Months of carefully gathered intelligence leads to the successful apprehension of a poaching gang and the recovery of the hunting rifle used to inflict so much damage!
Once the extremely tense moments of the actual contact are over, the meticulous gathering of evidence and information begins at the crime scene. Each poacher is carefully searched by conservation rangers and his kit is examined for clues that can strengthen the criminal case and for items that can perhaps link him and the gang to other poaching incidents. Dates, location and details of this particular incident have been purposefully withheld due to the ongoing criminal case.
This project is carried out in partnership with the Game Rangers Association of Africa (GRAA) that provides support, networks and representation for game rangers across Africa. This conservation photography project will use rangers as the “lead characters” to highlight the issues faced by conservationists and showcase opportunities for improved support of rangers in the future. Positive and targeted messages will be communicated that emphasise the critical role that rangers play in African conservation in ensuring that the continent’s natural heritage is preserved for the benefit of future generations. Support Africa’s Rangers by supporting the GRAA.
Peter Chadwick is a Fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers (iLCP) whose mission is to further environmental and cultural conservation through photography. The iLCP’s goal is to use the art of high-quality photography to encourage people to take action in support of tangible and meaningful conservation measures.
Visit African Conservation Photography for a full gallery of Ranger images.
