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"Black Mambas" protect rhinos

January 25, 2020

Rhinos often fall victim to poachers in South Africa. But in Kruger National Park, the pachyderms get special protection, from women. The "Black Mambas" patrol this reserve day and night.

https://p.dw.com/p/3WPTm

Every year, hundreds of rhinoceroses are killed by poachers in South Africa’s National Parks. Many gamekeepers sell their knowledge on where to find the animals for high prices. The Black Mambas do not accept this and are stirring up this male-dominated field. Most of the women were unemployed before, now they’re earning money by protecting the animals. Economic deprivation is one major reason for poaching, and the Mambas frequently need to convince men in their own villages not to poach. Their goal: To leave their children with a country where rhinoceroses can still be seen in the wild. A report by Adrian Kriesch.