Turning Wildlife Data Into Better Decisions

WildCDS turn science-based biodiversity data into clear, defensible insights to support smarter environmental and conservation management decisions. Grounded in science, tailored for impact.

Your Specialist Partner in Conservation Intelligence

Wildlife Conservation Decision Support (WildCDS) is a specialist ecological consultancy that provides high-quality biodiversity assessments and planning support across southern Africa. Led by Prof. Jan Venter, an experienced ecologist and NRF-rated scientist, WildCDS supports EIA consultants, protected area managers, and private landowners with science-based insights for faunal assessments, reserve and game farm planning, and conservation strategy development. Our work bridges field ecology, spatial data, and policy expertise to inform responsible land-use, conservation and wildlife management decisions.

Why work with us

Over 25 years of field and academic experience

SACNASP-registered specialists

Extensive track record with EIA consultancies, conservation agencies and NGOs

Trusted contributor to Red List, biodiversity screening, and policy reviews

Fast, responsive, and scientifically defensible reporting

What we do

Faunal specialist assessments for EIAs and SEAs
- Mammals (all mammals including bats and golden moles)
- Amphibians
- Reptiles
- Birds
- Arthropods
Species of conservation concern surveys
Terrestrial animal sensitivity verifications and compliance statements
Biodiversity assessments
Corridor and habitat connectivity analysis
Biodiversity offset planning and monitoring
Strategic advisory support for protected area and game farm planning
Wildlife habitat assessments and management advice
Veld assessments and restoration planning

Our team

Our team brings together academic excellence and on-the-ground conservation expertise to deliver reliable, science-based solutions for biodiversity planning, protected area management, and environmental impact assessments.

Prof Jan A Venter

Founder & Principal Specialist

Prof Jan Venter is an ecologist and conservation scientist with over 20 years of experience in biodiversity research, protected area management, and environmental assessment across southern Africa. He holds a C-rating from the NRF and serves as Associate Professor in Conservation Management at Nelson Mandela University. Jan has authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications and technical reports, and is a SACNASP-registered scientist. His specialist fields include vertebrate faunal biodiversity and ecology, conservation planning, wildlife management, and biodiversity impact assessment. His work integrates field ecology, spatial analysis, and conservation planning to support evidence-based decision-making.

Dr Rudie Swart

Forest ecologist & Entomologist

Dr Rudi Swart is a conservation ecologist with expertise in Afrotemperate forest ecology, arthropod biodiversity, and indigenous forest restoration. He holds a PhD in Conservation Ecology from Stellenbosch University and has conducted extensive research on forest tree-pollinator interactions and landscape-scale biodiversity patterns. Rudi has experience in faunal sensitivity assessments, environmental reporting, and ecological restoration planning. He is a SACNASP-registered ecological scientist and has contributed to both academic and applied conservation initiatives through research, teaching, and consulting across the southern Cape.

Miss Sorina Venter

Field Technician

Sorina Venter is an early-career conservationist with strong practical field experience in faunal monitoring, biodiversity surveys, and protected area operations. She holds a Diploma in Nature Conservation (Cum Laude) and is completing her Advanced Diploma at Nelson Mandela University. Sorina has assisted in a wide range of ecological fieldwork, including animal tracking, bird behavioural studies, vegetation assessments, biodiversity sampling for EIAs, and conservation operations in several South African reserves. Her work ethic, versatility, and attention to detail support the efficient delivery of field-based biodiversity assessments across southern Africa.

“We reached the old wolf in time to watch a fierce green fire dying in her eyes. I realized then and have known ever since that there was something new to me in those eyes, something known only to her and the mountain. I was young then and full of trigger itch; I thought that because of fewer meant more deer, that no wolfs would mean hunters’ paradise. But after seeing the green fire die, I sensed that neither the wolf nor the mountain agreed with such a view” – Aldo Leopold

Recent projects

VENTER, J.A. & SWART, R., 2025. Terrestrial Animal Site Sensitivity Verification and Species Specialist Assessment Report – Proposed development of the Stanford Green Eco Estate residential area on Erf 438, Stanford. Technical Report prepared for Lornay Environmental Consulting, George, Western Cape, ZA.

VENTER, J.A. 2025. Terrestrial Animal Site Sensitivity Verification and Species Specialist Assessment Report – Proposed Residential Development on Portion 4 of the Farm 643, Stanford, Version 2. Technical Report prepared for Lornay Environmental Consulting, Hermanus, Western Cape, ZA.

VENTER, J.A., SWART, R. 2025. Terrestrial Animal Site Sensitivity Verification and Species Specialist Assessment Report – Proposed Residential Development on Erf 3495, Paapekuilfontein, Struisbaai. Technical Report prepared for Lornay Environmental Consulting, Hermanus, Western Cape, ZA.

VENTER, J.A. 2025. Terrestrial Animal Site Sensitivity Verification Report and Compliance Statement – Proposed residential development of RE281, Paapekuilfontein, Struisbaai Version 3 Technical Report prepared for Lornay Environmental Consulting, George, Western Cape, ZA.

