African Parks steps up anti-poaching efforts in Garamba National Park

Given the significant rise in poaching attacks, African Parks has stepped up its anti-poaching efforts in Garamba National Park. Thanks to the publication of several media articles, Garamba National Park is on the map and funders have reacted swiftly to try and counteract the slaughter of elephants.

Between October and December 2012, 80 rangers were trained in Garamba. This training was conducted by Maisha Consulting, experts in conservation security, with training concepts focused on basic firearm skills, endurance, operational discipline, first aid, hand to hand combat, small unit tactics and day-night patrols. The training incorporated live fire drills and simulations of potential threats to the rangers and the park.

At the end of the training, the top 30 men were progressed into a Rapid Response Unit where they received further specialist training. This unit will act as a special reconnaissance and operational team with active presence on the ground through initiated intelligence based operations (local sources, cooperation, aerial and ground observation), as well as a rapid deployment force in case of reported contacts with poachers or the LRA. Further intensive in-field training for the Rapid Response Unit will continue in 2013.

Maisha Consulting was contracted by African Parks at a time of growing threat to Garamba’s wildlife with organised poaching groups increasingly targeting the park’s elephant population due to the rising ivory prices and the instability of the region.