SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

National Diploma: Nature Conservation 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
72620  National Diploma: Nature Conservation 
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
National Diploma  Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation  Nature Conservation 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Level 6  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 
SAQA 10105/14  2015-07-01  2016-10-20 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2017-10-20   2023-12-20  

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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
19642  National Diploma: Nature Conservation  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  360  Complete 

This qualification is replaced by: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
100986  Diploma in Nature Conservation  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  360  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
The purpose of this qualification is to supply the nature conservation industry with competent nature conservators and resource managers who are able to manage a conservation team efficiently.

Learners achieving this qualification will be competent to manage natural resources sustainably, interpret the environment, enforce the appropriate legislation and demonstrate basic knowledge of research 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
The entry level requirement for this qualificaition is the National Higher Certificate (Diploma): Nature Conservation (240 credits). Admission is subject to prior performance, evaluation and/or a personal interview. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
N 

QUALIFICATION RULES 
This qualification will be awarded to the learner who has provided evidence to the satisfaction of the assessors that the stated competence of the qualification, as detailed in the specified outcomes, has been achieved, either through education and training in a single provider's learning programme, or through experience that complied with the specified outcomes. 

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
Exit Level Outcome:
1. Manage natural resources and conserve biodiversity.

Specified Outcomes:
1.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of the natural environment.
1.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of human influence on ecosystems.
1.3 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of environmental conservation.
1.4 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of environmental planning and management.
1.5 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of soil conservation.
1.6 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of reclamation practices.
1.7 Identify appropriate vegetation.
1.8 Monitor veld
1.9 Evaluate veld
1.10 Manage appropriate vegetation
1.11 Manage animals
1.12 Select a game farm
1.13 Determine appropriate game species and numbers
1.14 provide water for game
1.15 provide supplementary feed for game
1.16 Perform appropriate cropping and handling of game
1.17 Capture and transport game
1.18 Manage predators
1.19 Manage veld
1.20 Compile appropriate feeding studies.
1.21 Manage appropriate infrastructure
1.22 Apply appropriate legislation

Critical Outcomes:
  • Identifying and solving of problems in which responsible decisions, using critical and creative thinking, have been made.
  • Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsible and effectively.
  • Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluation of information.
  • Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and language skills in the modes of oral and written persuasion.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that the problem-solving context does not exist in isolation.
  • Reflecting on and exploring of a variety of strategies to learn more effectively
  • Explore education and career opportunities.
  • Develop entrepreneurial opportunities.
  • Interpret the laws of a country and structure effective transactions within the framework of the law.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the economic world in context as a dynamic interactive world which does not exist in isolation.
  • Look at the environment as a macro basis rather than a micro basis in order to enhance the current environment as a whole.
  • Work effectively as part of a team or a group.
  • Demonstrate effective and responsible decision-making.
  • Stimulate and develop thinking patterns involving creativity.
  • Interpret information received via the media.
  • Remain receptive and responsive to current trends and developments.
  • Use technology effective and responsibly. 

  • ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1.1. Natural environment
  • Appropriate current terminology is understood and applied
  • Knowledge of general ecology is demonstrated and applied
  • Knowledge of climate is demonstrated and applied
  • Knowledge of geology is demonstrated and applied
  • Knowledge of geomorphology and soils is demonstrated and applied
  • Knowledge of hydrology is demonstrated and applied
  • Knowledge of plants is demonstrated and applied
  • Knowledge of animals is demonstrated and applied
  • Knowledge of sensitive ecosystems is demonstrated and applied
  • Knowledge of the human environment is demonstrated and applied

    Human influence on ecosystems
    1.2. Current appropriate terminology is understood and applied
  • Knowledge of the relationship between human utilisation of land and geology is demonstrated and applied
  • Knowledge of the relationship between human utilisation of land and geomorphology and soils is demonstrated and applied
  • Knowledge of human influences on the water cycle is demonstrated and applied
  • Knowledge of human influences on plant communities is demonstrated and applied
  • Knowledge of animal reactions under environmental pressure is demonstrated and applied
  • Knowledge of human influences on ecosystems is demonstrated and applied

