across its range, occurring under rocks often at high altitudes in areas like the Drakensberg.The sting of this species may cause pain but is not medically important. Contact us at info@africanbushtraining.com

Learn more at https://abt-edu.com They are short stocky snakes that occur in a variety of colours, from sandy brown, grey, bright yellow & black in some parts of its range. As South Africa’s most widely-spread, venomous snake, the Puff Adder occurs in a large range of habitat, from coastal bush, grassland, fynbos habitat. The Puff Adder along withe the Mozambique Spitting Cobra account for the majority of serious snake bites South Africa. The Puff Adder is a snake with excellent camouflage, and it prefers to sit and wait for opportunity when it comes to feeding. These snakes may remain in an ambush position for several weeks, waiting for a potential meal to pass by. They have a powerful cytotoxic venom which can lead to extreme pain, severe swelling, and blistering of the skin. Anti-venom: Polyvalent anti-venom is used in the effective treatment of bites. The name ‘puff adder’ stems from the snake’s habit of inflating itself and hissing when threatened. The noise produced is a ...

Learn more at https://abt-edu.com They are a succulent shrub or small tree with paddle-shaped stems armed with spines. This plant is leafless. It is an invasive alien from Central America. The fruits are plum-shaped, spiny and edible. Habitat of the Sweet Prickly Pear  - It grows across South Africa, having spread over the centuries after been imported from Mexico. The Prickly Pear is one of the most used alien plants in South Africa, so much so that many now believe the plant is a South African species. The prickly pear is used to build stockades for domestic animals – and is used as feed for the animals. Many farmhouses in South Africa are enclosed in a Prickly Pear fence. The fruit is used today to make jams and various drinks. In many areas, such as wilderness areas the plant is seen as a pest and steps are taken to eradicate it. Contact us at info@africanbushtraining.com

Learn more at https://abt-edu.com A very small snake that averages around 20 cm in length. The Thread Snakes resemble worms and it can be difficult to distinguish the head from the tail. They are burrowing snakes with a cylindrical body and the eye is minute. They feed on invertebrates, especially termites and their eggs. The Thread Snakes spend most of their lives underground but may come to the surface after heavy rains. They are sometimes found under rocks and logs and old termite mounds.  The Thread Snakes are tricky to tell apart and multiple species occur in Southern Africa. They can also be confused with the venomous Stiletto Snake. Thread Snakes are completely harmless. The Female lays three to six elongated eggs, joined like a string of sausages, in summer. They are eaten by other snakes, birds, small carnivorous mammals (e.g. mongooses) and scorpions. Contact us at info@africanbushtraining.com

Learn more at https://abt-edu.com The Sable is a barrel-chested rotund antelope with a long face, short neck, and dark mane. They have impressive ringed horns rising vertically to curve backwards. When arching their necks and standing with their heads high and tails outstretched, these antelope look like horses. In this position they appear larger than they actually are. The males keep this position even when galloping, the arched neck being important to manifest dominance. Sables change color as they grow older. Calves are born with a reddish-brown color and virtually no markings. White markings appear as they grow older and their coat becomes darker, and the older the animal is, the more striking is the contrast. Sable antelopes are herbivorous. They are specialized browsing animals and feed upon foliage, leaves, medium length grass, and herbs, especially those growing on termite mounds. The leaves of trees provide 90% of their diet. Ask any lowveld old-timer and they will tell y...

Learn more at https://abt-edu.com DURATION: 3 Months Full-time   The course centres around three primary topics of importance, which include an introduction to hospitality management, an overview of all the key operations in hospitality and the responsibilities to uphold industry standards.    This HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, offers a comprehensive introduction to this dynamic and diverse business sector.  The course is designed for those with a strong interest in hospitality management, though no specific experience. A series of eight detailed modules gradually introduces students to every important skill, trait and insight required to begin or advance an exciting career, followed by practical work experience in a typical bush camp and high profile guest lodge. QUALIFICATIONS INCLUDED: Lodge Leadership, Game Lodge Management, Accommodation Services, Professional Cookery & Kitchen Operations, Hospitality Reception, Food & Beverage Services, Ev...

