Durban — With a staggering 325 rhinos lost to poachers in 2023 alone — nearly one per day – efforts to curb the scourge are being ramped up following a week-long training for rangers in Hluhluwe Game Reserve last week.
The training, dubbed Wildlife Crime Investigative Techniques, was a collaborative effort with Wildlife Defense — an organisation focused on empowering wildlife officers through essential training and equipment donations.
The programme enjoyed the financial backing of the U.S. Mission to South Africa, highlighting international support for wildlife protection.
Rangers from 10 prestigious reserves, including eight from Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, attended the training, reflecting a united front against wildlife crime.
Mthokosizi Cele, Ezemvelo’s provincial security manager, praised the timing of the programme, stating, “The training programme came at the perfect time, given the evolving crime patterns and the increasingly sophisticated methods employed by criminals.”
He noted the significant focus on utilising DNA and trace evidence, like fingerprints, to refine their investigative capabilities.
“We have gained valuable knowledge on identifying and securing crime scenes, as well as following proper procedures for processing, collecting, and packaging evidence,” said Cele.
In addition to South African rangers, the training initiative welcomed participants from Wild Tomorrow's Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve and Adams Cassinga, a representative from the Democratic Republic of Congo and founder of Conserv Congo, reinforcing the regional commitment to wildlife conservation.
Jaclyn Cole, Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Consulate General Durban, said: “Globally, the U.S. government embraces a three-pronged strategy toward wildlife trafficking that involves strengthening law enforcement, reducing demand, and fostering international cooperation.”
She added: “Our approach to combating wildlife trafficking is rooted in a commitment to collaboration, where we prioritise learning from and working alongside South Africa’s experts.”
As poachers increasingly target KwaZulu-Natal's reserves — redirecting their activities from the heavily guarded Kruger National Park — South Africa finds itself on the receiving end of criminals targeting rhinos.
Greg Canning, General Manager at Wild Tomorrow, emphasised the significance of a collaborative fight against wildlife rampant rhino poaching crime.
“This course underscores the importance of collaboration between institutions involved in the combatting of wildlife crime, from NGOs and government bodies to partners in other African countries and even international conservation and law enforcement entities,” he remarked.
Leigh Paluch, President and founder of Wildlife Defence, was equally enthusiastic about the outcomes of the training. “It’s been thrilling to watch them put these skills to work. But one of the best feelings is being able to leave them with the equipment and tools they’re now trained in,” she said.
Reflecting on the programme, Tori Gray, Project Manager at Wild Tomorrow, said: “It is heart-warming to see the field rangers, section rangers, conservation managers, and law enforcement officers all so genuinely invested in the courses.”
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