About the Program
Conservation Proficiency Course
The Conservation Proficiency Course is a 10-month immersive program in conservation upskilling and leadership. It brings together a network of 75+ mentors and resource persons from across India to guide a cohort of 10 Fellows through a blend of hands-on learning and theoretical training.
The program combines foundational and advanced coursework in conservation biology with skill-building field workshops, culminating in a six-month paid internship that provides real-world experience in the sector.
What sets this program apart is its inclusive approach. It welcomes not only those with formal academic backgrounds in ecology or biological sciences, but also individuals driven by a genuine interest in conservation, whether they are just starting out or seeking to transition into the field. A deep curiosity about the natural world and a commitment to safeguarding the future of species and ecosystems are the only prerequisites.
Conservation Proficiency Course
A 2+8 month Training-cum-Internship Programme
Conservation Internship Program
An 8-month paid internship, including a shadow program that turns learning into impact, offering hands-on experience across diverse ecosystems.
The Conservation Internship Program offers immersive, hands-on experience in wildlife and ecosystem protection. Be part of Zoo Outreach’s pioneering programs while building skills for careers in conservation and climate sustainability.
Important dates to remember
Application Process:
Start date: 6 May 2026
Application last date: 1 June 2026
Selection process:
First round of interviews: 3rd-4th week of June 2026
Second round of interviews: 1st week of July 2026
Final list of Fellows announced: mid-July 2026
Course process:
Arrival in Coimbatore and settling in: 30 August 2026
Icebreaker, administrative formalities, and orientation: 31 August 2026
RHATC Start date: 1 September 2026
Internship Evaluation date: 1 November 2026
Internship Start date: 4 November 2026
Course end date: 30 June 2027
All applicants must complete this form to be eligible for the first round of selection for the course. Consult the Eligibility criteria & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) before filling out the form.
In case you are unable to submit online, you may contact the Course Co-ordinator at +91 7605035455 or swc3c@zooreach.org between 9.00am and 6.00pm from Monday to Saturday.
What Will You Learn!
PRINCIPLES OF CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
CONSERVATION ETHICS
TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES IN CONSERVATION
NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL CONSERVATION POLICIES
DYNAMICS OF CONSERVATION GOS & NGOS
SYSTEMATIC EDUCATION AND OUTREACH
PRIORITISING CONSERVATION ACTIONS
SCIENTIFIC AND POPULAR COMMUNICATION SKILLS
FUND-RAISING AND ASSOCIATED SKILLS FOR CONSERVATION
SKILL SETS FOR A STARTUP FOR CONSERVATION
Course Structure
Ram Hattikudur Advanced Training in
Conservation
The Ram Hattikudur Advanced Training in Conservation (RHATC) is a 2-month intensive programme that bridges the gap between academic learning and real-world conservation. Built on over four decades of field experience and a unique conservation engineering model, it equips participants with practical skills needed to work in biodiversity-rich, developing landscapes. Led by a diverse team of experts from scientists and taxonomists to educators and policy practitioners, the course blends theory with hands-on training. RHATC empowers participants to move beyond theory, preparing them to become effective, field-ready conservation professionals and future leaders in conservation. This course is based on the unique conservation engineering model developed by Sanjay Molur and the late Sally Walker.
Vision
A community of career conservationists to lead the world into restoring wildlife
Professional development through longer term training for effective conservation leaders.
Intensive Training Programme
A 2-month in-house course in Coimbatore, including field exposure and mentor trainings across diverse conservation issues.
Strong Institutional Backing
Leverages Zooreach’s expertise and partnerships to build capacity among conservation practitioners and future leaders.
Integrated Learning Approach
Combines scientific principles of conservation biology with human dimensions to bridge conservation theory and real-world application.
Holistic Skill Development
Blends classroom learning, hands-on training, and field experience to prepare participants for practical conservation challenges.
Intensive Training Programme
A 2-month in-house course in Coimbatore, including field exposure and mentor trainings across diverse conservation issues.
Strong Institutional Backing
Leverages Zooreach’s expertise and partnerships to build capacity among conservation practitioners and future leaders.
Integrated Learning Approach
Combines scientific principles of conservation biology with human dimensions to bridge conservation theory and real-world application.
Holistic Skill Development
Blends classroom learning, hands-on training, and field experience to prepare participants for practical conservation challenges.
With five years of running the 4-month course, we are moving towards our long term goal of setting up an annual training-internship course. This will provide specialized training, interactions and learnings from over 75 mentors and resource people, opportunity to shadow our scientists, researchers and educators, intern on one of our initiatives and provide credits for students.
Over the past five years the RHATC graduates have applied their learnings in the field of conservation and taken on varied leadership roles. From ground breaking work on mitigating human-snake negative interactions to understanding conservation needs of animals like the Himalayan Tahr, Pygmy Hog, and cave invertebrates, and other interesting landscape, welfare, and social aspects of conservation, our graduates are building their careers in conservation using science as their guide.
INTEGRATED LEARNING
GUIDED CAREER PATHWAY
HANDS-ON FIELD LEARNING
MULTI-ECOSYSTEM EXPOSURE
PEOPLE & PARTNERSHIPS
CORE CONSERVATION SKILLS
CROSS-DISCIPLINARY PERSPECTIVES
LEADERSHIP IN CONSERVATION
If you have any further questions, please refer to our FAQ section. If your query is not addressed, feel free to contact us at swc3c@zooreach.org.
If you see yourself in any of the above categories, apply now and take your first step towards a career in conservation.
