The Black Mambas have identified and destroyed over 12 poachers’ camps and 3 bush meat kitchens within the “buffer-zone” as well as reduced snaring and poisoning activities by 76% within our area of operation since their deployment in 2013.

That’s what the website of the all women poaching task force says of their actions, this inspiring group of mostly women operate South Africa’s Kruger National Park and are one of the biggest success stories of the action against the illegal killing of many of South Africa’s precious wildlife.

Recently they went to the UK to spread awareness and accept the Helping Rhinos’ ‘Innovation in Conservation’ Award.

Here is a little more info from their site BlackMambas.org

The Black Mamba APU was founded in 2013 by Transfrontier Africa and created to protect the Olifants West Region of Balule Nature Reserve and has since expanded to cover the entire Balule area, 400km².

Our Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit is the first of its kind, being that the majority of our teams are women. We have currently deployed 26 Black Mambas and a further 23 armed guards that operate within Balule and along its boundaries.

Anti-poaching is a major need in the area and we are constantly plagued by rhino and bush-meat poachers. Apart from antelopes, other endangered species such as wild dogs and cheetah are also sadly the victims of snaring.

And below are the ladies in all their glory!