    Environmental conservation:
    1.3. Current appropriate terminology is understood and applied effectively
  • Knowledge of environmental conservation is demonstrated and applied
  • Knowledge of resources is demonstrated and applied
  • Knowledge of environmental degradation is demonstrated and applied

    Environmental planning and management:
    1.4. Current appropriate terminology is understood and applied
  • Knowledge of sustainable development is demonstrated and applied
  • Knowledge of national and international actions/lobbies is demonstrated and applied
  • Knowledge of environmental auditing and evaluation systems is demonstrated and applied

    Knowledge of soil conservation:
    1.5. Current appropriate terminology is understood and applied effectively
  • Knowledge of soil conservation is demonstrated and applied
  • Knowledge of soil erosion is demonstrated and applied
  • Knowledge of soil conservation practices is demonstrated and applied

    Reclamation practices:
    1.6. Current appropriate terminology is understood and applied effectively
  • Knowledge of disturbed and derelict areas is demonstrated and applied
  • Knowledge of the treatment of derelict sites is demonstrated and applied
  • Knowledge of reclamation site management is demonstrated and applied
  • Knowledge of costs and cost estimation is demonstrated and applied
  • Knowledge of alternative land uses is demonstrated and applied

    Vegetation:
    1.7. Appropriate current terminology is understood and applied
  • Knowledge of veld conservation and deterioration is demonstrated and applied
  • Knowledge of vegetation diversity is South Africa is demonstrated and applied
  • Vegetation is divided into different levels accurately
  • Knowledge of development and defoliation reaction of grasses and woody plants is demonstrated and applied
  • Knowledge of plant-animal interaction is demonstrated and applied
  • Knowledge of plant ingredients is demonstrated and applied
  • Grasses, trees and shrubs are identified accurately

    Monitor veld:
    1.8. Appropriate current terminology is understood and applied
  • Knowledge of the nature and extent of veld monitoring is demonstrated and applied
  • Comparison between veld monitoring and veld evaluation is made accurately
  • Knowledge of veld monitoring methods is demonstrated and applied
  • Appropriate veld monitoring methods is selected
  • Appropriate equipment is operated effectively
  • Veld monitoring is effective

    Evaluate veld:
    1.9. Appropriate current terminology is understood and applied:
  • Knowledge of vegetation characteristics is demonstrated and applied
  • Knowledge of the nature and extent of veld evaluation is demonstrated and applied
  • Knowledge of increaser-decreaser veld evaluation is demonstrated and applied
  • Knowledge of new developments is demonstrated and applied
  • Veld evaluation is accurate

    Manage appropriate vegetation:
    1.10 Appropriate current terminology is understood and applied
  • Knowledge of fire as a vegetation management tool is demonstrated and applied
  • Knowledge of control methods of problem plants is demonstrated and applied
  • Appropriate plants are identified accurately
  • Appropriate plants are collected effective
  • Appropriate control method is selected and implemented effectively
  • Appropriate equipment is operated effectively
  • Knowledge of endangered plant communities is demonstrated and applied
  • Endangered plant communities are managed effectively

    Animals:
    1.11. Appropriate current terminology is understood and applied
  • Knowledge of habitat selection is demonstrated and applied
  • Knowledge of social behaviour is demonstrated and applied
  • Knowledge of feeding behaviour is demonstrated and applied
  • Knowledge of adaptations is demonstrated and applied
  • Knowledge of zoo geography of vertebrates is demonstrated and applied
  • Knowledge of population genetics is demonstrated and applied
  • Appropriate animals are captured effectively
  • Appropriate animals are transported effectively
  • Appropriate animals are released effectively
  • Water requirements are met
  • Breeding program is established and implemented effectively
  • Appropriate equipment is operated effectively
  • Animals are managed effectively

    Game farm:
    1.12. Appropriate current terminology is understood and applied
  • Knowledge of the game industry is demonstrated and applied
  • Financial implications are considered
  • Objectives are established effectively
  • Utilisation alternatives are considered
  • Game farm is selected effectively

