With holidays fast approaching, South African National Parks (SANParks) at the Kruger National Park have announced they will be increasing security measures at entry gates.
Technology will play a significant role in the new security features, such as number-plate recognition, remote vehicle monitoring, radar surveillance, and night flying with specialised infrared cameras, SANParks said.
Increased vehicle spot searches within the park will be conducted to check for anything contraband, as well as identity verification and booking receipts. Acting Kruger National Park MD, Danny Govender said routine ranger and security patrols with dedicated dog units on poacher tracks will also be enhanced.
‘The SANParks environmental investigative unit, which has been successful in operations outside the Kruger National Park, will join other law-enforcement agencies to tackle criminals in adjoining villages,’ Govender said. ‘These operations will be targeted at those supplying rifles and ammunition and recruiting poachers to commit crimes.’
‘The operations are assisted by community members who often give good tip-offs to authorities which lead to arrests and convictions.’ Govender said collaborations with Mozambican authorities regarding poaching are seeing ‘positive results, with some kingpins now behind bars.’
With a spike in snares around the Kruger, these measures are necessary. ‘The SANParks honorary rangers have also been hard at work every weekend removing up to a thousand snares from the boundary.’
SANParks have introduced smart-camera technology systems in many of the hotspots. These measures have assisted in apprehending suspected poachers and confiscating “high-calibre hunting rifles and ammunition.”
Govender promised that they ‘will not let [their] guard down as the battle to safeguard our natural heritage is far from over.’
Pictures: Getaway gallery
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