Tackling Africa's Poaching Crisis

Transfrontier Ranger and Air Support

This campaign created force multiplying skills for Rangers such as, close air support, tracking, first aid and criminal procedure training. Providing essential ground-to-air training and support will tackle Africa’s devastating poaching crisis and protect precious ecosystems. Over the past decade, more than 1,000 Rangers have lost their lives defending wildlife, and over 9,000 rhinos have fallen victim to poaching in Africa. With one million species currently at risk of extinction, this project provides essential training to equip at least 100 Rangers with the skills needed to protect vulnerable ecosystems and species.

The Greater Kruger Environmental Protection Foundation (GKEPF) was established in 2016 to assist in combatting wildlife crime within Africa’s Central Lowveld. Within GKEPF’s area of influence, the transfrontier zone describes a vast area of land extending across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Home to the continent’s largest and most important population of rhino, enhanced support in the area is critical. The intention is to establish a safe and conservation friendly refuge for rhinos, wildlife and all other inhabitants in the zone.

Working alongside high impact operators, Pelorus Foundation and Frontier have partnered with GKEPF to share resources and increase the level of support and tactical training across the transfrontier zone. Through adopting a force multiplier approach, we strengthened the skillsets of field rangers, and provided them with vital air support to achieve deter, detect and disrupt effects throughout this vast area. Strategically, air support is a highly effective tool when working in such an expansive landscape.

Through developing the essential components of an efficient counter poaching system, our objective is to turn the tide of wildlife crime and mitigate the alarming threats inflicted upon field rangers. Through this integrated effort, we intend to achieve synergies and a proactive stance on a sustainable basis.

Through support like yours, this funding enabled our partners on the ground to bolster relations and build integration which resulted in a more unified anti-poaching force in the Greater Kruger. In terms of the impact the training had, In 2021 alone GKEPF arrested over 30 suspects and recovered over 30 firearms.

Strategic fund deploment enabled precise aerial support to track poacher, while rangers received training in night vision technology and navigation tools, sharpening their reporting accuracy and operational effectiveness.

The deployment of K9 units, including tracker dogs and hounds equipped with advanced techonology, boosted operational confidence and teamwork, particularly during cross-border and night-time missions.

By building the core elements of a robust counter-poaching system, our mission is to reverse the tide of wildlife crime and reduce the serious threats faced by field rangers. This integrated approach aims to foster synergy and establish a proactive, sustainable defense against poaching.

Words from the Field

"Fighting poachers on the ground helps save endangered species. But in the thick bush and under the cover of the night, the odds are stacked against even the most skilful, and highly trained teams.

Now infrared cameras track body heat and movement, giving Field Rangers their night vision and a distinct advantage. Funds from organisations like Pelorus Foundation are vital if we are to make headway in anti-poaching and trafficking initiatives."

To find out more and how your donation can make a positive impact, please email support@pelorusfoundation.com.