Evaluating the cost and effectiveness of rhino conservation interventions in the Greater Kruger

An empirical analysis of intervention and poaching data fromm 11 reserves over five years (2015-2021)

buffalo horn

ABOUT

GKEPF, along with the participating reserves, assists with protection of the largest concentration of rhinos in the world and covers more than 400,000 ha throughout the Greater Kruger Area, South Africa and into Mozambique.

Landscape

OUR APPROACH

GKEPF collaborates with stakeholders and partners, provides ranger support, air support, training and operational support to poaching activity in the area with the allocation of substantial resources by both the state and private sector. Constant planning, monitoring and action protects global wildlife for future generations. N

Cheetah

OUR IMPACT

Our work impacts communities both locally and further afield. Internationally, our work is impacted by the demands of wildlife trade and traffic. Locally, our work is impacted by the lure of crime in our communities.

PARTNERS AND DONORS

Capturing and Growing CLO Impact There is incredible work happening in the communities neighbouring the Greater Kruger by organisations based within GKEPF’s member reserves. Community Liaison Officers (CLOs) are instrumental in implementing this work and bridging the gap between protected areas and the communities that surround them. Collaboration, knowledge sharing, and building strong relationships always increases impact. So, GKEPF and the Timbavati Foundation organised an interactive workshop to create a common understanding, communication channel and support network to foster closer CLO engagement and strengthen the already outstanding work being done. The workshop, held on 21 August, was about getting to know the individual CLOs and the work each organisation is doing. It was motivating to learn about each organisation’s programmes and the dedicated people who run them, while also identifying opportunities for further growth and collaboration. Photo Credit: Hope Mohlala @timbavati_foundation #BuildingCommunities #PartnerProtectPrevent #CLO #GreaterKrugerCommunities
Makuleke Careers Day On July 12th, GKEPF, in partnership with the Makuleke CPA, hosted a successful Careers Day for Grade 12 learners from six high schools in the Makuleke community. This initiative was the outcome of a meeting between GKEPF and the Makuleke CPA which highlighted the youth’s lack of opportunities and tertiary education awareness. The event was well received, with tertiary institutions offering valuable insights into admission requirements, funding options, and the application process. The event featured information booths, open discussions, an application drive, and inspirational talks from successful young members of the Makuleke community. Universities generously donated computers, and informative pamphlets were provided to the learners for future reference. The learners left feeling encouraged and equipped to take control of their future. #MakulekeCommunity #YouthEmpowerment #CareersDay #PartnerProtectPrevent #GKEPF
Understanding Lion Poaching and Poisoning in the Greater Kruger. Lions are increasingly being targeted for the illegal wildlife trade. To effectively address this issue, we need a comprehensive understanding across the landscape. GKEPF, with support from the Lion Recovery Fund, convened a workshop to highlight the problem and facilitate the sharing of information and perspectives throughout the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (GLTFCA). Perspectives from operational managers and rangers, lion monitors, researchers, community practitioners and traditional healers were included. The workshop provided a snapshot of illegal lion harvesting in the GLTFCA, shared ongoing monitoring and research on lions, and presented the broader African context of this growing illegal trade. Importantly, the discussions included a people-centred approach to tackling snaring and poisoning. Lion Recovery Fund #PartnerProtectPrevent #LionConservation #GLTFCA
Can sustainable hunting mitigate the impact of snaring and poaching? This was the crux of a recent debate between Matome Malatji and Nkateko high schools, from the Lulekani and Namakgale communities bordering Balule Nature Reserve and the Phalaborwa section of Kruger National Park. This topic is discussed at the highest levels of governance and conservation. Bringing it to young men and women from communities directly affected by such wildlife management decisions promotes environmental awareness and sustainable conservation practices. The debate was the final event in a conservation debate programme, collaboratively organised by the Balule Outreach Trust, SANParks, and GKEPF. Eight schools from Namakgale and four from Lulekani participated in the first round of debates held on 18 and 19 July. The winners from each community advanced to the final round at Mopane Rest Camp in Kruger National Park on 2 and 3 August. Five learners from each school, along with their teachers, arrived at Mopane to debate the topic, spend an evening in the Park, and enjoy a game drive on one of Kruger’s open vehicles. Such experiences are vital in developing environmental awareness, and the debate programme is set to become an annual event. #PartnerProtectPrevent #ConservationDebates #EnvironmentalAwareness @sanparksknp @balulenaturereserve
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