https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFYyl0wNuL0

Across Africa, poaching is threatening to strip the continent of its most iconic species and much of its natural beauty. Increasingly carried out by organised criminal networks cashing in on the growing market for rhino horn, ivory, animal skins, and bush meat, wildlife poaching is brutal. Every 15 minutes, an African elephant is slaughtered to supply an unsustainable demand for ivory. Capable of feelings of love and compassion, poaching is devastating population numbers of one the world’s most intelligent species.  

Malawi - known as the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’ - is being hit hard by poaching but, as one of the continent’s poorest countries, it is ill-equipped to tackle the problem. Facing experienced fighters armed with anti-aircraft guns, local rangers are risking their lives on the frontline of the nation’s war against poaching. But it is a war that can be won. ALERT, in partnership with Malawi’s Department of National Parks and Wildlife and anti-poaching organisation Chengeta Wildlife, is committed to providing the best anti-poaching training possible to equip rangers with the skills needed to stop poachers in their tracks. The training is carried out by Rory Young, a professional tracker and co-author of ‘A Field Manual for Anti-Poaching Activities’.  

We have already sponsored one successful training session in Malawi, during which a poaching syndicate, with links as far away as China, was shut down. Arrests were made and the culprits handed over to the authorities. Funding is now urgently needed to allow further training to take place in Malawi. 

Together we can help to preserve Africa’s wildlife and natural heritage. A small amount of funding can really make a difference. Here’s what your donation will achieve:

• £2.50 will provide a local ranger with a free copy of A Field Manual for Anti-Poaching Activities to use as an on-going reference when tackling poaching in the field

• £430 will fund a day’s training for a team of local rangers to equip them with the skills needed to effectively fight the war against poaching

If you aren’t able to donate, please share this fundraising page with your family and friends. The elephants will never forget and neither will we.

You can find further details about anti-poaching training across the African continent here.