“ The biggest threat we are now facing is the increasing pressure from human encroachment, both for slash and burn agriculture, and for livestock grazing. The negative impact this plays on the entire ecosystem is catastrophic, perhaps even worse than poaching itself.”

This has been one our most intense years for Anti Poaching, primarily as we have been graciously assisted on both the ground and from the air. The rewards have been huge, with visible differences in game numbers throughout our areas. The wildlife has also appeared far more relaxed, particularly the lion and elephant populations. It is without any doubt, a result of boots on the ground paying huge dividends. Even with our vastly increased conservation efforts this year, the actual number of poachers caught by our teams has decreased considerably from previous years. This can be attributed to our years of continuous hard work beginning to pay off. The risk is beginning to out way the reward.

The biggest threat we are now facing is the increasing pressure from human encroachment, both for slash and burn agriculture, and for livestock grazing. The negative impact this plays on the entire ecosystem is catastrophic, perhaps even worse than poaching itself. This puts greater demands on our ability to patrol, and also emphasises the need for more community support and education in order for the people living in close proximity to wildlife, to see its value, and where possible to benefit from it.

To put it simply, if it were not for hunting and our conservation efforts, these areas would vanish in a matter of years.

We are incredibly grateful for your continued support.

Many thanks,
The Robin Hurt Wildlife Foundation