Expand the Black Mambas Rhino Anti-Poaching Unit

Black Mambas in the Field

The Black Mambas are South Africa’s first all-female anti-poaching unit, operating on reserves near the western border of the Kruger National Park. Founded in 2013 by conservationist Craig Spencer initially to protect rhinos, this deployment of women from local communities to a typically male dominated environment is a truly innovative approach to wildlife conservation, and the main reason that they are one of our key project partners.

Over the past 11 years the Black Mambas have expanded their operation to protect more wildlife and employ more local women, this new take on traditional conservation models has seen a 63% reduction in poaching within their areas of operation.

The Black Mambas’ unique approach to wildlife protection doesn’t just lie in their gender. Unlike most antipoaching units, the Black Mambas are unarmed, undertaking arduous foot patrols on a daily basis as the first line of defence against poaching. In 2023 alone, the Black Mambas patrolled an astonishing 44,051km over 2,224 patrols, responding to 67 poaching threats and removing hundreds of snares from the landscape.

Black Mambas in the Community

The Black Mambas role in the community is just as crucial to their success as their presence in wilderness areas. Through their Bush Babies Environmental Education programme, the Black Mambas have become strong female role models, working within communities to educate and raise awareness of the benefits of rhino conservation.

In 2023 the Bush Babies reached over 2,000 children in the Greater Kruger area, putting them in touch with their natural heritage and teaching vital life skills.

By showing that conservation can provide a future for these young people, and connecting them with their natural heritage, the Black Mambas and Bush Babies are creating the next generation of conservationists.

Links:

• Helping Rhinos
• Black Mambas