SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Advanced Diploma in Wildlife Management

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
115433	Advanced Diploma in Wildlife Management
ORIGINATOR
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Advanced Diploma	Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation		Nature Conservation
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	120	Not Applicable	NQF Level 07	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0821/24	2019-12-17	2027-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30		2031-06-30

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The Advanced Diploma in Wildlife Management is a 120 Credit qualification, at Level 7 of the NQF, aligned within an integrated body of knowledge Wildlife and other Reserve Management. The qualification is further informed by several Exit Level Outcomes, underpinned by knowledge, skills and applied competencies within the field of Wildlife Management in African and South African contexts. The qualification will produce learners with the requisite vocational knowledge and skills in wildlife management and the ability to apply these throughout the South African game ranching industry in aiding the transformation of the rural landscape of South Africa.

The learner will identify and develop entrepreneurial opportunities and perform management of natural resources and wild game species through the deepening of their knowledge and understanding of theories, methodologies, and practices in specific academic wildlife disciplines and fields. Also, learners will develop, formulate, undertake and resolve more complex theoretical and practice-related problems and tasks through the selection and use of appropriate methods and techniques. Furthermore, the qualification will empower learners with integrated knowledge and skills regarding Wildlife Science, including an ability to evaluate types of knowledge and explanations typical within the area of ungulate physiology and ecology, research methodology and management principles.

The qualification contributes to an improved understanding of wildlife ranch management, more specifically concerning game nutrition, water requirements of fauna, activity patterns and home range use, and the ecology of wildlife diseases. The learner will apply all the above theories and concepts using existing tools such as veld condition and game condition assessments to wild animal population dynamics. For a career-focused qualification like an Advanced Diploma in Wildlife Management, the learner must be able to apply a range of methods of enquiry in practice, and their suitability to specific investigations into day-to-day activities in the management of wildlife.

Rationale:
The wildlife ranching and game farming industry has grown significantly in South Africa over the past decades and has become an industry with pronounced investment and economic potential. Notably, there is a growing demand for game breeding, hunting, game products and sustainable use of biological diversity. This qualification will provide the game ranching industry with learners that:

Can manage wildlife ranches;

Conduct wildlife research;

Monitor and participate in management actions that comply with relevant statutory body requirements.

Therefore, the rationale for this qualification is to enhance professional competence in the field of wildlife management on a regional and national level.

Learners will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of legislation and other aspects that prevent ecological degradation. Learners will also secure ecologically sustainable wildlife ranch development and use of natural resources while promoting justifiable economic and specifically rural socio-economic development. Wildlife and other Reserve Management, while the secondary qualifier covers the field of Life Sciences such as to manage game farms and ranches as well as other wildlife management undertakings. The scope of practice, (in addition to Wildlife Science, Wildlife Management and Economics) would cover Strategic Management and Research Methodology. Upon qualifying, learners will meet the minimum entry requirement for Postgraduate Diploma, but accumulated credits may enable learner's access to a cognate Bachelors Honours qualification.

The Academic Advisory Board Committee to the Department of Nature Conservation, such as the Wildlife Ranching South Africa (WRSA) and the Stud Game Breeders Association (SGB) provided input into the development of the curriculum. This input ensures that the qualification has relevance to the workplace. Continued input from the committee will ensure that the qualification is associated with the latest developmental and technological advancement in the industry.

The qualification will produce learners with the requisite vocational knowledge and skills in wildlife management and the ability to apply these throughout the South African game ranching industry in aiding the transformation of the rural socio-economic landscape of South Africa. The recent expansion of privately owned wildlife ranches in South Africa has great potential to contribute to the "green economy" development in South Africa. There are an estimated 12 000 wildlife ranches in South Africa, covering approximately 21 million ha (approximately 17% of the total land in South Africa) (National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC) 2006). Hence, the South African wildlife ranching industry is a potentially strong sector for economic growth and development with an already significant contribution to GDP.

