WATCH: Training rangers to combat poaching

The Southern African Wildlife College opened its doors to the media today, to show the type of training rangers need to undergo before they allowed to go into the field.

The college is a feeder school for various conservation sites across the country, including the Kruger National Park (KNP). 

The college is intimately involved in the development of staff at KNP.  Students are from all over Africa, with students undergoing a year-long course.  

Manager of Protected Area Integrity Ruben De Kock says the students receive training in law enforcement, firearm handling, as well as personal finance since most students have never had an income before. 

The college also has a dog unit where puppies are trained as sniffer dogs.

A Bathawk aircraft assists the SAWC during anti-poaching and recovery operations. The aircraft collects data and locates the rhinos in order for rangers to be deployed strategically.

In future, the aircraft will be used to deploy the dog unit in order to speedily follow a track and detect any possible poaching activity.

"We are trying to prevent the shots being fired in order to save the species" De Kock said.

Field Rangers in the KNP have been provided with state of the art equipment to combat rhino poaching.

Rangers carry night-vision equipment, specialized aiming equipment and radio for ground-to-air communication. 

A ranger called Ronnie has been working at KNP for 13 years and says that this job is difficult. 

"We work in difficult and hot terrain and poachers like to walk in the areas with thick bushes. It is hard to go after someone hiding in these areas," he said. 

Section Ranger at Skukuza, Kaalli Ubisi, says they signed up for this job and they can't give up now. 

"It's something we do on a daily basis, it's difficult because water is limited in some areas, and rangers have to move across the park. Some days we win and some day we lose. You are told your life is in danger, but you go on because you want to make a difference and be the victor," Ubisi said.

Edited by Marius van der Walt