Zero rhinos poached in two years in Balule

The first rhino poached in BNR was in 2012, and Vince Ryan, chairperson of the Balule Nature Reserve Association (BNRA) explains that there was a major onslaught on the species, especially from 2015 to 2017. “From 2013 through to 2017 BNR was the worst-rated anti-poaching unit (APU) within the Associated Private Nature Reserves (APNR). In 2017 we lost 17 rhinos in one year to poaching,” says Ryan. “Since the introduction of the changes implemented by the BNRA leadership in 2019, BNR is now rated the most effective APU in terms of rhino poaching within the APNR,” says Ryan.

From October 2019 to 2020 only one rhino was lost at BNR due to poaching, and since then no rhinos have been poached to date. This results in only one rhino poached in three years, and zero over two years. Systemic and procedural changes in the way that rhino poaching is combatted at BNR brought about this change. It was achieved by focusing on ranger training, working closely with SAPS wildlife crime units, investing in equipment, technology, and artificial intelligence.

Also read: Rosner uses snares collected over four years to create rhino sculpture

In addition, the introduction and utilisation of canine tracking units, a mass dehorning of rhinos, the removal of all third-party service providers, and the implementation of stringent integrity testing throughout the 50 000-hectare reserves, contributed to the achievement. “Each of the ten regions in BNR had its own warden who was tasked with protecting their area from the onslaught of poachers. Protecting each region was immensely emotionally taxing for the wardens, the rangers, and their families.

“In contrast to this individual approach, we now have a formidable team, a single cohesive unit to combat poaching which spans the ten regions of BNR,” explains Ryan. A change in strategy ensued after the former chairperson of BNR, Sharon Hausmann, called the wardens together to re-envision anti-poaching measures and systems on BNR. Ian Nowak was appointed as the general manager of Balule and by adopting top-down collective strategies and implementing effective anti-poaching teams on the ground, and from that point forward BNR was able to start moving in the right direction.

Also read: Rowles first runner-up as best game ranger

“One of the first things we did and the biggest project we undertook along with Klaserie Private Nature Reserve was the controversial decision to dehorn all the rhinos,” says Ryan. We stopped outsourcing security on the landscape to NGOs and outside service providers; and focused on having a strong in-house anti-poaching unit,” Ryan continues. An intensive integrity testing programme among the role players and staff of BNR was undertaken which resulted in 470 integrity tests being completed over the last three years.

“The disappointment of the breakdown in trust, related to internal personnel, is exceptionally difficult to deal with, but the consequences have to be implemented. One must realise that the large sums of money offered by the illicit trade of rhino horn, eventually lend themselves to temptation. This intensive integrity testing programme is maintained yearly. We also work closely with SAPS wildlife crime units to prevent rhino poaching,” Ryan explains. “We invested money into training for our rangers and made sure our anti-poaching personnel are well-equipped. We gave them their pride back and the skills to protect themselves. We also invested in technology and artificial intelligence to aid in our antipoaching unit’s efforts,” he explains.

“The risk of a contact situation is a reality, and we do our best to ensure the teams are well prepared, through training and equipment, in order that they can protect themselves responsibly should a situation occur. Knowing how and when to use a firearm responsibly in these situations is critical,” Ryan explains. Canine and tracking units that patrol BNR are also a big contributing factor to the success and allow the anti-poaching units to be more effective. The costs associated with the implementation of the changes and the ongoing operations are extensive.

Also read: Hoedspruit tracker honoured

The funding for day-to-day operations has been funded within the BNR membership. The funding for dehorning and other equipment is raised by the BNRA members and is mainly derived from within the BNRA membership initiatives. The Greater Kruger Environmental Protection Foundation (GKEPF) assists with certain costs. To maintain the function at the required standard BNR will need to source funding from donors that believe in the protection of the GKNP landscape. “Our leadership, wardens, and operatives have done an unbelievable job, and our aim is to maintain the momentum gained from this success over the last two years.

As long as the demand for horns remains, we will be there to protect the SA heritage assets that belong to the citizens of SA,” Rya concluded. To assist BNR with its conservation efforts and the ongoing fight against rhino poaching contact the Balule Community and Anti-Poaching (BCAP Trust). Donations to this trust can receive an s(18) tax certificate. Contact Ian Nowak at 083 384 5190 or e-mail gm@balulenr.co.za to donate to the BCAP Trust.