Potter, D., 1994. Update on the current situation of rhinos in Natal: pp. 25-30
 | In: Penzhorn, B.L. et al. Proceedings of a symposium on rhinos as game ranch animals. Onderstepoort, Republic of South Africa, 9-10 September 1994: pp. i-iv, 1-242 |
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| Location: |
Africa - Southern Africa - South Africa |
| Subject: |
Distribution - Poaching |
| Species: |
African Rhino Species |
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Basic security requirements for parks have been identified as follows
1. Adequately fenced park.
2. Adequate numbers of staff.
3. Suitably trained staff.
4. Adequately armed and equipped staff.
5. Suitably motivated staff.
6. Functional informer system.
7. Effective reactionary force.
8. Effective investigative system.
Small areas / parks have to rely heavily on information and intelligence to detect poachers before they commit the deed and escape.
The current Natal Parks Board anti-poaching methods are as follows
* Adequate fencing
* Picket guard camps
* Mobile Anti-Poaching Unit
* Reduction of rhino densities in problem areas
* Paging radios
* Directed patrols
* Section Ranger patrol participation
* Observation posts using 60 power spotting scopes
* Night sight equipment
* Informer system
* Undercover investigative staff
* Neighbour relations programme
The Game Guard basic training course curriculum includes the following
1 .Law enforcement
Arrest procedures
Nature Conservation Laws
Immediate action drills for ambushes
2. Radio procedure
3. First Aid / Buddy Aid
4. Weapon handling
5. Drill and discipline
6. Patrol techniques
7. Basic Nature Conservation
8. Technical training - fencing 1 vehicle 1 pump maintenance
9. Neighbour 1 Community relations
It is vital that sufficient, full-time, dedicated law enforcement staff are deployed in the parks. The following staff strengths are recommended :
Minimum of one man per 1500 ha
Minimum of three men to ensure two are active at any one time, e.g. 3 Guards for 3 000 ha 4 Guards for 3 100 - 4 500 ha 5 Guards for 4 600 - 6 000 ha 6 Guards for 6 000 - 7 500 ha
Staff operating only within the park boundaries are not enough, and an informer system operating outside the park is vital as 'to be forewarned is to be forearmed'. The operation of an informer network is a specialised task requiring very careful handling. Some of the more salient points are as follows :
1. Establishing Informer Network
Recruitment of informers is extremely difficult
The best and most reliable informers are the voluntary informers
2. Motivation of Informers
- Only one way - financial compensation
- Pay quickly after they provide the information
-Pay for information irrespective of whether arrest is made
- Judge each case on its merits
3. Handling the Informer
NEVER disclose your informer's identity - NEVER
One person should only handle two or three informers
4. Use of Informers
To gather information from gossip
To infiltrate poaching gangs
To carry a transmitter once in a gang
INVESTIGATIVE PROCEDURES
Modern police-type investigative methods and technical assistance are necessary to keep abreast of the potential threat. Close liaison with other agencies engaged in intelligence gathering is necessary.
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Update on the current situation of rhinos in Natal
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