The Art of Tracking

The Art of Tracking may well be the origin of science. After hundreds of thousands of years, traditional tracking skills may soon be lost.

The Employment of Trackers in Nature Conservation

Creating employment opportunities for trackers provides economic benefits to indigenous communities. In addition, non-literate trackers who have in the past been employed as unskilled labourers can gain recognition for their specialised expertise.

The Development of Tracking Skills for the Future

Tracking should be recognised as a specialised profession. As long as trackers are held in low esteem in the eyes of the younger generation, young people will have no motivation to qualify themselves as trackers.

Research and Monitoring

Furthermore, tracks and signs offer information on undisturbed, natural behaviour, while direct observations often influences the animal by the mere presence of the observer.

Environmental Education

Perhaps one of the most important factors in nature conservation is a general awareness of wildlife amongst the general public. Ignorance by the public at large may well be the most dangerous threat to the survival of many species in the face of development.

Ecotourism

In the growing ecotourism industry trackers play a key role in tracking down animals for game viewing and on wilderness trails. On game viewing drives, trackers greatly enhance the efficiency of finding animals in the time available. On wilderness walks and trails trackers open up a new experience to tourists.

Anti-Poaching

To deal with conventional poaching it is essential for conservation agencies to have good relations with neighbouring communities. I

The Art of Tracking