Poachers Beware Of The Black Mambas! This All-Female Anti-Poaching Unit Is Watching

Due to the increase of poaching cases, a South African group called the Black Mamba has emerged to combat the issue. This group is an all-female anti-poaching unit dedicated in protecting and preserving wildlife.

This paramilitary group is composed of women belonging to local communities. These locals must undergo 6 weeks of intensive training in order for them to be a part of the program. Presently, they have at least 36 dedicated members.

According to Black Mambas, they aim to promote wildlife protection and to educate everyone with the importance of natural heritage. They practice peaceful campaign against poaching rather than using force and guns.

Aside from their anti-poaching programs, they also have other activities that help the local community. One The Environment Monitor Program, for instance, provides opportunities for employment and skills development. They also have the Bushbabies program which emphasizes the need to educate and encourage children. This program aims to raise awareness about conservation, environmental resourcefulness, problem-solving, and instilling of ethics to the future stewards of their land.

Telegraph reported that the Black Mambas patrol the area and gather intelligence data regarding possible poachers. The Mambas' founder tailored them to British policing.

Poaching has become more and more widespread, with the increasing demand of endangered animals for medical use, status symbols, and even exotic dishes. Poachers also take advantage of the poverty in the communities and bribe locals with wealth so that they would continue the killings.

Elephants are one of the common targets of poachers due to their bush meat and ivory. Pangolins, scaly anteaters, are also poached for their meat and scales that used for medicine. Meanwhile, Rhinos are tortured to acquire their symbolic horns that are in demand in Chinese Medicine.

Despite the challenges that the Mambas face, they remain steadfast in protecting their animals and stand firm in promoting women empowerment. They bravely patrol the wilderness of Balule Nature Reserve, and their efforts have reportedly lowered the number of poaching cases in the country.