The Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit aims not only to protect rhinoceroses in South Africa by patrolling the Balule Nature Reserve, in Greater Kruger National Park, but to also be a role model in their communities. It’s the first majority-female, anti-poaching unit in the country.

Founded in 2013 by Transfrontier Africa NPC to protect the Olifants West Region of Balule, the Black Mambas were invited within a year to expand into other regions, and now protect all boundaries of the reserve.

These 32 young women and two men want their communities to understand that the benefits are greater through rhino conservation rather than poaching, as they address the local social and moral decay that results from poaching. Their concern is also for their children’s sake because the sham economy has corrupted morals and brought narcotics into their communities. To make a donation, visit BlackMambas.org.

This article appears in the May 2018 issue of Natural Awakenings.