The core functions of Veterinary Wildlife Services include the following:
This includes the dehorning of vulnerable rhino, treatment of individuals shot by poachers and recovering orphaned calves from the field. VWS also investigates cases of poisoning through forensic necropsies and analysis of samples.
Veterinary Wildlife Services provides input into policy development and planning for conservation interventions at local, national and international forums.
VWS implements veterinary-focused research with national and international collaborators. The unit provides veterinary and operational support to other departments conducting research projects. Research outcomes are communicated via the publishing articles, presentations at national and international conferences, and training courses for veterinarians.
Disease monitoring allows for early detection and an implementation of interventions for diseases which may have ecological impacts within national parks and surrounding communities.
VWS provides veterinary and operational support to conservation projects being conducted within South African and the rest of Africa by international conservation agencies, such as World Wildlife Fund (WWF), or as conservation efforts implemented with other countries, i.e. Botswana, Namibia and Chad.
The treatment includes animals with snares, injured by vehicles, burnt in management fires, etc.
Many VWS staff have post-graduate qualifications and others have significant teaching experience at undergraduate and post-graduate levels.
These resources are utilised to provide courses and workshops to raise funds, promote SANParks' profile and uplift surrounding communities.
Income is generated by the capture and sale of excess animals, especially high value species, to the private sector. VWS also facilitates the sustainable harvesting of wildlife for income generation.
This includes the capture and translocation of animals between national parks for ecological requirements and to maintain ecosystems' health.