Anti-poaching initiatives remain the Kruger National Park’s top priority, as the national park has declared war on the problem that often leads to the unfortunate death of both man and wildlife.

“It’s war. Poachers are coming in armed and they want to get their horn or tusk. They are willing to risk their lives and if we get in their way, they are willing to end our lives,” said Andrew Desmet, Section Ranger at KNP.  

Addressing media on Monday (August 20) at KNP, Desmet said the pressure was intense as there were daily incursions in the park.

Last month, a Kruger ranger was shot during a shootout with an alleged poaching group, and subsequently died on the way to the hospital. The rangers had been tracking the alleged poachers, supported by the K9 unit.

Another challenge faced by the park, is that of the rangers willing to work with poachers for money.

“The constant battle is the enemy within. The money is so great that there are people who are enticed to follow that route,” commented Desmet. “When you become a ranger or section ranger, you need to manage that situation. You’ll manage it by controlling the information. [In the past], we have caught some of the rangers who became involved in poaching. You have to keep an eye on the guys and watch their lifestyle.”

Sharing further insight on the matter, Director of SATIB Insurance Brokers, André du Toit mentioned that a Rangers Congress was currently being hosted in Hoedspruit, with the theme: ‘To build effective capabilities and support systems for rangers across Africa’. One of the key outcomes of recent research that is being addressed is the dire need to improve ranger wellbeing. “This is a broad topic we are glad is being addressed,” said Du Toit. “A valued ranger is less likely to cross over to the other side.”

He said lives were being lost and career-stopping injuries were not uncommon. Furthermore, families are left destitute. “It is a dangerous occupation and, sadly, not enough is being done by the tourism industry at large to protect our rangers across Africa.”

He said one way people could make a difference was to sponsor Africa’s rangers through an initiative called Ranger Protect, a joint venture run by SATIB Insurance Brokers and the Game Rangers Association of Africa. “This project aims to garner financial support to ensure that the well-being of Africa’s rangers and their families is improved through the provision of adequate insurance cover in the unfortunate event of injury or death,” concluded Du Toit. 

As a section ranger, Desmet is responsible for managing the area in Letaba. He is also a ranger pilot.

“Aircraft are a fantastic tool to have for a ranger on the ground… It’s an aerial asset to use that is affordable. Lots of reserves have some sort of aerial support these days, especially for anti-poaching,” said Desmet.

The park currently has three ultra-light aircraft operating in the area. The aircraft flies every day for a minimum of two hours and a maximum of six hours a day, depending on what is happening on the ground, as well as the weather.

“Our focus now is anti-poaching because that is our priority. We need to get a proper lid on the poaching, and I think we are doing a sterling job. The visibility of the aircraft deters poachers from coming in,” he added.

Over 360 suspected rhino poachers have, in the past six months, been handed varying sentences according to the park.

KNP is asking anyone with information related to rhino poaching to contact their nearest police station or SAPS Crime Stop at 08600 10111.

For more information, or to sponsor Africa’s rangers through the Ranger Protect initiative, click here.