    Game species and numbers:
    1.13. Appropriate current terminology is understood and applied
  • Knowledge of appropriate habitat requirements and characteristics is demonstrated and applied
  • Knowledge of primary food and feeding characteristics is demonstrated and applied
  • Carrying capacity is understood
  • Stocking rate is determined accurately
  • Knowledge of appropriate feeders is demonstrated and applied
  • Knowledge of browsers is demonstrated and applied
  • Knowledge of large stock units is demonstrated and applied
  • Knowledge of population dynamics is demonstrated and applied
  • Appropriate game species and numbers are selected effectively

    Water for game:
    1.14. Factors influencing types of watering points are considered
  • Knowledge of the conditions and requirements for ideal watering points is demonstrated and applied
  • Advantages and disadvantages of water point types are considered
  • Water needs of appropriate game are considered
  • Appropriate equipment is operated effectively
  • Water needs of appropriate game are met

    Supplementary geed for game:
    1.15. Knowledge of digestibility is demonstrated and applied
  • Knowledge of feed intake is demonstrated and applied
  • Knowledge of chemical composition is demonstrated and applied
  • Knowledge of acceptability is demonstrated and applied
  • Knowledge of availability is demonstrated and applied
  • Knowledge of licks is demonstrated and applied
  • Appropriate equipment is operated effectively
  • Supplementary feed is provided effectively

    Cropping and handling of game:
    1.16. Knowledge of an ideal cropping system is demonstrated and applied
  • Appropriate objectives are established
  • Appropriate time/season is selected accurately
  • Appropriate cropping method is selected
  • Guidelines are followed effectively
  • Appropriate equipment is operated effectively
  • Cropping is effective
  • Handling of carcasses is effective

    Capture and transport game:
    1.17. Appropriate current terminology is understood and applied
  • Appropriate method is selected effectively
  • Immobilisation is effective
  • Mechanical capturing is effective
  • Appropriate equipment is operated effectively
  • Game is transported effectively
  • Knowledge of game auctions is demonstrated and applied

    Predators:
    1.18. Appropriate current terminology is understood and applied
  • Knowledge of predator/prey interactions is demonstrated and applied
  • Impact of predators is understood
  • Knowledge of appropriate management practices is demonstrated and applied
  • Guidelines to reduce the impact of predators on domestic stock are followed effectively
  • Predators are managed effectively

    Veld:
    1.19. Appropriate current terminology is understood and applied
  • Objectives are established effectively
  • Knowledge of the relationship between veld, soil and water is demonstrated and applied
  • Importance of veld is understood
  • Appropriate equipment is operated effectively
  • Veld is managed effectively

    Feeding studies:
    1.20. Appropriate current terminology is understood and applied
  • Knowledge of factors influencing food selection is demonstrated and applied
  • Questions to study food selection are applied effectively
  • Appropriate equipment is operated effectively
  • Feeding study is accurate

    Infrastructure:
    1.21. Game fences are erected and maintained effectively
  • Roads are selected and places effectively
  • Roads are constructed and maintained effectively
  • Buildings are selected and placed effectively
  • Buildings are constructed and maintained effectively
  • Vehicles are selected, operated and maintained effectively
  • Fire breaks are used effectively

    Legislation:
    1.22. Knowledge of appropriate legislation is demonstrated and applied

    Integrated assessment:

    Assessment is continuous and done on the following basis:

    Formative assessment:
  • assignments
  • written tests
  • practical tests
  • mini projects
  • research project
  • reports
  • oral evaluation
  • presentations

    Summative assessment:
  • written examinations
  • practical examinations
  • a portfolio of work is compiled and assessed
  • portfolio records are kept as per SERTEC requirements 

  • ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification is the third in the progression of qualifications in the field of Nature Conservation. It leads to further studies in this field and is the entry-level requirement for the Bachelor of Technology: Nature Conservation.

    Limited articulation possibilities exist with the fields of agriculture and horticulture 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Two internal examiners and an external moderator must moderate exit level examinations 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    The current SERTEC requirements regarding examiners apply 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2009; 2012; 2015. 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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) 



    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.