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The IAPF offers 12 week ranger training courses at the International Academy in Victoria Falls. Leaders from different anti poaching units take part in the training that covers such subjects as drill, unarmed combat, patrol, navigation, communications, first aid, law, search and arrest, evidence collection, surveillance, tracking, wildlife,logistics and conservation to name just a few. They then redeploy to their units where they take up assistant instructional and team leader roles, passing on the valuable information to their fellow rangers. Details notes and instructional methods are a strong focus during the training. This ensures they have what is required to become one of life’s most valuable assets – a teacher.

Beginner, intermediate and specialist courses are also given by the IAPF. This training has all been delivered free of charge to date to rangers who would otherwise have gone without - protecting wildlife that could have otherwise been poached.

During the training rangers are taught by key instructors from around the world that participate through the Conservation Guardians program. The depth of knowledge provided by this group cannot be overstated. Some of the region’s leading experts in various fields make their services available, most on a pro-bono basis. This again reiterates the level of support being directed towards anti-poaching from many different angles.

OPERATIONAL EXPERIENCES DURING TRAINING - Working in conjunction with the police 5 rhino poachers were arrested during a recent course by the trainees. They were attmpting to poach the critically endangered black rhino. This has been a very high profile case and it is a testament to the professionalism of the rangers and the collaboration with the relative authorities. For a full media report on this case please view this article:

THE STAR - Zimbabwe Battling to Keep Rhino Poaching in Check

Other arrests were also made, and the resistance to poachers in the area continues.

To help during training please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or follow the links through to the Conservation Guardians page

TRAINING MATERIAL

The IAPF, under the guidance of its Director of Training – JC Strauss, has created and submitted for registration a new qualification within the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA), which is recognized throughout the Southern African Development Community (SADC) –The Anti Poaching Ranger. This model takes previous unit standards from the Conservation Guardianship qualification, rewrites and re-organizes them to create clear career progression and measurable standards. It is made up of 21% of the Conservation Guardianship course, which is the current recognized standard in South Africa. This means that Zimbabwe would be receiving 79% more training than rangers in South Africa were receiving.

The Anti-Poaching Ranger is a 5-tiered qualification:

·          Anti Poaching Ranger Level I                       

·          Anti Poaching Ranger Level II                      

·          Anti Poaching Team Leader             

·          Anti Poaching Instructor                             

·          Anti Poaching Manager                               

Core subjects make up primary requirements whilst electives meet specific regional requirements. Specialist courses will also be available to candidates as required. 

*Level 1 is a progressive stage from unarmed through to an armed ranger. The unarmed component is a 3 week community ranger qualification.

 The learning material and teaching methods making up this qualification have been written by some of the foremost experts in Southern African anti-poaching operations. Parts of the first 3 levels have already been tested by JC in 53 different Southern African protected areas. In all cases rhino and elephant poaching were reduced to zero percent within a 3 year period whilst mammal poaching was reduced by 80%. New subjects have been written in to accommodate for today’s sophisticated poacher. Additionally, the strategic management and decision making skills required by anti-poaching unit commanders is addressed.