Counter Poaching Efforts

[Lisbeth]

11 Facts about what Kruger's Rhino rangers face will leave you cold

2016-06-07 16:30 - Louzel Lombard

Rhino poaching numbers has dropped in the last two years. Latest figures show that 363 rhino were poached in South Africa from January to April 2016, 41 down from 404 in the same period last year.

Drastic reaction to the obliteration of SA's rhino has slowed down the killing, as it evident in the statistics. But this is only because there are ordinary South Africans who are willing to put their lives on the line in order to save a species.

The Kruger National Park sprawls over two million hectares, an area which is supposed to provide a safe sanctuary for SA's incredible animals. Now, however, the Kruger's stature has placed it in the bullseye as the prime target for poachers in SA.

According to Ken Maggs, for the ranger core command in the Kruger National Park, 'a week goes not go by where we haven't had physical contact and gunfire with
poachers...'

It can only be described as war.

These are just some of the hardships and risks the Kruger's rhino rangers face every day, according to Maggs:

- It's not uncommon to have one or two contacts with poachers each day

- At any given time, there are about five to 15 poacher groups in the Kruger

- Rangers have been forced to become para-militant, meaning they have to carry weapons and heavy artillery

- Rangers are on call 24/7, 365 days of the year. They are always reactionary, at the ready

- Poachers are highly militant, skilled and mobile. They won't hesitate to kill rangers who get in the way

- Rangers stand directly between rhinos and poachers. Although this is the most effective tool to stop poaching, it is also the most dangerous position to be in

- Rangers face being charged with murder and prosecution

- Rangers do not have a shoot-to-kill policy, unlike the poachers

- Rangers are fighting a rhino market syndicate, not only poachers. Poachers on the ground are fuelled by a growing market which funds the poaching

- In the Kruger, there have to be guards, watching the guards on duty

- Rangers face being killed in action – it’s an expectation


Check out the video below to see the video of Kruger's rhino rangers and how they combat poaching:

https://vimeo.com/139260685

Kruger National Park Rangers from Black Rhino Project on Vimeo.

The video was created by Gideon van Eeden from Tafelberg Films for the Black Rhino Project.

South Africa's department of environmental affairs also ascribes the small victory in rhino poaching numbers this year to the rangers' work.

Minister Edna Molewa said at the start of April that, "Rhino poaching figures has relatively stabilised, thanks to the hard work done by all our people and Rangers on the ground, particularly."

The DEA listed five minimum requirements which will be implemented in the next financial year to create an environment conducive for rhino conservation in South Africa, and effectively address rhino poaching and the illegal trade in rhino horn.

[Richprins]

- In the Kruger, there have to be guards, watching the guards on duty

This is by far the biggest problem, and by "guards" he means the whole structure, right to the top.

[Lisbeth]

And guards watching the guards watching the guards on duty

[Flutterby]

- Rangers face being charged with murder and prosecution

We were told recently by someone in the know that Rangers are very hesitant to fire at poachers for this very reason!!

How can they do their job properly when they risk being prosecuted for doing their job properly??

[Richprins]

They find ways, Flutts!

Not the biggest problem, and the poachers know it.

[Flutterby]

[RogerFraser]

http://lowvelder.co.za/340611/one-poach ... onal-park/

One poacher shot, another drowned after wild chase in the Kruger National Park
Two poachers in the Kruger National Park were caught in the act yesterday by teams from the protection unit of the KNP. One was shot and apprehended while the other jumped into the Nsikazi River and drowned.

5 hours ago
Police divers recovered a body from the Nsikazi River.

PRETORIUSKOP – One poacher was apprehended and another drowned after jumping into the Nsikazi River near Numbi Gate after both fled from an apparent poaching scene in the southern region of the Kruger National Park.

The body of the one who drowned was retrieved by police divers at about 13:00.

* Two SANParks rangers were arrested on Saturday in Skukuza for alleged rhino poaching.

[Lisbeth]

Bringing out the Big Guns: Kruger gets heavy artillery to combat poaching



“The time has come for everyone to stand up and fight against poaching in order to help ensure these precious heritages for our children’s children survive forever."

With these words, SANParks CEO, Fundisile Mketeni received a 40mm Under Barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL) system on behalf of South African National Parks (SANParks) in Groenkloof Pretoria. The artillery, SANParks says, will assist in the on-going fight against poaching in the Kruger National Park (KNP), South Africa’s largest national Park.

SANParks is home to the largest population of rhino in the world and the majority of these rhino reside in the iconic KNP.

Mketeni says that with the increased incursions in the KNP, SANParks will continue to look at new and innovative ways in fighting the relentless incursions that we are dealing with in order to protect the rhino. “The South African rhino population is one of the last viable rhino populations in the world which makes it extremely vulnerable. South Africa is therefore the remaining hope for the world in terms of rhino conservation and as such, we have no choice but to conquer this war.”

The UBGL was made by large weapon manufacturer Milkor, a world leader in the design, development and manufacturing of 37/38 and 40mm weapons systems, famous for its 40mm MGL (Multiple Grenade Launcher) range of products.

The company is known for its prolific use in many Defense and Police Forces for more than 35 years, and with 60 000 of its systems sold in more than 50 countries worldwide.

Marius Roos, CEO Milkor says they are confidant that the UBGLs’ light weight and durable characteristics along with its diverse less-lethal and lethal applications such as flare, smoke, flash bang, impulse and rubber rounds will aid SANParks’ Anti-Poaching operations.

The UBGL gives the user an added advantage over the traditional type launcher as it forms part and parcel of the main weapon or assault rifle.

“SANParks will be able to deploy these weapon systems as part of their arsenal of weapons to combat poaching activities nationally. Milkor is committed to the fight and we continually improve our weapons to adapt to these unique requirements,” Roos says.

SANParks said at the event that partnerships of this nature allow them to provide the desperately needed support in terms of equipment to the counter poaching teams who are in the bush at this very moment.

[Richprins]

That will frighten the daylights out of them!

[Mel]

Hopefully!