Project ALPHA
Protecting a continentally important rhino population
eSwatini has suffered from high historical levels of rhino poaching. At one time, the country’s black rhino population was down to just five individuals, and the white rhino population was severely reduced.
To ensure eSwatini never suffers this kind of loss again, ESPA partnered with Big Game Parks in eSwatini in 2015, delivering training to eSwatini’s game rangers. This was designed to increase their effectiveness in responding to reports of poaching incidents and to help them stay safe on patrols.
In addition to patrolling and field first aid training, ESPA also delivered specialist courses in crime-scene management and evidence preservation, legal training to the Department of Public Prosecutions (which has since successfully tried and convicted high-level poachers and wildlife contraband traffickers), and operational mentorship.
Since establishing a training partnership with Big Game Parks, ESPA has contributed to a 100% reduction in rhino poaching at Hlane Royal National Park and a 100% reduction at Mkhaya Game Reserve in eSwatini.
However, the poaching threat has not gone away; the risk is assessed as severe, and eSwatini’s game rangers remain steadfast at the conservation coalface, protecting the Kingdom’s rhinos from organised crime.
Contact us to find out how you can contribute to further protecting eSwatini’s rhinos.
