Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit (UK)

WWorld Rhino Day was celebrated last week on 22 September and this day provides an opportunity annually for cause-related organisations and NGO’s to celebrate rhinos and bring attention to issues surrounding poaching of these endangered animals globally.

There are five species of rhino and two of these are found in South Africa – white rhino and black rhino. South Africa has seen dwindling figures of rhino due to poaching in recent years. The white rhino population in Africa is approximately 18,000 and this figure represents a 12 percent decline of white rhino within the last decade, according to the latest State of Rhino Report, which is published by the International Rhino Foundation.

Poaching has presented the South African wildlife industry with numerous challenges throughout the last decade and increased poaching over the last few years has made the situation to protect rhinos within South Africa desperate.

AAlthough poaching within South Africa has declined since the start of the Coronavirus pandemic due to the closure of borders and restrictions of international travel, the latest reports show that poaching is on the increase again. The latest figures also state that even though the black rhino population remains endangered, there has been a 17 percent increase in the black rhino population over the last decade. The growth of the black rhino population is accredited to government conservation efforts to protect and grow the population.

The demand for rhino horn (which are often sold on black markets in the Far East) remains a threat and has contributed significantly to rhino poaching. Conservation organisations have introduced reproductive initiatives to help combat poaching and to sustain and grow the rhino population in various parts of the African continent.

TThe Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit is a majority-female unit which was founded in the Bulule Nature Reserve within the Greater Kruger National Park in 2013. The unit is the first line of defence and is widely responsible for the early detection of poaching via the unit's daily patrols; rhino poachers operate using several methods and the unit has created interventions to help combat all of them. The unit also operates the Bush Babies Programme at a number of schools bordering the Kruger National Park. The programme teaches children about wildlife and the environment and how it needs to be protected.

Click here to find out more about the Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit and the fantastic work they do to protect rhinos within the Kruger National Park.

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