Anti-Poaching+Measures+Kruger+National+Park

Anti-Poaching Measures in Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park is doing all it can to stop poachers and protect the rhinos and elephants that live in the park. In 2014, they had about 400 rangers, about 150 other men, joint command of an army company, as well as an aerial division including two helicopters, two fixed wing aircraft and two microlights. This may sound impressive but it is about one fifth of the amount of men they really need. However, they realized that it would not be cost effective to hire that many men.

In 2013, Johan Jooste was contracted to run the anti-poaching unit within South Africa and he is paying most of his attention to Kruger Park and its poaching issues. When he came he made many new improvements like unifying command. He brought together the aerial unit, army, and rangers to form one cohesive task force. He made sure the rangers were prepared and were a sustainable force. He then expanded to form canine units and special rangers. Technology was also being brought in to allow for an early warning from an array of sensors. Intensive protection zones were also commissioned in certain areas.

In addition, they are expanding the dog teams and are working with Mozambique—where most of the poachers are coming from—on sharing intelligence and acting as a joint force. Despite the cooperation, a fence between Mozambique and Kruger was commissioned in 2013. They believe that with the fence and rangers patrolling, poaching will decrease. However, it was decided that about 500 rhinos would be relocated to various destinations in order to protect them. With all of these efforts, in 2013, 133 poachers were neutralized and 47 poachers were killed. It is illegal to intentionally kill poachers, but some rangers feel it shouldn’t be. They believe it will improve the success rate and be an extra deterrent.