When a debate is heated and becomes politicised, there is a danger that one loses sight of the critical issues. Recently, reports in the media have turned the fight against wildlife poaching and trafficking into a highly charged comparison whether the private sector or state was doing better and who was losing the most rhino.
There is no question that arguments intensify when the pressure rises – pressure to solve problems on the ground, pressure for positive results, and pressure for more co-operation between all sectors and parties. But in the rush to score immediate points, whether political or to demonstrate effective use of funds or human deployment, a great deal is lost.
Wildlife poaching, trafficking and illegal trade remain a collective problem requiring collective solutions and, there is, a great deal of co-operation and effective partnering between the Greater Kruger private reserves, the Kruger National Park and other provincial reserves. Managers collaborate and communicate constantly. Field rangers in both sectors, whose task it is to ‘protect and engage,’ risk their lives daily. These rangers are trained, skilled and supported by both sectors working in co-operation to achieve a collective best result.
The role of organised crime in the chain, and the level of corruption we face remains persistent. Progress does not rest with boots on the ground. The extraordinary effort and amount of funding poured into this first line of defence needs to be matched by more strategic action and interventions that tackle the higher echelons in the criminal chain as well as the systemic change required to curb the losses.
In 2021 450 rhinos were lost in South Africa, 300+ from National and Provincial reserves. That is 900 horns poached, damaging South Africa’s collective heritage and prosperity.
