Syllabus : Nature Site Guide TGD/NSGd/2/0029 ...

The level 2 guide should be able to identify the major living and non-living features of the natural environment in which s/he operates and interpret them at a level based mainly on observation and from an elementary scientific and cultural perspective. As a general guideline, a level 2 guide must develop a sound knowledge of geology, plants and animals (i.e. birds, mammals, reptiles, etc) and the principles of guiding.  

1. Conservation : The level 2 guide must understand the role of a guide, the principles of operation and how various national and international conservation bodies serve to protect / manage the natural environment.

2. Geology : The level 2 guide must have basic knowledge of the three rock types (igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic), examples of each and a rock-forming minerals.  The level 2 guide must have basic knowledge of the interrelationships between rocks, soil, climate, vegetation and animals.  

3. Ecology : The level 2 guide needs to have an understanding of basic ecological principles, symbiotic relationships and plant-animal interactions.

4. Elementary Taxonomy : The level 2 guide needs to have a basic knowledge of elementary taxonomy up to family level of all the larger mammals, and identification of all those larger mammals occurring in the area of operation.

5. Plants : The level 2 guide needs to be able to identify the common plants of an area and have a basic knowledge of these common plants with regard to reproduction, habitat preference, food value, medicinal value, economic value, folklore and other interesting information. This includes trees, shrubs & grasses.

6. Insects & Relatives : The level 2 guide needs to be able  to identify the common orders and families of arthropods in the area of operation and interpret obvious behavioural patterns of these insects, spiders and scorpions.  The guide needs to have a basic knowledge of insect reproduction and life cycles. The guide must be able to identify venomous spiders and scorpions.  

7. Amphibians (Frogs & Toads) : The level 2 guide needs to have knowledge of the characteristics of the class of amphibians, and know the differences between frogs and toads. The guide must have an understanding of the life cycle and reproduction in frogs and toads. The level 2 guide must be able to identify the most common species of amphibians in the area of operation.

8. Reptiles : The level 2 guide needs to know the characteristics of the class of reptiles and must know the identification features of the three reptile orders. The guide must be able to identify the most common species of reptiles in the area of operation. An understanding of the venomous snakes is important in terms of type of venom, symptoms and treatment. The level 2 guide needs to know the exceptions to the rule with regards to snake reproduction and venom.  

9. Birds : The level 2 guide must be able to distinguish between passerine and non-passerine birds, and between the major orders of birds. The level 2 guide must be able to identify the most prominent birds (large, colourful. very common and/or specific interest) in the area of operation.  

10. Bony Fish : The level 2 guide must be able to label the various parts of a fish and should be able to describe how freshwater fish fit into the freshwater ecosystem. Guides should be able to name the common fish found in their area of operation.

11. Mammals : The level 2 guide must be able to identify all larger mammals and interpret obvious behavioural patterns of these animals. The guide must know the characteristics of the class and the sub-classes of mammals. The guide must have an understanding of the orders, common families and species of mammals. The guide must also have basic knowledge pertaining to the "flag-ship" species of South Africa i.e. elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, buffalo, hippo, rhino species, zebra species, wildebeest species and giraffe.

12. Animal Behaviour :   The level 2 guide needs to have a basic understanding of the behaviour of animals in terms of social organization, communication, protection & reproduction as well as being able to anticipate likely threats and taking the necessary remedial action.  

13. Weather & Climate : The level 2 guide needs a basic understanding of cloud formations and the associated weather. The guide needs to have basic knowledge of the general climate of Southern Africa .  

14. Night Sky : The level 2 guide needs to be able to point out the most obvious stars, planets and constellations in the night sky at all times of the year. The guide must also be able to find direction at night using the Southern Cross and an understanding of moon phases and their effect on tides.  

15. Bush Skills, Field Skills & Vehicles : A general knowledge of safety procedures, survival techniques, orientation by stars and sun as well as a rudimentary understanding of vehicles is required by the level 2 guide.