Mambas have the bite
Anti-poaching unit joins Kapama fight
ANTI-POACHING efforts at the Kapama Private Game Reserve in Hoedspruit have been given a boost, with the addition of Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit members – the first majority female anti-poaching unit in South Africa.
The Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (HESC) announced a partnership with the Black Mamba Unit, founded in 2013.
The unit was formed to protect the Olifants West Region of Balule Nature Reserve.
But within the first year of operation, the Black Mambas were invited to expand into other regions, and now protect all boundaries of the 52 000ha Balule Nature Reserve, which forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park. The group consists of 32 young women and one man.
Two Black Mambas will join the HESC-based anti-poaching team and work hand in hand with the current K9 unit to put more boots, and paws, on the ground and further strengthen the security of the wildlife in their care.
HESC director Adine Roode said: “Both HESC and the Black Mambas are driven by like-minded women, passionate about wildlife and our communities,” she said.
Both parties are committed to protecting the environment, but also educating and becoming respected role models in their local communities.
The Black Mambas strive to create an understanding in communities – that the benefits of rhino conservation are far greater than the benefits of poaching.
Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit founder Craig Spencer said: “Transfrontier Africa and the Black Mambas are very excited to be able to partner with HESC and lend assistance in a small way.”
HESC has never hesitated to assist with orphaned and injured animals that needed treatment and rehabilitation, he added.
“We see this as a wonderful opportunity to strengthen our relationship with HESC, and offer something small in return for all the effort and dedication that they have shown to the animals in need,” Spencer said.
HESC is optimistic about this new partnership, HESC founding director Lente Roode said.
“We are confident that this initiative will create a firm and lasting foundation to further the conservation goals of both ourselves and the Black Mambas, contributing to eradicating poaching and ensuring that our animals and our staff remain protected and safe at all times,” she said.