The learner will be middle managers in the wildlife ranching industry as well as manage and support scientific endeavours.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution gives Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as stipulated in the RPL policy, to prevent the repetition of offerings already obtained which correspond with the current offering pursued at the institution. Learners may apply for RPL or admission via the Senate's discretionary route based on the following:

RPL for advanced admission:
The advanced admission application is for admission, where the learner does not meet the stated admission requirements but wishes to be admitted to an advanced qualification based on RPL. As part of a rigorous assessment process, the learner would need to furnish evidence of exceptional experience, depth and scope before the application can be considered.

RPL for entry admission:
Learners may apply for entry admission for RPL to be granted based on work experience, prior learning and maturity. Learners need to provide evidence of significant and relevant prior learning before their applications will be considered.

Subject RPL:
Learners may apply for recognition of specific subject/s to obtain RPL exemption for that subject/s.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

Diploma in Wildlife Management, NQF Level 6.
Or

National Diploma: Wildlife Management, NQF, Level 6.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules NQF 7, 120 Credits:

Wildlife Science III, 24 Credits.

Wildlife Management III, 24 Credits.

Wildlife Economics III, 18 Credits.

Strategic Management I, 18 Credits.

Research Methodology I, 18 Credits.

Wildlife Techniques I, 18 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate integrated knowledge of the central areas of Wildlife Management, including an understanding of knowledge as contested and an ability to evaluate types of knowledge and explanations typical within the area of Wildlife Science, Natural Resource Management and Ecological systems in processes of investigation or application within this defined context.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of a range of methods of enquiry in ecological monitoring and natural resource management, and their suitability to specific investigations; and an ability to select and apply a range of methods to resolve problems or introduce change within the practice of wildlife management.
3. Identify, analyse, evaluate, critically reflect on and address complex problems, applying evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments by conducting research, planning projects, performing managerial duties related to the field of Wildlife Management, in addition to operational activities related to Wildlife Biology.
4. Communicate and manage processes in unfamiliar and variable contexts, recognising that problem solving is context- and system-bound, and does not occur in isolation using appropriate academic and professional conventions, formats and technologies, in varied fields of Wildlife Science.
5. Identify evaluate and address his or her learning needs in a self-directed manner, and to facilitate collaborative learning processes regarding modern wildlife ranch management operations.
6. Make decisions and act ethically and professionally, and the ability to justify those decisions and actions drawing on appropriate ethical values and approaches, within an organisational or professional context, based on an awareness of the complexity of ethical dilemmas.
7. Take full responsibility for his or her work, decision-making and use of resources, and limited accountability for the decisions and actions of others in varied or ill-defined contexts.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Demonstrate and apply knowledge of the special approaches towards research on game ranches which are consistent with industrial and ethical principles.

Evaluate the practical aspects Wildlife Science and Ecology and in the design, implementation and evaluation of Wildlife Management qualifications.

Demonstrate and apply knowledge of the Bonn Convention, Montreal Protocol, Ramsar Convention, Basel Convention and Cities Convention.

Demonstrate knowledge of the dynamic nature of biological diversity at all levels of the biological, phylogenetic and evolutionary organisation.

Demonstrate and apply knowledge of heterogeneity, and ecological dynamics within the game ranch and accommodate anthropogenic activities effectively.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Apply techniques relevant to ecological principles to manage and monitor game ranches.

Assimilate latest techniques and technology into appropriate game production systems relating to game ranch management.

Assimilate knowledge of farming with appropriate indigenous species.

Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ungulate nutrition and feeding.

Identify and manage alien and problem plants effectively.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Demonstrate the application of tangible solutions and theory-driven arguments concerning the legislature around wildlife management.

Managerial functions are essential to the qualification and together with financial management have the potential to foster economic growth and social cohesion.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Use scientific language and nomenclature, giving and receiving feedback appropriate to unfamiliar and variable contexts.

Communicate instructional information and study material in a variety of ways, with special emphasis on peer-reviewed scientific literature.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Apply planning collaborative networking relevant to the maintenance of infrastructure and equipment commensurate with contemporary wildlife ranches and land management operations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Approach and manage ethical and organisational dilemmas in line with professional and industrial standards and guidelines.

Interact with people, communities, fauna and flora in special consideration for organisational behaviour.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Base individual accountability and problem-solving issues on evidence and procedures.

Refer to peer conduct and accountability to relevant organisational structures.