Learn more at https://abt-edu.com Duration: 3 Months Full-time   Join the ‘Conservation Services’ community today and contribute to wildlife conservation in Africa... The aim of this course is to provide students with the skills to succeed in a rapidly-changing nature conservation environment where innovation is key. Graduates are equipped with a comprehensive range of technical, managerial, research, communication and life skills for employment in the field of nature conservation. The purpose of this qualification is to supply the nature conservation industry with people who can competently contribute to the conservation of biodiversity and provide knowledgeable assistance to natural resource and reserve managers.   QUALIFICATIONS INCLUDED: Wildlife/Reserve Management, Wilderness Protection (Anti-poaching), Field Ranger Training, Game Ranching/Game Breeding, Wildlife Rehabilitation, Wildlife Research, Conservation Action Planning, And much more... Contact us at in...

What better way to experience the ultimate in safari experiences - picture walking through the untouched wild of South Africa, to your left a 1000-year-old Baobab tree, to your right a herd of giraffes getting ready for the day ahead. Step by step, you’re connecting with nature in its rawest form. It’s a magical experience you will never forget. Kruger National Park walking safaris are guided by experienced rangers with an extensive knowledge of the area, the wildlife, birdlife and indigenous vegetation.The camp-staff cook and clean while your guide leads you into close encounters with the African wild. Feel your excitement build as you track the South African Big 5 on your walking safari. On your walk, you’ll learn about the ecology, the birds, the game, the plants and insects, and also how to interpret the signs of the wild, including animal spoor (footprints). When you come face to face with that elephant, or watch that dung beetle labouring with his ball of dung, you'll realise...

Learn more at https://africanbushtraining.com COURSE TYPE: Full-time Training DURATION: 21-Days STUDENT FEE: R 26 700:00 INCLUDED: Meals, Accommodation, Study Material, Uniform Contribution Membership-, Exam-, Assessment- & Moderation- Fees   COURSE CREDITS: This course is accredited and fully endorsed by the ISCI (International Students Conservation Initiative).   COURSE MODULES: Introduction to Wildlife Management Conservation Action Planning Laws & Legislation Bio-diversity Conservation Natural Resources Veld Management Ecological Processes & Principles Plant & Animal Care Land Degradation Invader Plants Bush Encroachment Road Maintenance Fire Management Elephant Management Animal Health Monitoring Game Fencing And much more… OR CHOOSE  COURSE TYPE:   I-LEARN Distance Learning & Full-time Contact Training DURATION & STUDENT FEE: PHASE 1: R 8 000:00 (I-LEARN Online Classes) PHASE 2: R 1...

The White-browed Sparrow-weaver was collected and formally described by Andrew Smith a Scottish surgeon, explorer, ethnologist and zoologist. Smith organised an expedition to the interior and he travelled to near the Botswana border in 1834-35, collecting many new birds, reptiles, mammals and other along the way. It ranges from 17 to 19 cm (6.7 to 7.5 in) in length and is characterized by a broad, white eyebrow stripe and white rump visible in flight. While the male white-browed sparrow-weaver sports a black bill, the female's bill is horn-colored (light gray); that of the juvenile is pinkish-brown. In Zimbabwe, the white-browed sparrow-weaver shows faint brown spotting across its white breast. The white-browed sparrow-weaver is monogamous, co-operative and colonial. There are a single breeding male and female in each group. The breeding pair, assisted by the helpers, build an untidy straw like ball nest, with more than one entrance hole. The second entrance will be closed whe...

Learn more at https://africanbushtraining.com Course Overview   COURSE TYPE : Full-time Training DURATION: 55-Days STUDENT FEE: R 64 500:00 INCLUDED : Meals, Accommodation, Study Material, Uniform Contribution, Membership-, Exam-, Assessment- & Moderation- Fees COURSE CREDITS : The course is fully endorsed by CATHSSETA, FGASA (Field Guide Association of Southern Africa) and accredited by the ISCI (International Students Conservation Initiative)   COURSE MODULES : Geology: Rocks & Soil Ecology: Processes & Principles Astronomy: Stars & Planers Weather & Climate Botany: Grasses, Scrubs & Trees Mammals: Animal Studies Ethology: Animal behaviour Birds & Birding Freshwater Fish Reptiles: The scale ones… Arthropods: Insects, Scorpions, Spiders, etc. Conservation Management Amphibians: Frogs & Toads Early Human Habitation Wilderness Tracking & Bush Craft And much more... Contact us at info@africanbu...

