The Notugre anti-poaching unit recently attended a training course covering wildlife poisoning, a crime which has unfortunately been an increasing occurrence and a large concern in the reserve and surrounding areas.

Andre Botha, who is the programme Manager for Vultures for Africa and co-chair for the IUCN SSC Vulture Specialist Group, delivered the training to our rangers. This three day course covering the following components:

• Wildlife Poisoning - Scope, drivers, methods and substances used
• Identifying a poisoned animal/bird
• Scene management and investigation
• Collection of samples and other evidence
• Wildlife rescue and emergency first-aid
• Decontamination of scene
• Legal process - prosecution and follow-up
• Human health concerns - muthi & food
• Poisoning Response Planning (SOP)
• Data capture and dissemination

The course was a great learning experience and will without doubt better equip and keep rangers safer when dealing with these wildlife crimes. 

We would like to thank Andre Botha, The Endangered Wildlife Trust, Hawk Conservancy Trust & University of Reading Partnership for making this training available to our rangers.