Conservation initiative, Saving Private Rhino, has launched a series of training courses to equip game rangers and security with anti-poaching tactics. The initiative was established after two rhino were killed and dehorned on the Aquila Private Game Reserve, and will aim to ensure the future conservation of Africa’s rhino and wildlife heritage.
A 10-day course, usually costing R13 000, will be provided free of charge to two members from all South African private reserves that are home to rhino. The aim will be to ensure those students, after qualifying, can return to their work with enough knowledge to implement basic security systems and train other staff. The first course has been scheduled for November 11 at the Saving Private Rhino training facility in Touws River.
Founder, Searl Derman, is passionate about the conservation of South Africa’s wildlife. “Funds for the training will come from donations to our Saving Private Rhino campaign or out of my own pocket but I will do everything I can to ensure that no one has to ever again experience the death of a butchered rhino,” he said.
The course will cover anti-poaching tactics, including: suspect recognition; legal aspects; routine and clandestine patrolling; map reading/GPS; radio communication/signals; ambush and counter ambush tactics; poaching methods and how to counteract them; observation points and hides; deployment methods and clandestine infiltration/exfiltration; crime scene management; training on hi-tech forewarning surveillance radar and thermal imaging systems and 24-hour realistic operational ‘vasbyt’ exercise. Firearm competency is an optional extra.
Interested parties can contact media@savingprivaterhino.org. All applicants must be reasonably fit and healthy, have no criminal record or been accused of conservation crimes, and must work for an establishment that has rhino registered with Nature Conservation. The course, as well as accommodation, will be at no charge for up to two members of private game reserve staff, but meals are for their own account.
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