Aims

SYMCO is an International Symposium on Wildlife Utilisation (ISWU) which was first staged in South Africa in 1986 and has become an institution in international veterinary circles ever since.

The name SYMCO was initially used as short for the “Symposium Committee” and was somehow preserved over the years. We are a non-profit orientated student organisation, affiliated to the Faculty of Veterinary Science of the University of Pretoria.

The Symposium consists of an approximately fourteen day conference workshop and caters for an estimated 80 local and international delegates. This accomplished by maintaining a balance between lectures on pertinent wildlife issues and excursions, enabling the delegates to witness practical aspects of the topics discussed and gain hands on experience in the field. Examples of practical interaction will include game capture, game relocation, disease control and economic implications.

The aims of ISWU are broadly defined as:

• To highlight the necessity and importance of veterinary involvement in the conservation of wildlife.
• To position South Africa as a leading country with regards to veterinary science and wildlife conservation.
• To promote active debate and the exchange of ideas regarding veterinary involvement in topical wildlife issues.
• To establish an international communication network between veterinary students.
• To create an opportunity where international and local veterinary students can experience the theory in a practical "hands on" environment.

To achieve these aims:

• The symposium maintains a balance between lectures on pertinent veterinary issues and excursions enabling delegates to witness practical aspects of the topics discussed e.g. game capture and relocation, disease control, etc.
• Lectures, talks and demonstrations are held at various conservation areas and research faculties to enable delegates to grasp the diversity of fauna and flora that wildlife veterinarians are expected to deal with
• Exposure to what happens behind the scenes in South African Nature Conservation
• ISWU have, over the last two decades, proved to be a highly successful instrument for the achievement of some of the above mentioned goals. We are planning, with your assistance, to build on the historical successes, and in doing so, make a substantial contribution to veterinary science and wildlife conservation, both locally and internationally.