The Living Desert is a longstanding supporter of Transfrontier Africa and its program, the Black Mambas Anti-Poaching Unit (BMAPU), an unarmed, all-female anti-poaching unit that works in the Greater Kruger National Park in South Africa.
Katie Shaw, Conservation Social Scientist at The Living Desert, has been serving as chairperson of the Black Mamba Alliance, an organization formed to secure long-term funding for the BMAPU and provide ongoing support from key conservation partners. The BMAPU’s dedication remains crucial to protecting rhinos and other wildlife in the region.
Rhinos are currently exposed to poachers on the landscape due to a lack of vegetation from an ongoing drought. Last week, they found and removed 30 snares, a new and very concerning record, from the preserve they patrol. They are also busy with additional work that helps reduce human-wildlife conflicts and keep both people and wildlife safe, such as their recent relocation of three lions that left the protected areas and threatened nearby communities.
Photo courtesy of Valeria van der Westhuizen
