Anti Poaching And Bush Skills Program

ALBIZIA CAMP – HLUHLUWE

BACKGROUND

Poaching is a major problem wherever there is a conservation area with game species.

There are two distinct categories of poacher. Firstly the most common is the protein or subsistence poacher who comes in to set snares or to bring in his hunting dogs, and who generally targets the smaller game species such as antelope and other smaller mammal species.

The dead animal ends up in the bushmeat trade, which is an underground trade and a huge problem as it is very difficult to police once the animals have been hunted.

Secondly you get the commercial poachers which are run by organised crime syndicates that target the big money products such as Rhino Horn, Ivory, Abalone and Lion parts. These syndicates supply the markets in Asia and other parts of the world where there is a massive demand.

Our programs are focused more around the first category but we certainly do get involved fighting against the commercial side of things when the need arises.

Set on the 500 Acre Msinene Conservancy, Albizia Camp provides us with the ideal base to do the induction and training phase of the program. Then we get into the field on various private properties in the area that don’t have the funds to employ their own teams.

Please be aware that anti-poaching as such is more often than not very tedious, hard and uncomfortable work in pretty extreme weather conditions with generally very little action. It is certainly not glamorous and definitely not action-packed as most people seem to think.

THE PROGRAM

This specially designed weekend program is for anyone who would like to learn more about what it’s like to work and live in the bush. This is available to most age groups so it could be an ideal father/son outing or an activity for the whole family.

PHASE 1: TRAINING AND ORIENTATION

This phase will be spent in the field with your qualified experienced facilitators. We will cover all the modules below.

- Game tracking skills and bush skills
- Mammal, bird, tree, vegetation and insect identification and behaviour studies – edible/poisonous species.
- Snakes – location and behaviour studies, species identification, basic handling and first aid.
- Anti-poaching unit patrolling and radio procedures.
- Surveillance, ambush procedures and layout.
- The laws pertaining to anti-poaching.
- Poacher tracking and anti-tracking skills and exercise.
- Camouflage and concealment.
- Navigation skills by day and night.
- Safety procedures and basic survival skills in a contact situation.
- Hunting, snaring and trapping. Shot selection, site selection and techniques explained.

OPTIONAL MODULES

- Hand to hand combat training ***
- Weapons handling – pistol, rifle, assault rifles ***
- Bush craft skills/ fire, water, food, cooking and tool use – Animal necropsy/ skinning, dissection and anatomy study ***

PHASE 2: PRACTICAL

- Day and night patrols.
- Perimeter patrols, Manning observation points, transect snare searches.
- Participate in research projects. Camera trap surveys and any other projects like telemetry tracking etc.
- Participate in the day to day reserve and game management.
- Species lists, behaviour studies.
- Reporting of unusual sightings and incidents in log book.

COST AND IMPORTANT INFO

The cost. R…. based on a 2 night stay – Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon

This includes accommodation in 3x3m dome tents with beds and mattresses. 3 basic meals per day and all activities as per the program.

ACCOMMODATION

We base our participants at Albizia Camp in 3x3m canvas tents. There are hot water showers and flush toilets on each site so it’s fairly civilised.

MEALS

We will provide all meals for the duration of your stay. Meals will be basic general South African fair such as braai and potjie over the fire. There is plenty of safe drinking water available. If you would like a cold beer with dinner please feel free to bring your own.

CLOTHING

We strongly recommend that you bring old, lightweight and comfortable clothes (not bright colours) to wear during your stay. Bear in mind that the activities are quite physical and will be done outdoors so be sure to bring a lightweight raincoat and sunblock with you just in case. Closed, comfortable shoes are a must!

Your own boots are recommended as you will be covering a fair amount of distance on foot.

WHAT TO PACK:

Please remember that you will be spending the majority of your time outdoors and Hluhluwe has a hot and humid climate where summer temperatures can be up 45 degrees Celcius. It does get cooler during the winter months so a fleece or a warm jacket for your outdoor work will be needed.

Also remember to pack neutral colours as we will be working in an area with big game.

We recommend that in addition to your normal clothing, you bring the following with you:

- Walking shoes (trainers will be fine)
- Warm Jacket/Raincoat.
- Day Bag – small rucksack.
- Refillable water bottle.
- Sunhat/Sun cream (at least factor 30 in the summer months).
- Towels (bath/beach).
- Adapter plugs (3 round pin).
- Toiletries/shower shoes.
- You do not need bedding, it is provided for you.
- A pair of gardening gloves.
- Camera, binoculars (optional).

PLEASE DON’T FORGET: (For long stay International participants)

- Passport & visas where applicable.
- Air tickets.
- Travel insurance.
- Cash & credit cards.
- International driver’s license (if you will be renting a car during your stay) – please note that the old pink British license is not valid in South Africa.
- Baggage – advisable to use a rucksack.

INOCULATIONS AND MEDICATION:

Rabies and tetanus inoculations may be required, but please check this with your local doctor and take his/her advice. Speak to your travel clinic with regards to malaria prophylaxis. Hluhluwe is in a low risk malarial area. It is also recommended that your bring a small first aid kit with your regular medication and general items you might require while away from home – speak to your pharmacist about suggestions.

PLEASE NOTE:

Mobile phones do operate with full reception and it is recommended that you bring one with you. SIM cards are cheap and readily available. You will need to ensure your phone is unlocked to be able to use this. Please speak to your mobile service provider about their policies and charges for setting up international phone services during your stay with us.