The Poacher Hunters | Newsbeat Documentaries

BBC Newsbeat2 minutes read

Poaching driven by greed threatens wildlife, especially rhinos whose horns are highly valuable. The British Army supports conservation in Malawi by training Rangers, conducting patrols, and addressing communication gaps, although concerns about corruption and the role of foreign military intervention persist.

Insights

  • The illegal wildlife trade, particularly poaching of rhinos for their horns, is driven by high profits, making rhino horns more valuable than cocaine or gold.
  • The involvement of the British Army in protecting endangered species in Malawi, focusing on training and equipping Rangers, highlights the importance of international cooperation and specialized training to combat poaching and preserve wildlife populations.

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Recent questions

  • How are British Army involved in wildlife protection in Malawi?

    The British Army is actively engaged in protecting endangered species in Malawi by equipping and training Rangers. They conduct control patrols with soldiers mentoring Rangers and rhino tracker patrols to combat poaching.

  • Why are rhino horns valuable in the illegal wildlife trade?

    Rhino horns are highly valuable in the illegal wildlife trade due to their high price, being more valuable than cocaine or gold. This lucrative trade fuels poaching activities, posing a significant threat to rhino populations.

  • What are the challenges in approaching rhinos for conservation efforts?

    Rhinos are described as territorial and sensitive to human presence, requiring caution and expertise to approach. Communication improvement is stressed for medical and educational reporting purposes to ensure the safety of both the animals and conservationists.

  • How has poaching impacted wildlife populations in Malawi?

    Poaching has drastically decreased wildlife populations in Malawi, historically driven by poverty. However, efforts by organizations like African Parks in reserves like Majete have led to a significant decrease in poaching activities, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts.

  • What are the concerns regarding foreign military involvement in conservation?

    There is skepticism towards foreign military involvement in conservation efforts, with concerns over potential corruption by organized crime in protected areas. The relocation of individuals from parks has sparked controversy and unhappiness, raising questions about the future of conservation in Africa and the effectiveness of training Rangers by the Armed Forces.

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Summary

00:00

Combatting Poaching: British Army Protects Rhinos

  • Poaching is a significant issue fueled by greed, with rhino horns fetching a high price.
  • British Army is involved in protecting endangered species in Malawi, emphasizing equipping and training Rangers.
  • Two types of patrols are conducted: control patrols with soldiers mentoring Rangers, and rhino tracker patrols.
  • Rhinos are described as territorial and sensitive to human presence, requiring caution and expertise to approach.
  • Communication improvement is stressed, especially for medical and educational reporting purposes.
  • The illegal wildlife trade is lucrative, with rhino horns more valuable than cocaine or gold.
  • Malawi's wildlife populations have drastically declined, with poaching historically driven by poverty.
  • African Parks manages reserves like Majete, where poaching has significantly decreased.
  • International organized crime poses a new threat to wildlife, driven by a wealthy black market.
  • Training Rangers is crucial, with skepticism towards foreign military involvement in conservation efforts.

21:09

Organized crime threatens conservation efforts in Africa.

  • Concerns arise over the potential corruption by organized crime in protected areas, leading to the relocation of individuals from parks, sparking controversy and unhappiness. The future of conservation in Africa is feared to intensify the hard fortress model, with UK ministers praising the Armed Forces for combating the illegal poaching industry, questioning their ability to train Rangers effectively.
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