Modern Society and Poaching

          Clearly, poaching has become a severe problem in many African countries. What organizations or efforts exist that attempt to stop it? As the crisis gets worse each year, more and more steps are being taken to fight poaching. This includes the help of countries outside of Africa. The startling number of deaths of elephants and rhinos has influenced government leaders to push for change. According to an article from ProQuest Research Library, in the United States, President Obama has begun to help African rangers and national parks. In an act of assistance, the US State Department has asserted that it “will provide $10 million in training and technical assistance to combat poaching in Africa” (Eilperin). This money will be a big boost to the organizations that receive it, particularly land reserves. It will help train rangers to be more efficient at catching poachers and provide funds to purchase vehicles, tranquilizers, cameras, and other devices. The technology purchased with the money can help catch poachers, saving tens or possibly hundreds of animals from being killed.

Drone with camera. Source: pbs.org

           In addition to outside support, new technology has played a role. Recent discoveries have helped push science forward and new machines have been built that are used in various fields. When it comes to poaching, a popular subject of interest has become crucial: drones. The flying apparatuses have been a huge help to rangers in Africa. With high definition cameras and the ability to survey large areas silently, drones have given an edge in the fight against poaching. In this article, Matthew Wall, a reporter for the BBC, learns from a ranger that “drones with night vision can provide a very useful extra pair of eyes." This has proven to be very true. Drones are currently being used frequently in the field. The new technology is helping rangers capture poachers and is particularly helpful at night, when poachers are difficult to see and can hide among vegetation and rocks. Since their inception, the drones have been able to save countless animals from slaughter and are becoming used more frequently by many African countries with poaching problems. In 2015, it is significantly easier to fight poaching than it has been in the past.