VENTER, J.A. 2025. Faunal Specialist Assessment for the Existing (Section 24G) and Proposed New Tourism Developments on Portion 1 of Farm 723 (Wortelgat), Coot Club, Stanford, Stanford. Technical Report prepared for Lornay Environmental Consulting, Hermanus, Western Cape, ZA.

VENTER, J.A. & SWART, R. 2025. Section 24G Terrestrial Animal Site Sensitivity Verification Report and Compliance Statement: Development of an unlawful dam within a watercourse on No. 232, Portion 17 of the Farm Redford, The Crags, Bitou Municipal Area. Technical Report prepared for Bokamoso Environmental Consultants, George, Western Cape, ZA.

VENTER, J.A., PEEL, M.J.S., MARTINDALE, G., HECHTER, F.S. 2025. Maputo National Park Wildlife Offtakes Operational Plan. Mozambique. Report, Mozambique National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC) & Peace Parks Foundation, Maputo, Mozambique.

VENTER, J.A., 2025. Terrestrial Animal Site Sensitivity Verification and Species Specialist Assessment Report – Proposed Residential Dwelling on Erf 1071 Hoekwil in Wilderness. Technical Report prepared for Greenfire Enviro (Pty) Ltd, George, Western Cape, ZA.

VENTER, J.A., 2025. Terrestrial Animal Site Sensitivity Verification and Species Specialist Assessment Report – Proposed Dam and Aircraft Landing Strip on Farm Antjiesfontein RE/14, Prince Albert. Technical Report prepared for Greenfire Enviro (Pty) Ltd, George, Western Cape, ZA.

VENTER, J.A. & SWART, R., 2025. Terrestrial Animal Site Sensitivity Verification and Species Specialist Assessment Report – Proposed infrastructure upgrade and expansion of the tourist accommodation facilities on Rusty Gate Mountain Retreat, Farms 824, Rem. Farm 826 and Farm 887, in the Caledon District. Technical Report prepared for Lornay Environmental Consulting, George, Western Cape, ZA.

VENTER, J.A. & SWART, R., 2025. Terrestrial Animal Site Sensitivity Verification and Species Specialist Assessment Report Ver. 2- Proposed development of an eco-estate/beach resort on Portion 36 of Farm Franche Kraal 708, Overberg. Technical Report prepared for Lornay Environmental Consulting, George, Western Cape, ZA.

VENTER, J.A. & PEEL, M.J.S. 2024. Limpopo National Park Water Supplementation Policy Review and Recommendations. Mozambique. Unpublished report, Peace Parks Foundation, Maputo, Mozambique.

VENTER, J.A. & SWART, R., 2024. Terrestrial Animal Site Sensitivity Verification Report and Compliance Statement – Proposed expansion of the Aqunion (Pty) Ltd Abalone Farm, Romansbaai Farm Portion 2 of Klipfontein Farm no 711, Gansbaai. Technical Report prepared for Lornay Environmental Consulting, George, Western Cape, ZA.

VENTER, J.A. & SWART, R., 2024. Terrestrial Animal Site Sensitivity Verification and Species Specialist Assessment Report – Proposed development of the Khoisan Bay Residential Development on Portion 2 of Farm Strandfontein No. 712, Gansbaai. Technical Report prepared for Lornay Environmental Consulting, George, Western Cape, ZA.

VENTER, J.A., 2024. Terrestrial Animal Site Sensitivity Verification Report and Compliance Statement – 80MWac Solar PV+130MWh BESS, Portions 11 & 89 of Farm 183 Eastbrook, Karatara. Technical Report prepared for Celior (Pty) Ltd, George, Western Cape, ZA.

VENTER, J.A. & SWART, R., 2024. Terrestrial Animal Site Sensitivity Verification Report and Compliance Statement – Proposed infrastructure upgrade and expansion of the tourist accommodation facilities on Rusty Gate Mountain Retreat, Farms 824, Rem. Farm 826 and Farm 887, in the Caledon District. Technical Report prepared for Lornay Environmental Consulting, George, Western Cape, ZA.

VENTER, J.A., PEEL, M.J.S., & WOLFAARD, G.C.M. 2023. An ecological assessment of potential sanctuaries for White Rhino (Ceratotherium simum) in Limpopo National Park, Mozambique. Unpublished report, Peace Parks Foundation, Maputo, Mozambique.

VENTER, J.A. 2024. Terrestrial Animal Site Sensitivity Verification Report and Species Specialist Assessment Report – Proposed development of Residential Erf 1486, Vermont, Hermanus. Technical Report prepared for Lornay Environmental Consulting, George, Western Cape, ZA.

VENTER, J.A., PEEL, M.J.S., & WOLFAARD, G.C.M. 2023. An ecological assessment of potential sanctuaries for White Rhino (Ceratotherium simum) in Maputo National Park, Mozambique. Unpublished report, Peace Parks Foundation, Maputo, Mozambique.

VENTER, J.A. 2023. Terrestrial Animal Compliance Statement Duthie’s Golden Mole – Chlorotalpa duthieae, Eden Palms Residential, Property: Portion 21/438, Ladywood Estate, Plettenberg Bay.