Geographic Information Systems (GIS) involve collecting/capturing, storing, processing, manipulating, analyzing, managing, retrieving and displaying geo-referenced data. Remote sensing is the acquisition of information about an object or phenomenon without making physical contact with the object. Wildlife management requires reliable and consistent information on the abundance, distribution of species and their habitats as well as threats. Therefore, the application of remote sensing (RS) and geographic information system (GIS) in the wildlife management and conservation aids in data collection and analysis of wildlife abundance, their distribution as well as providing data suitable for conservation planning and management.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

At the end of this course, the participant will be able to:

• To introduce participants to the principles of GIS and Remote Sensing
• To introduce participants to concepts of wildlife management and conservation
• To expose participants to data capture, input, manipulation and display by GIS
• To introduce participants to GPS/GNSS systems
• To explain to the participants GIS database requirement and development for wildlife management and conservation
• To introduce participants to the application GIS and Remote Sensing techniques in wildlife management and conservation
• To develop sound basis of understanding applications of GIS and RS in Wildlife management and conservation through case studies

DURATION

5 Days

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

This course targets individuals working with wildlife especially the vets, tour guides, rangers, and all persons interested in learning about how to use GPS on wildlife.

COURSE CONTENT

This course reviews the application of remote sensing and GIS techniques in wildlife management and conservation under the following themes:

Module 1: Introduction and definitions of key concepts

• Introduction to GIS and remote sensing in wildlife management and conservation
• Introduction to GIS software
  • Planning for a GIS system installation
  • Working with a GIS software

Introduction to GPS

• GPS data collection
• GPS data download

Module 2: GIS data management

• GIS data sources
• Database creation and maintenance
• Working with Data from different sources
• Integrating GPS data into GIS
• GPS application in spatial database development

Module 3: Mapping

• Mapping wildlife distribution
• Mapping wildlife resource requirements
• Mapping and modeling habitat suitability for Wildlife
  • Habitats and habitat maps
  • Mapping suitability for wildlife
  • Accuracy of suitability maps
  • Modeling species-environment relationships
• Transferability of species
• Innovative mapping of wildlife and its physical Environment

Module 4: Analysis and Monitoring using GIS and remote sensing

• Use of GIS and remote sensing in Spatial Analysis and Visualization
• Monitoring Habitat Characteristics Using GIS and Remote Sensing

Module 5: public participation and mobile data gathering

• Gathering GIS data using mobile phones
• Participatory GIS

Case studies in conservancy and wildlife management

GENERAL NOTES

• This course is delivered by our seasoned trainers who have vast experience as expert professionals in the respective fields of practice. The course is taught through a mix of practical activities, theory, group works and case studies.
• Training manuals and additional reference materials are provided to the participants.
• Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be issued with a certificate.