One of our security partners recently reached out to us with a grant request for body cameras for their endangered species unit and safety support team. Recording interactions with poachers provides an objective record of events and footage can be used as evidence, providing a clearer picture of events than written reports alone. Footage can also assist in expediting investigations by providing a visual record of events, reducing the need for extensive reports and court processes. The safety team also assists police when vehicles are being stopped and searched, therefore evidence can be collected and used in a court of law.
Baby Rhino Rescue continues to extend our security network across the country. We sponsored two license-plate recognition cameras that will be used preventively to combat wildlife poaching. The addition of the two cameras in the northern part of South Africa will bring security to the game reserves and private rhino farms there. When a suspicious vehicle is observed by the cameras, security teams can inform surrounding farms that there are potential poachers in the area.
The nationwide security system that we began funding last year is in its final stages of implementation. Poaching continues across the country and we are determined to fight it at every turn. This is a huge accomplishment that will benefit not only rhinos, but any wildlife that is under poaching pressure. We are greatly appreciative of our donors who have funded this entire project.
Baby Rhino Rescue has been working with a key partner – comprised of top intelligence operatives – who are now working exclusively for wildlife and using all their savvy acquired from a career in governmental intelligence. This work is part of the nationwide security system that we have been involved with all year. With luck it will be completed by the end of 2023 and we will have yet another way to find and apprehend poachers.
BRR is funding a strategic security system in this area of the country. This will secure four private rhino properties and a provincial game reserve in the region. It will also provide essential security data for intelligence working to keep wildlife safe across the whole of South Africa. The first security point will be at a strategic juncture, sending information to anti-poaching units and law enforcement in the area.
