The unit, which is based at the Balule Private Game Reserve in the Greater Kruger National Park, was founded in 2013 and is made up of 26 members.
According to the Mambas, not a single rhino has been killed within the territory they protect in over ten months. In a world where just a kilogram of rhino horn can fetch up to £16,000 on the black market, a breach in the fencing could be an indication of the worst – the trail of a poacher. “With every rhino saved the Black Mambas demonstrate that action on a local level is critical to achieving global sustainability and equity.”Poachers better watch out “I am not afraid; I know what I am doing and I know why I am doing it”, said Black Mamba member Leitah Mkhabela”.
He said, Their many successes are a result of their impressive courage and determination to make a difference in their community.
As of August 27, South Africa has lost 749 rhinos to poaching this year.
The Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit, a South African ranger group consisting mostly of women, has been named as one of the winners of the top United Nations environmental prize.
And groups like Black Mambas have provided support as “environmental monitors”.
“Community-led initiatives are crucial to combating the illegal trade in wildlife‚ and the Black Mambas highlight how effective local knowledge and commitment can be‚” said United Nations under-secretary-general and UNEP executive director Achim Steiner. The unit has assisted in the arrest of six poachers‚ reduced snaring by poachers of other wildlife by 76%‚ removed more than 1‚000 snares and broke down dive poachers’ camps and two bush meat kitchens.
Working as a Black Mamba anti-poaching ranger involves patrolling the reserve, walking up to 20km a day.
The Black Mamba team protects all wildlife but the endangered rhinos are the most vulnerable as their horns can go for $35,000 per pound in the black market, according to The Dodo. The rangers reportedly know the land so well that a mere misplaced stone is enough to alert them to the presence of poachers. One ranger specifically targets the children in the communities, seeking to connect them with the parks’ wildlife, soil and water. “This war will never be won with bullets”. They understand how the extreme poverty surrounding the parks and the demand from Asia combine to produce the surge in poaching.
“The introduction of environmental screens into areas dealing with excessive numbers of poaching incidents has performed a demonstrable position in combating this crime via their work of teaching communities within the space on the advantages of conservation and rhino safety”, the official stated. It is risky work and many poachers do not shy away from resisting arrest. They will be presented the UN’s highest environmental accolade on September 27 in New York. To date, the Champions of the Earth have recognised 67 laureates in the categories of policy, science, business and civil society. It fulfils Goal 15 of the Sustainable Development Goals.