PMCI MARCH 2019

unless we’re running a night operations course, and to avoid the
hottest hours of the day to prevent heatstroke, dehydration and loss
of attention.
It’s a tiring, repetitive job, fighting against the odds and without
proper political support: but we have seen paradisiac places and met
amazing people, we have lived an adventurous life full of meaning.
Nothing touches our souls more than knowing we’re fighting a good
War, one of the very few.
Of course the view of the “trainer” id sadly often not the story
repeated by the “trainee” and it’s important to all at PMCI that we
really get to the bottom of things. To this end I asked if we might
speak direct to one of the Rangers that had worked with CROW NGO
to get his “take” on the reality of things. I asked Musa, one of the local
Rangers “What motivated you to take on such an important yet
potentially dangerous role, and what does your working day
look like? “
I can’t imagine myself spending a life in an office, I love practical
activities and nature, so when I had the chance to attend the Ranger
Course held by CROW at Mbuluzi Game Reserve for free, I had no doubts.
The training was tough, only 30% of the 45 students succeeding, but
I made it and I got hired the very same day of the final test of the Course.
I cannot disclose any details regarding our routine for security
reasons, but I can say that our APU (Anti-Poaching Unit) is active
24X7, patrolling and setting up observation posts day and night: it’s a
hard and demanding job, but it’s my pride, my passion and I’m very
happy to be a Conservation Ranger.
Simone, a CROW Certified Ranger went on to tell me this when I
asked the question “What led you to take on your vital role as a
Ranger?””
Poaching is a vile and unforgivable act, accomplished for the sole
purpose of getting rich quickly, regardless of the damage caused to
biodiversity. The victims are not only the defenceless animals that
fall under the blows of unscrupulous criminals, but they are also the
puppies that will remain orphans, the puppies that will never be born
and the seriously damaged family groups.
Destroying biodiversity means creating a poorer future for the
next generations, poor in economic terms and poor in moral terms.
Over the years, partly by passion, then by necessity, I had the
opportunity to acquire some useful skills for a ranger. Fortunately,
my work grants me a small margin of freedom, which is essential for
me to spend time on missions at the parks and reserves that need to
receive support staff or training. Having the means and the necessary
time, I therefore feel morally obliged to make my contribution. Every
saved animal, every poacher assured to justice and every trained local
Ranger are small steps to safeguard a world that risks disappearing
forever.
One of the positive aspects of a Ranger’s working day is that
rarely will one day be the same as the next. Sometimes you work
during the day, other times at night, others still the “day” lasts 36
hours or more. The Rangers in service live 24 hours a day together as
a family. A family that wakes up often before dawn, has a breakfast
rich in protein and is preparing to face a day of work made of long
walks and long waits posted listening to the search for poachers.
Comfort is certainly not a prerogative of available accommodation.
We often share limited spaces and services reduced to a
minimum. The work of the Ranger has no timetable, it is always in
service. We must keep our eyes and ears always open, ready to catch
every signal. Only in this way is it possible to move safely in the bush.
Only in this way is it possible to maximize the chances of catching the
clues that will lead to the capture of poachers.
Having the possibility of preventing injustice and not doing so makes
us guilty of what happened.
It has been a privilege for me to learn the stories direct from the
mouths of those brave individuals that put themselves in “harm’s
way” to protect the beauty and diversity of our planet for future
generations, and let’s face it, wars have been fought for less noble
causes! I’ll conclude by saying a huge “thank you” to all at CROW NGO
that made this article possible, and close with the words of Andy,
CROW. Executive Director and Instructor;
“There is a WAR in Africa between Poachers and Rangers. On
one side nearly endless resources coming from Far East, on the
other the mere will to protect wildlife. WHICH SIDE
ARE YOU ON?”
For more information about the works and programs
offered please do visit www.crowngo.org and show
them your support.
ANTI-POACHING WITH CROW NGO