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Published on Sunday, November 15, 2015

Black Mambas Fight Poachers to Save Animals In South Africa

Black Mambas Fight Poachers to Save Animals In South Africa

South African nature reserves host and protect some of the most endangered species. The poaching of rhinos has increased dramatically in the past several years. Rhinos are being poached for their horns.   As part of the effort to protect rhinos and other endangered species the head warden of the Balule Nature Reserve decided to approach local individuals to form a group that could help protect the rhinos and other animals on the reserve from poachers.  Part of their mission was not only to protect the animals but to educate other local people about poaching and the importance of preserving wildlife.

 

The group is known as the Black Mambas. What makes this group special is that it is composed almost solely of women.  These women are breaking new ground in a profession that is dominated by men.

 

Training

 

To become part of this special force women must take part in an intensive six week training that includes tracking, combat training and training time in the field working with a deployed unit. 

 

Passion and Education

 

Apart from doing daily patrols the Black Mambas are also passionate about the work they do, their national heritage and the wildlife. Many of the Black Mambas are recruited directly out of high school.  Many of the patrols women are also mothers and part of what makes this group effective is that they understand how important these animals are to their way of life. As parents they understand it is their privilege and duty to protect and save the wildlife so that their children do not have to learn about these animals through pictures and can experience them in real life. 

 

As part of their education efforts much of their time is spent developing long lasting ties with their communities.  They help people understand what a crucial role these animals play in their region and why they must help protect and conserve them.   The time spent in education and relationship building within their local communities is making it difficult for poachers to find new recruits.

 

Empowerment

 

Many critics questioned whether or not a group of female rangers could be successful but their efforts have wiped away any doubts critics may have had.  Since its inception this group has managed to eliminate 12 poaching camps and three bush meat kitchens. They are responsible for a 76 percent decrease in poisoning and snaring activities.  This record speaks for itself. 

 

In addition to a highly effective training program and a focus on education the women also possess great strength, compassion and an attention to detail that helps the group thrive and be successful. 

 

Many of the women in this group are also the primary support for their families and this gives them an extra incentive for making the group successful.

 

Conclusion

 

The black Mambas focus on prevention and that, in large part, is responsible for reducing the amount of rhino deaths on the reserve.  The group walks the fence line around the preserve every day and patrols the perimeter at night.  They look out and take down any snares and locate and fix any fence tampering. The purpose of these activities is to stop poachers before they make it into the park reserve.  This group has not lost a single rhino in over 10 months and this is a spectacular achievement. According to the United Nations other reserves have lost around two dozen rhinos during the same period. 

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Author: Organic Jeff

Categories: Blogs, Green Living, Animals & Wildlife

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