Integrated Assessment:
Integrated assessment is a multidisciplinary approach to the assessment of learning. It combines, interprets and communicates knowledge in this field of study. The integrated assessment incorporates both formative and summative assessment strategies into the qualification. The design of the assessment strategies of the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria are in line with the level descriptors and the scope of practice, as well as module outcomes.

Integrated assessment will take place within the context of an active learning environment, in adherence to:

Quality assurance policies, procedures and processes.

A guided and supported learning environment.

Formative Assessment:
Formative assessment will thus mainly involve integrated types of assessment, used to inform learners about their progress continuously throughout the semester. Self and peer assessment (with the aid of relevant analytical assessment tools) will contribute to formative assessment. Marks collected from this evidence may be recorded for promotional purposes or used for the sole purpose of learner and lecturer reflection, growth and development. Formative assessment supports the learner to develop and to provide feedback to all involved in the learning process of how teaching and learning can be improved. Throughout the qualification, the institution uses formative assessment strategies to ensure the achievement of the Exit Level Outcomes, which include (but not limited to):

Assignments.

Practical assessments.

Theory tests.

Furthermore, any other applicable methods required within a specific teaching and learning experience.

Summative Assessment:
Summative assessment will involve assessment opportunities that take place at the end of a learning experience. Gather information about a learner's level of competence upon completion of a unit, module or qualification. The results will be in marks in terms of the level of competence achieved, about level descriptors, specific outcomes and assessment standards. This type of assessment is used for promotional purposes and does take the form of (including, but not limited to):

Portfolios of evidence;

Presentations;

Tests.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

This qualification was compared against the following qualifications presented at the following international institutions:

Country: Australia:
Institution: University of Queensland.
Qualification title: Bachelor of Applied Science-Wildlife Science (Hons).

At the University of Queensland, the learners must have completed a Bachelor of Science or equivalent in Ecology, Zoology, Environmental Sciences, Natural Resource Management, Veterinary Science, or another approved subject. The requirements for access, school leaving requirements with the additional testing and academic component duration are similar to this qualification.

Country: Australia:
Institution: ACS Distance Education.
Qualification title: Advanced Certificate in Wildlife Management.

Entry to this qualification is competitive. Learners are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement. Annual core modules include Biology and Physiology.
The requirements for access, school leaving requirements with the additional testing and academic component duration are similar to this qualification.

Country: New Zealand:
Qualification title: Bachelor of Science Hons Ecology (Massey University).
Qualification title: Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Management (Hons) (University of Otago).

At both institutions, the learners must have completed a Bachelor of Science or equivalent in Ecology, Zoology, Environmental Sciences, Natural Resource Management, Veterinary Science, or another approved subject. Requirements for access duration and subject matter with strong articulation to the industry are similar to this qualification.

Country: United States of America.
Institution: University of Florida.
Qualification title: Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Ecology.

The University of Florida offers a four-year qualification, and the entry requirement is a 4.0 GPA from Senior High School with English literacy requirements. Learners pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Management must make a C or better in departmental courses to be eligible for graduation. The qualification has four concentrations; Forest Ecology, Plant Ecology, General Ecology and Wildlife Ecology and Management. The wildlife ecology concentration can meet the minimum requirements recommended by the Wildlife Society for wildlife biologist certification.
Requirements for access, subject matter and career articulation are similar to this qualification.

Country: United States of America.
Institution: Texas Tech University.
Qualification title: Natural Resources Management: Conservation Science.
The entry requirement is a 4.0 GPA from Senior High School with English literacy requirements.
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Management must make a C or better in departmental courses to be eligible for graduation. The qualification has five concentrations: ranch management, wildlife biology, fisheries biology, range conservation and conservation science. The wildlife biology concentration can meet the minimum requirements recommended by the Wildlife Society for wildlife biologist certification. The subject mix includes Botany, Zoology, Rangeland Management, Ecology and Natural Resource Management with a wide array of electives.
There requirements for access, subject matter and career articulation are similar to this qualification.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Advanced Diploma in Project Management, NQF Level 7.

Advanced Diploma in Quality Management, NQF Level 7.

Vertical Articulation:

Postgraduate Diploma in Conservation Management, NQF Level 8.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

N/A

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

NONE

PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION:

This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.

1.	Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)