New 2 Month Courses   FGASA has recently changed the minimum duration for a Level 1 course from a minimum of 3 weeks, to 2 Months. You will still be able to do a shorter program (3 or 4 weeks), but the student will have to write the exam at a national sitting and come back to us for the practical assessment, he/she will only be able to complete the exam and prac assessment on course in the 2 month program. Included in the 2 month course is: Level 1 theory (all aspects of nature covered), Track & Sign Training, Dangerous Animal Training, Birding, the FGASA theory exam and practical assessment.. The shorter program is AFGA (African Field Guides Association) endorsed, and includes the level 1 training (all aspects of nature covered), Track & Sign Training, Dangerous Animal Training.	Molerat   Molerats are responsible for the little heaps of sand we see in sandy areas. They do not make tunnels that show on the surface like moles do, all you see are little pushed up heaps of sand. Naked mole rats appear to have a high resistance to cancer; cancer has never been observed in them. The mechanism that stunts cancer is a gene, known as an "over-crowding" gene, which prevents the creation of new cells once a group of cells reaches a certain size. Most mammals, including naked mole rats, have a gene which does a similar task, but prevents cellular reproduction at a much later point than what the first does. The combination of these genes in naked mole rats creates a double-layered barrier that prevents the formation of cancer cells. Hypersensitivity to contact inhibition may be the reason for the cancer resistance of the naked mole rat.	Rhino Facts   -A Rhino's skin is much softer that it looks, and is actually quite sensitive to sunburns and insect bites. (That's why rhinos like rolling in the mud so much - it helps to protect them. -African Rhinos have symbiotic relationships with oxpeckers. In Swahili, the oxpecker is called "askari wa kifaru", which means "the rhino's guard". The oxpecker eats ticks and other insects it finds on the rhino, and creates a commotion when it senses danger. -Rhinos have existed on earth for more that 50 million years, and once roamed throughout North America and Europe (as well as Asia and Africa) -Three of the five surviving rhino species (black, Javan and Sumatran) are Critically Endangered, which means there is at least a 50% chance that these species will become extinct within three generations (for rhinos, this means about 30-60 years). -The word rhinoceros comes from the Greek rhino (nose) and ceros (horn). Depending on the species, thinos can live to be 35-50 years old. Rhino horns are made up of keratin, the same material that meks up your hair and fingernails. And nothing in it is medicinal in any way!
Next available courses - 2012         25 March - 20 April 2012 29 April - 25 May 2012   Note that on every course we have an optional extra Dangerous Animal training week.   The courses also include a FREE Track and Sign training course, and FGASA practical assessment. Don’t miss out!		Become part of   Our family now!       Contact Lientjie on: 072 625 4709 or 014 736 4757 to book a course or for more info.

 

Feedback from participants     Hi Mark, Lientjie, Shanie & Janie   Thank you so much for a fantastic time for the last four weeks!  I am suffering from serious withdrawal symptoms!  It’s great to be back with Eric but I do miss you guys and the bush!   I trust that you all had a good rest and are getting ready for your next group to arrive this Sunday?     God bless you all! Anita       Hows it Mark,   Glad to see all is busy with the course.. I am in zim, now and have an amazing job with a camp called chikwenya safari lodge, in mana pools. been here almost 4weeks now. doing trainee manager, trainee field guide and will be trainee ph in the new year.. just, really glad i came on your course, as alot of stuff i learn't with Shani, i am now putting into the real world... take care..   Clint Robertson 2011   Hi there Lientjie and Mark   Please pass our thanks onto Julian and Shani for all you did for Trevor, it was a eye opener for him and for me (sitting on the sideline here) what I saw of your set up very professional and I will be passing your contact details on to anyone that wishes to follow a course in Field Guiding, Trev will be doing the rewrite and wants to return for the track and sign course when he has achieved the Level 1 FGASA, he is also speaking about anti poaching eventually so that passion has been installed in him.   May the Lord continue to bless you all as you continue to be stewards of his creation. Unfortunately I only managed to meet Julian so next time anyone is in Pretoria please stop in at BP Charles st (cnr Charles and Atterbury Street) and share a cup of coffee with us.   God bless Mike and Sonya   Mark and Lientjie I just wanted to say a huge thank you to Mark, Lientjie and Lylian for such a fantastic experience - the entire month was the most worthwhile thing I have ever done and has had a huge influence on my future. When I first emailed you a couple of months ago I thought at the most I would learn a little about the animals and make a few friends while camping in the Bush. However, the course was demanding, intensive and really fascinating and I really was thrilled with the experience. Mark and Lientjie, you were brilliant tutors and great role models, I hope to spend a lot more time in the bush and you are to thank for giving me the opportunity and motivation. Many thanks for everything and good luck for the next course. Kind regards Hanna Elson - Scotland     Hi Mark and all other Limpopo Rangers I did my course in the beginning of 2008 and after working for a couple of lodges, have since started my own                                                       company operating in the Kruger. Your guidance, advice and training is exceptional Mark and I want to thank you for helping me get into the industry. Regards Toby Esplin - South Africa  Via Facebook