ABOUT THE BLACK MAMBAS
The Black Mambas are the world’s first all-female anti-poaching unit. This dedicated team of young African women patrols 20,000 hectares within South Africa’s Greater Kruger National Park, an area that supports the largest population of rhinos globally but also faces significant poaching threats.
These women, with a passion for wildlife and rhino conservation, are also the voice in the community through their conservation work.
The objectives of the Black Mambas is not only the protection of rhinos through boots on the ground and a presence on the frontline, but also through being a role model in their communities. They want their communities to understand that there are far greater benefits to them through rhino conservation rather than poaching.
THE CHALLENGE
The Black Mambas operate in the Greater Kruger National Park an area worse hit by rhino poaching than any other place in the world. There can be up to 11 different poaching ‘gangs’ at any one time operating in the Greater Kruger area, so the Black Mambas play a vital role in early detections.
The Black Mambas’ area of operation is surrounded by very large communities and it is these communities that many of the poachers are recruited from. The Mambas work in the local community is an important part of their role.
The importance of the Black Mambas is unique in that the program directly reaches multiple generations within their communities and builds trust, loyalty and environmental patriotism. The Mambas fulfil a crucial role of early detection and prevention of rhino poaching. Their method of disrupting the landscape makes it very difficult for poachers to enter and exit the protected areas. The catalytic role that the Mambas have played in the international rhino poaching conservation arena has been legendary and brought a unique set of values and perspective to conservation on all continents.
OUR IMPACT
Helping Rhinos is a proud partner of the Black Mambas. The deployment of women from the local community to a typically male dominated environment is a truly innovative approach to wildlife conservation. Since 2017 Helping Rhinos has proudly been the largest single contributor to the work of the Black Mambas.
The Black Mambas have achieved a 63% reduction in poaching incidents in their area of operation since being formed. The Mambas walk 20km every day, checking the perimeter fences for signs of incursions. Unarmed, the Mambas are backed up by the armed patrol units if signs of poaching activity is discovered.
Much focus has been placed on the Black Mambas recovering wire snares that have been laid, often as part of the bush meat poaching ‘industry’ with the area now rarely targeted by gangs leaving snares. It is proven that many bush meat poachers will progress to the poaching of endangered species.
The Black Mambas also deliver engaging conservation education to local schools through their thriving Bush Babies outreach programme. Thousands of local children benefit from weekly classes on conservation, with many enjoying an annual visit to the Reserve to experience first-hand the conservation of wildlife and how it impacts life in their communities.
Helping Rhinos run the Sponsor a Black Mamba programme in collaboration with the Black Mambas.
To date our achievements include:
- A 63% reduction in poaching within the Black Mambas’ area of operation through our support and funding of key provisions for the vital patrol and crime prevention teams
- Provision of communications technology – essential for the patrol teams to remain in contact with the HQ and Operations team
- Provision of food, water and uniforms for the day and nighttime patrol teams
- Support of day-to-day operational costs – this ensures that the entire Black Mambas team can patrol their main areas of operation day and night, which is vital in keeping the teams active in the areas known to be poaching hotspot
- Funding the set up and training of the Crime Prevention Unit (CPU)
- Provision of educational material for the Bush Babies education outreach programme
While Helping Rhinos uniquely focuses its attention on the crucial aspects of rhino conservation, they have identified the value that the Mambas and their sister project, the Bush Babies community upliftment and education program, bring to the matrix of solutions to protect rhinos. Helping Rhinos has supported the Black Mambas since their inception in 2013 and has guided the programs to reach their potential and key objectives. Regular visits and strategic discussions about the future implementation has helped us to become more effective. Let's not forget that Helping Rhinos has been one of the biggest contributing partners to the Black Mambas and the Bush Babies for 10 years! Without their help, we would not have grown and been the success that we are today.
Watch our exclusive INTERVIEW WITH CRAIG SPENCER, FOUNDER OF THE BLACK MAMBAS
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Donate
to support the vital ongoing patrol and anti-poaching work of the first female anti-poaching unit in the world.
By choosing a monthly donation, you will have a greater impact, helping to protect countless rhino in the wild.
We are truly grateful for every gift we receive – THANK YOU.
To donate in USD or EURO, please visit our DONATE page.