African Predator Course
Directed and tutored by wildlife veterinarians, breeders and predator specialists, the 10 day Predator Course covers the management of captive cheetah and lion populations, and other smaller predators.
Course Syllabus
- The management of captive predator populations
- Captive breeding
- Handling and care
- Issues within captive predator populations
- Parasites, diseases and vaccinations
- Genetics and breeding strategies
- Khulula Care for Wild: practical hand rearing of lion cubs
- Kruger National Park: predator conservation strategies
Course Dates
- 16-25 June 2013
- 6-15 July 2014
Certification
On completion of the course you will be sent certification of attendance. Each participant will also receive a memory stick of all lectures and theoretical studies during the course.
Enclosure enrichment
Enclosure design and enrichment is explored on the course to assist in the display of natural behaviours and contribute to a healthy breeding population.
Chemical immobilisation of predators
Chemical immobilisation of lions and cheetah requires veterinary assistance and the use of specific high schedule drugs.
Genets and smaller predators
The course focusses on both lion and cheetah, however the management of genets, caracals, servals and other smaller predators are also covered.
Serval and smaller predators
Lectures and practical sessions with smaller predator populations such as servals enables participants to focus on species specific needs.
Nutrition and feeding
Correct nutrition of cubs is vital for correct development in captive populations.
Hand rearing predator cubs
Supplemental feeding and hand rearing of cubs requires careful management.
Caracal development
Monitoring development such as growth and tooth length is vital in managing captive populations.
Cheetah family
Discussions on predator conservation as a wider topic and the role of breeding programmes within this will also be explored as part of the course.
Suitability of breeding adults
Evaluation of male fertility and signs of oestrus in females are indicators which need analysis prior to introducing predators into a breeding programme.
Cheetah cubs
Management of mother and cubs in captivity forms part of the syllabus of the course.
Sedation and preparation of darts
The use of the veterinary dart gun for sedation and tranquillisation is covered on the course, including handling of the gun and preparation of the darts.
Chemical capture
Chemical capture and immobilisation of predators is critical for safe translocations and movements. The course will explore the correct use of the dart gun and safe set up.
Predator Management
An exciting new addition to our courses, this 10 day Predator Course is directed and tutored by wildlife veterinarians, breeders and predator specialists, covering all aspects of the management of captive cheetah and lion populations and other smaller predators.
The management of captive predator populations
- Enclosure size and design
- Nutrition of cubs, sub adults and adult cats
- Supplemental feeding
- Routine vaccinations, the administration of anthelmintics, and the control of internal and external parasites
- Diseases, both viral and bacterial. What causes mortalities?
- Hand rearing of cubs
Captive Breeding
- Separation of breeding males and females
- Introduction of pairs
- Choice of animals to be used in breeding programmes
- Evaluation of male fertility
- Signs of oestrus
- Pregnancy diagnosis
- Nutrition during pregnancy
- Management of parturient females
- Management of mother and cubs
Handling and Care
- Capture by mechanical means and use of dart gun
- Chemical immobilisation - the role of veterinary and staff
- Tranquillisation and sedation
Problems of captive predator populations
Open discussions on predator conservation and management
Khulula Care for Wild
- Practical care and husbandry of captive predator populations
Kruger National Park day trip
Predator Programme History
During the early 1970s it became clear that the maintenance of biodiversity on earth should be given attention. Studies were undertaken under the auspices of the IUCN to determine the status of species and this lead to the development and acceptance of the ‘Convention for the international trade in endangered species’ (CITES) which was signed by approximately 140 nations in 1973.
The early classification of cheetahs as an endangered species, under the convention, lead to an anomalous circumstance in which the animal was classified under appendix 1 but also regarded as vermin in the pastoral farming areas of this country.
The numbers of free-ranging cheetahs in Africa are limited by the loss of suitable habitat, the reduction of its prey species and its persecution by pastoral farmers. When attention was given to its status it was felt that apart from the limiting factors in the field, it was a species that did not breed effectively in captivity. We know today that this is not the case and the animal has been bred in captivity in large numbers to the extent that the captive population in South Africa is probably greater than those found in the wild.
There are several large predator breeding centres in this country and the production of these animals ensures that zoos throughout the world can acquire cats for their collections without taking animals from the wild.
This course deals with the captive management and breeding of lion, cheetahs and other smaller predator populations in captivity and covers aspects that are specific to the species which are essential in maintaining the health of captive animals.
The first half of the course will be an intensive practical and theoretical course based at private reserves in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Following this participants will travel to Khulula Care for Wild’s centre to experience the practical element of predator hand rearing, care and nutrition, including management of the species.
A day trip to Kruger National Park will provide a chance to discuss the management of larger breeding groups and their wider conservation in southern Africa, and worldwide