Learn more at https://africanbushtraining.com Searching for wild animals with a  safari vehicle, that’s what  ‘Game Drives’ are about... Morning game drive Wild animals are mostly active in the early mornings and late afternoons. That’s why the Game Drives always start early, about 5 o’clock in the morning. Game drives last 3 to 4 hours and include an extensive breakfast. Coffee and snacks are also included in the Game Drive. Afternoon game drive At around 16:00 o’clock the ‘afternoon game drive’ sets off, and also takes about 3 to 4 hours. Stops for snacks and drinks are often included, drinks appropriately called ‘sundowner drinks’, considering you’ll enjoy them simultaneously with the sunset. Afterwards, you’ll continue the ride in the dark, after the sun has set.  This enables you to admire the animals in both day and night. The Game Drive safari can be wrapped with up by a South African dinner, where you can relive and share your experience b...

Visit our website at www.africanbushtraining.com “Today, protected areas cover just 15 percent of land and 7 percent of the ocean.” National Geograpic Blog. n.d. Thu. 31 January 2019. © africanconservation.org A wilderness area is a space where Nature has been left completely undisturbed. The land is as it always has been. That means no farming, no buildings, no roads - no  development of any kind. Whilst it is possible to visit wilderness areas, their typically vast expanses, isolated locations and lack of infrastructure usually means these areas are void of people, too. The giraffe is one of Africa’s most recognisable and iconic animals and the tallest land mammal. While giraffes are commonly seen on a safari, people are unaware that the numbers of these majestic animals are crashing dramatically outside of protected areas due to habitat loss, illegal hunting and human-wildlife conflict. There are nine subspecies of giraffe, each confined to specific regions ...

And no, dad joke enthusiasts, the answer isn’t that you see one later and the other after a while... The most obvious way to discern the two reptiles is to stare down their sinister snouts. Alligators have U-shaped faces that are wide and short, while crocodiles have slender almost V-shaped muzzles. And if you’re daring enough, take a gander at their chompers. When an alligator closes its mouth, you tend to see only its upper teeth. Crocodiles on the other hand flash a toothy grin with their top and bottom teeth interlacing. The  Nile crocodile  ( Crocodylus niloticus ) is the largest of the four  crocodile  species found in  Africa . 5 Fascinating Facts About the Nile Crocodile: Crocodiles  have the strongest bite in the animal kingdom. The Nile crocodile is no different. It's bite can exert a force eight times more powerful than that of a Great White Shark and 15 times more than a Rottweiler’s, powerful muscl...

Go to our website at wwww.africanbushtraining.com DO YOU WANT TO BECOME A CUSTODIAN FOR WILDLIFE CONSERVATION IN AFRICA...? Our  Anti-Poaching  Course  is  based  upon  extensive  direct counter-poaching experience. It  provides  a  theoretical,  detailed  background  to  the  prevention  of poaching, theft and mutilation of game animals,  from a game reserve perspective. We explore what poaching and anti-poaching are and the 3 levels of poaching. We discuss the anti-poaching unit, how to set one up and the two main options to counter poaching:  active  &  passive  prevention. Examine  poaching  methods  and  the economics  of  poaching,  anti-poaching  equipment  and  the  various  anti-poaching action plans together with the legalities of anti-poaching. If you are a reserve owner, conservancy,  wild...

Go to our website at www.africanbushtraining.com ABT is one of the industry's most innovative and exciting seats of learning, with our head quarters based in Phalaborwa and main campuses located in the Northern Drakensberg and  Greater Kruger National Park. While ABT exhibits many features of the traditional 'Bush'  school, our uniquely robust approach to such issues as students’ personal growth and professional development continues to win the respect of educationalists worldwide. The school is built on TRADITION, ETHOS and VALUES and this is underwritten in everything we do at ABT... Founded by conservationist , veteran lodge manager and Kruger Park trails ranger, Mr. Johann Jurgens in the early 2000's, this school has grown from what started out to be a small scale training facility, to a leading provider of high quality Qualification- and Learning Programme- Certificate courses. In formulating his original concept for ABT thirty years ago, Principle Johann ...