Tracking a Specialized Skill

Tracking a Specialized Skill_©PeterChadwick_AfricanConservationPhotographer

As a specialized counter-poaching ranger, it takes a high level of skill, discipline and perseverance to effectively track and follow up on poachers. On locating any indications of illegal activities, these are immediately reported and the follow-up operations are quickly mounted. These follow-ups may run for an entire day or more and cover endless kilometers in extreme terrain and high summer temperatures. Added to this, is the risk of encounters with dangerous animals and the possibility of a shot-out with the poachers when they are encountered. All of this means that the rangers need to maintain the highest levels of awareness at all times and they must not allow any form of fatigue to let them drop their guard.