Black Mambas on parade
Transfrontier Africa
Wildlife security
Black Mambas receiving advanced first aid training
Transfrontier Africa
Monitoring rhino during patrol
Transfrontier Africa
Wildlife security entails more than bullets and boots on the ground. The Black Mambas are the first line of defence. They are the eyes and the ears of the reserve and are unarmed. Militarization of wildlife security can create conflict between communities and protected areas. Although armed forces are necessary, it is critical that a bond is formed between the community and the reserve through rangers that are not involved with the militarized side of conservation. The aim is to create a positive platform where the women are seen as role models for their families, children in the community and other community members.
- Empowerment of rural women through job creation and skill development
- Paramilitary and Anti-Poaching Training
- Training in other subjects such as conservation, community involvement, environmental education
- Creating safe and healthy work environments for female rangers
Having women in the workforce can create a certain resistance within communities or from managers involved with protected areas as it is not the norm. It will take perseverance to show that female rangers are ideal candidates to protect natural areas as they have a different skillset from men and it is critical that both skills of men and women are utilized. It will take time before views are changed and rural women will be able to become active members in the wildlife security arena