What do you think of this policy that Botswana has adopted
against poachers?
Though it may be somewhat extreme it seems to be helping in
this beautiful country that relies heavily on tourism. Botswana has a
great team that looks after animals in danger and follows and tracks them, to
try to cut down on this horrid practice that runs rampant throughout Africa.
Even though there is no medical proof that rhino horns offer
medicinal benefits, a rhino horn in Asia can result in a windfall for whoever
sells it.
Some wildlife organizers are now employing drones,
previously used in Afghanistan to track wildlife. The problem is, Africa
is big and it is a guess as to where to place the drones at night.
Other organizations are putting transmitters in the horn’s
of the rhinos. In order to do this, they have to catch the animal and
tranquilize them. Quickly, a hole is drilled in the horn, the radio
transmitter embedded and then the hole is stuffed with putty. This allows
them to track the animal and monitor any strange behavior. If they can
send a ranger out as soon as they notice suspicious activity, there is a chance
that they might catch the poacher. Unfortunately, there are times when
the rangers may be part of the poaching problem. However, in the
interesting article here shows how former poachers have actually become part of
the solution. http://motherboard.vice.com/blog/elephant-poachers-are-becoming-park-rangers-in-the-congo
Send me your stories on new and innovative ideas that are in the works
to combat poaching in Africa.
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