We envision an innovative and strong APU model that develops a safe and resilient protected area
landscape for all indigenous biota, and fosters a strong conservation ethos in the local rural communities.
Our mission is to select, train and deploy highly skilled rural women from targeted communities, and build environmental patriotism for the landscape and all wildlife through a multi-generational and non-violent approach.
3650
DAYS OF RHINO PROTECTION
1471
SNARES REMOVED IN SIX YEARS
1566
COMMUNITY MEMBERS IMPACTED
OUR STORY
The Rhino Decade
In 2012 South Africa saw the rise in Rhino poaching. The Greater Kruger became a target. Transfrontier Africa headed by Craig Spencer had to realign its work to make sure Rhinos in our protected area are not targeted by poachers. Old militarized approach to anti-poaching was not enough anymore. The situation required quick thinking outside of the box. This is where the new innovative model of The Black Mambas APU was born.
In 2013 Transfrontier Africa established The Black Mamba All-Women Anti-Poaching Unit as a response to the escalating Rhino poaching crisis. The new model implied recruitment and training of young rural women who traditionally have been primary care givers and the source of values, morals and ethics in their families. In other words, the new APU model would invest into key role players in changing perceptions around wildlife, environment and poaching in the Greater Kruger, reconnecting communities and protected areas, and raising new, environmentally conscious generation of South Africans.
We recruited the women from our target communities in 2013, 2014, 2019 and 2022.
Over the years, The Black Mambas have been deployed in various areas. From 2022 we have been focusing on Olifants West Nature Reserve (OWNR) and Blyde-Olifants Confluent Conservancy Area (BOCCA) only to increase our visual presence, focus on safeguarding as much wildlife as we can in these areas, and at the same time meeting IUCN requirement of 1 ranger per 1000 ha.
To make our strategy even more effective, in 2022 we trained and recruited 5 Mambas for our new Crime Prevention Unit. The Unit focuses on wildlife crime hot spots.
Currently The Black Mambas patrol 20,000 ha which includes OWNR and BOCCA. In 2023 we celebrated 10 years in anti-poaching and a decade of protection of our rhinos.
VALUES
Pillars of Strength
Conservation
We have taken a holistic approach to wildlife conservation. Conservation is not about wildlife only. It is about communities as well.
Education
Early conservation education lays a solid foundation for right values around wildlife and environment.
Women Empowerment
Local women are the carriers of value systems in their families. When we empower women, we empower the whole communities.
