With various recent safety implementations in place to ensure rhino poaching numbers are reduced, the men at the forefront of this battle can be overlooked.
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While strategies, such as forensic training for wildlife poacher convictions and rhino horn trackers, are impressive tactics, ranger wellness should also be listed as a concern to improve.
Improved physical and psychological support is required to ensure rangers have all the tools at hand to battle this ongoing fight against rhino poaching. WWF South Africa, with the support and funding of various international entities, has chosen to focus its efforts in KwaZulu-Natal, where this wildlife crisis is rife.
Surveys have been stated to take priority to ensure the rangers can voice their daily concerns and challenges. Accommodation and ranger equipment have also been highlighted as essential to upgrade and enhance for workers.
The Rhino Conservation Manager at WWF South Africa, Jeff Cooke, states the importance of improving the lives of these brave individuals:
“Rangers are at the forefront of ongoing rhino conservation efforts. Through this work, we aim to professionalise ranger work, boost team morale, prevent corruption and increase efficiency. This is not only important for conservation, but also for the wellbeing of the men and women who put themselves on the frontline every day as they work to secure our unique natural heritage.”
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