Support Mounted Rangers Fighting Rhino Poaching

It has been a particularly taxing period for the Horse Units operating in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), dealing with challenges of fire, drought and armed conflict with suspected poachers. Despite this, KZN has seen a slight decrease in rhinos poached compared to the same time last year, as state conservation authority, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, revealed that 113 rhinos have been killed in KZN in November - a reduction from the 121 killed during the same period last year.

Prolonged drought conditions were experienced in many of our game reserves, particularly the Spioenkop region of the KZN Midlands. Fires in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (HiP), in northern KZN, also resulted in the burning of all available grazing for the horses. This led to an urgent appeal to the public for donations of hay, red grass and other sustenance to help keep the horses from starving. We sadly lost one horse over the period due to illness, but luckily the rains have started falling again and grazing is once again available.

Two suspected poachers were killed in HiP earlier this month. Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife said that field rangers were on their regular foot patrol when they were confronted by three suspects inside the park. During the contact with these three suspects, one was fatally shot and the two managed to run away inside the park. Other field rangers were then called to the area to search for the two men who had escaped.

"One team managed to track them down and a scuffle ensued when one of the two suspected poachers tried to disarm an Ezemvelo field ranger using a knife. During that scuffle a colleague of the field ranger managed to shoot the suspect when he realised that the life of his colleague was in danger,” said spokesman Musa Mntambo. The other man was able to escape. (As reported by TimesLIVE - 13 November 2019).

Ezemvelo acting CEO Ntsikelelo Dlulane praised the commitment of the rangers.

“The loss of lives is always regrettable but at times our field rangers are left with no choice but to defend themselves when their lives are put in danger. I applaud the skills and commitment of the teams involved in this incident and commend them for protecting our assets," he said.

Project Rhino remains committed to giving these brave rangers all the tools they need to keep our wildlife safe. If you would like to support the Horse Units this festive season, then please consider donating on #GivingTuesday, the 3^rd of December, as GlobalGiving is providing up to $500,000 in matching funds! #GivingTuesday is celebrated world-wide as a day to support charity. It takes place on the Tuesday following Black Friday and is a great way to give back after all that shopping!

A huge thank you to all our partners and donors for your ongoing support, remember to follow our Facebook page for further updates on this, and our other projects.