<
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20231120-the-black-mambas-south-africas-all-female-anti-poaching-unit>
'Most anti-poaching units in Africa follow a familiar pattern: male rangers
armed with rifles patrol the bush to catch those hoping to snare big game for
the lucrative illegal trade in their body parts. One unit operating in the
Olifants West Nature Reserve within the Greater Kruger National Park in South
Africa is a bit different.
The Black Mambas, named after the deadly snake, is the first all-female
anti-poaching unit in South Africa. Since they were established in 2013,
they've had a significant impact on local wildlife conservation. By removing
snares and traps, the group claims to have reduced poaching significantly and
eliminated rhino poaching within the reserve.
Their approach is controversial; the female rangers do not carry any weapons
and instead rely on armed back up when they come across armed poachers. The
rangers are tracked in real time and operate their own command control centre.
They are deployed with pepper spray, handcuffs and radios and aren't involved
in ambushes.
The Black Mambas operate in shifts, patrolling the Olifants West Nature
Reserve, which spans 20,000 hectares (200 sq km), eyes peeled for snares and
evidence of incursions through the perimeter fence. They rely on intensive
training and military-like discipline to react to any type of situation.
Some might see the group's unarmed approach as a real risk – the poachers they
confront are typically carrying weapons. But Cutie Mhlongo, a Black Mamba since
2014, disagrees. "Our advantage is that they won't shoot us, because they know
that we don't carry guns,” she says. The rangers rarely suffer serious injuries
from animals or poachers.
For many women from the local communities, employment opportunities are scarce.
Becoming a Black Mamba has a wider impact, empowering women's social standing
and gaining economic independence. The Black Mambas' ability to make a
difference for local wildlife conservation also increases wider understanding
of the issue. Mhlongo's friends are impressed by her ability to predict animal
behaviour and stay safe. They see her as a role model and want to sign up.'
Via
Future Crunch:
<
https://futurecrunch.com/good-news-child-nutrition-human-rights-bhutan-ocean-png/>
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
