By: Claude, Leila and Jolandie
From 26 to 30 June 2025, Claude Schippers, Leila Moosajee, and Jolandie Buck attended a CyberTracker Signs and Tracking course at Brandwacht Game Reserve, run by the Honeyguide Academy. The team was mentored by the experienced tracker Stephen Knoetze and evaluated by Andrew Kearney.
What is CyberTracker?
The CyberTracker system is an internationally respected method of assessing and accrediting tracking skills. Developed in South Africa, it combines ancient indigenous knowledge with modern conservation science to support wildlife monitoring, ecological research, and protected area management. The system evaluates participants based on their ability to interpret animal tracks, signs and behaviour in a natural environment.
Every Track Tells a Story
During the five days of training, we immersed ourselves in the landscape of Brandwacht Game Reserve, learning to identify tracks, scats, drag marks, feeding signs, resting spots, and other subtle indicators of animal presence. These signs tell a story of animal movement, behaviour and habitat use which is an invaluable source of information in areas where camera traps and direct sightings are limited.
One of the most engaging aspects was seeing giraffe tracks and even getting close enough to observe how their anatomy correlates with the tracks and signs. However, the training also presented its challenges. There were confusing moments, for example when we had to differentiating between porcupine and badger tracks where they overlapped near a watering hole. Distinguishing between the various antelope tracks proved particularly difficult, a challenge amplified by the lack of rain this year, which left the soil hard and made track identification tricky.
After five intensive days in the field, the team was awarded CyberTracker Track & Sign Evaluation certificates, with levels ranging from Level I to Level III, which is an achievement that reflects their growing skill and attention to detail.
Why Tracking Matters: Perspective from the Field
Claude Schippers (GCBR Extension Officer) shared:
“As a conservation biologist and extension officer, tracking is an essential skill. It helps me identify the presence of wildlife in the landscape, monitor population trends, and assess how animals are using the environment. It’s a practical, on-the-ground method that complements other forms of data collection. Especially in communal reserves or remote protected areas where technology might not reach, signs and tracks are often the most reliable way to understand what’s happening on the ground.”
Jolandie Buck (GCBR Extension Officer) highlighted the relevance for landowners:
“Track and sign training is important, as it can support our landowners. This training helps us to support them in identifying species on their property, monitor if there has been any human wildlife conflict or even where to place a camera trap to get images of the species that might be found on the property.
Leila Moosajee (Youth Coordinator) reflected on the educational value:
“Learning to track animals isn’t just for conservation experts. It can be a valuable teaching tool across many subjects within the wildlife space. Tracking sharpens one’s eye for detail. You make use of your analytical brain (critical thinking and problem-solving skills), noticing, random patterns, clues, and tiny changes in the environment—great skills to model for students. Educators can use animal tracking to add more adventure, excitement and inspire lifelong learning. It also teaches one patience and perseverance”
The Value for Extension Officers
The CyberTracker training also has great value for extension officers, especially those working closely with communities, landowners, and local stewards. The ability to identify animal signs empowers extension officers to:
- Monitor the presence of priority or threatened species;
- Detect signs of human-wildlife conflict or poaching activity;
- Support landowners in understanding which animals use their land;
- Engage communities with evidence-based storytelling about local biodiversity;
- Build local capacity through knowledge sharing and training in tracking.
By completing this training, Claude, Leila, and Jolandie not only gained technical skills in ecological monitoring, but also deepened their connection to the landscape, providing an invaluable quality for anyone working in conservation. Their achievement contributes to a broader movement across South Africa to revive traditional tracking knowledge, support local conservation leadership, and equip conservationists with practical, field-based tools for effective environmental stewardship.