Advanced training helps turn the poaching tide
More job-creating projects in rural South Africa will help in reducing poaching.
That is the view of one young ranger, part of a large contingent that descended on the Darlington Dam to be honoured by deputy environment minister Barbara Thomson on World Ranger Day, on Tuesday.
Addo field ranger Kate Holom, 30, said she had been introduced to nature via a biodiversity outreach project run by the department.
“I knew nothing and now I’m passionate about it.”
Overcoming rhino poaching would continue to be a tough fight, but the advanced training rangers were now receiving was helping to turn the tide, she said.
“Unemployment is the one thing driving poaching.
“If we could initiate more job-creating projects in Addo town, for example, I think that would help, together with more education.”
Addo marine and senior section ranger Rob Milne, 48, said while his team worked on the ocean, countering illegal fishing and perlemoen poaching, it also patrolled Bird Island, home of the world’s biggest Cape gannet population, and St Croix Island, which hosts the biggest colony of endangered African penguins.
Perlemoen poaching, rampant in 2008, had largely been brought under control through joint efforts by SANParks, police and the Asset Forfeiture Unit, he said.
Issues like offshore bunkering and seabed mining had changed the dynamic in Algoa Bay and it remained to be seen how these activities would dovetail with SANParks’ proposed 120,000ha marine protected area.
“Addo’s marine zone is very beautiful and special.
“We’re all hoping the new marine protected area will be declared soon.”
Golden Gate National Park field ranger Johannes Molaba, 43, said his aim was to protect the country’s natural heritage so that the next generations could enjoy it too.
Addressing the event at the dam, Thomson said SA’s wildlife was under threat on many fronts.
“Elephant and rhino are not the only things at risk. It’s also about abalone, sea turtles, sharks for their fins, cycads and pangolins,” she said.