RAPTOR ANTI-POACHING UNIT

What does RAPTOR do?

Focusing on one species is a very short-sighted approach in this fight against poaching, especially since poachers tend to take whatever is available. To them, poaching is a business, and if they have a market for several or more products they will attempt to procure them. As an example, the case of four hippos, hunted by a syndicate that also deals with a vast spectrum of species, exploiting any and all to generate as much income as possible, including lions, elephants, rhinos, buck of all kinds, water buffalo, wildebeest, leopard, cheetah etc, i.e., anything they can lay there hands on. The bottom line is, if there is a market, they will exploit it. But, if you remove these syndicates and poachers from the equation there will be a concurrent reduction in the loss of wildlife and many species will be given the opportunity to regenerate there numbers.

 

We concentrate and focus on a variety of different aspects to fight poaching and have a holistic approach to the problem. Creating a paradigm in which there will be a reduction in poachers and syndicates within and without the borders of South Africa. Last year approximately 1250 lions, 668 rhino and 400 elephants were poached. These figures also illustrate an alarming trend across a broad spectrum of both flora and fauna that are now in danger of becoming extinct because of a thoughtless human quotient.

 

Without education implanting the seeds of nature conservation and preservation and teaching people in rural areas other ways of generating an income, poaching in all its forms will continue. So a large part of RAPTOR's work involves the education of pre-school and school children in rural areas, specifically near, or, in close approximation to nature reserves, game parks and wildlife sanctuaries.

 

This education work also involves the implanting of conservation principles upon adults and sub-adults, imprinting on them the need to preserve the environment, plants and wild creatures that inhabit such areas.

 

However, there is much more to RAPTOR, as we conduct investigations, collect intelligence and provide tactical support to wild animals in danger. If warranted, information will be passed to the relevant law enforcement organizations. Leading to the incarceration of those embroiled within this illegal and disgusting business.

 

We pride ourselves on going the extra mile and will do our utmost to not only save animals but also to find new homes for those in danger and assist in relocation. If there ever was a unit or group based on the principles and ideals of the 'Thunderbirds' TV serial, then RAPTOR would be it, i.e., 'Thunderbirds for Wildlife' . . .

 

Awareness of the problems, and specifically extinction, many species face because of poaching, the lobbying of governments, law enforcement agencies and other related social structures including the United Nations are two very necessary steps in our overall strategy to confine and tighten the noose around the neck of those profiteering from the destruction of both flora and fauna around the globe.

 

Within this context are the many campaigns initiated by RAPTOR to reform and reshape the mindset of man, and, to redefine the paradigms and frameworks in which bodies of governance operate.

 

Other areas we are addressing include the training and empowering of individuals to take personal responsibility, taking charge within there own communities, whether rural areas, towns or villages, promoting conservation and care for the environment and the preservation of  creatures both great and small.

 

RAPTOR alone cannot stem the tide of this wanton destruction and the iniquitous spirit of heinous individuals bent only on the destruction of life on earth in all its various forms. Teach and impart knowledge so that others may follow in the footsteps of those taking a heroic stand against the despoilers of nature. Teach, so that the many shall regain that love of nature that so many have lost and discarded. Let us remold and reshape our societies into something worthy instead of the worthless self-possessed ego-driven empty shells it churns out at present. And, institute a system whereby justice is propagated to properly protect our flora and fauna . . .

 

RAPTOR, is at present, in the process of building its dog-unit to further enable us to execute our duties in a fortuitous and speedy manner, bringing those despoilers of wildlife and nature to well deserved incarceration and imprisonment.

 

Further afield, our aims include the establishment of RAPTOR as a worldwide anti-poaching organization with a wide reach including the necessary powers of arrest and detention. Operating within the framework of a multitude of justice systems around the globe, and, notably, in those areas in which poaching is endemic and in which Far Eastern Countries are exploiting.

 

Our ultimate goal would be the creation and cultivation of large tracts of forest around the world for the sole purpose of preservation, and the development of forest sanctuaries, in whose confines no logging, minning, drilling or other environmental degradation would take place. These wilderness refuges will be preserved in there natural states for the good of man, and the Earth, and, the many species inhabiting them . . .