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Claudias neues Leben in Afrika - Die Mannheimer Rangerin | SWR Doku

SWR Doku・23 minutes read

Claudia Schnell is a passionate ranger in South Africa's wildlife-rich northeast, facing challenges like poaching and water scarcity, and founding a club in Germany to support water projects in Africa. Despite the struggles, Claudia remains dedicated to conservation efforts, passing her ranger shooting test and working tirelessly to protect the animals in her care.

Insights

  • Claudia Schnell's journey from a misunderstanding to becoming a ranger in South Africa showcases her passion for wildlife and dedication to conservation efforts, despite initial doubts about her knowledge and gender.
  • The challenges faced by Claudia and her partner, Robin, in a private game reserve, such as water scarcity, poaching threats, and resource limitations, highlight the critical need for external support and collaborative efforts to protect endangered species like rhinos and ensure the sustainability of the ecosystem.

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Recent questions

  • What are the Big Five animals in South Africa?

    The Big Five animals in South Africa are lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, and leopards. These iconic species are a major draw for nature enthusiasts and safari tourists in the wild northeast region of the country.

  • How do rangers identify animals for safari guests?

    Rangers like Claudia Schnell identify animals for safari guests based on horn shapes and sizes. This skill allows them to provide an enriching experience for visitors by pointing out different species during game drives in the bushland.

  • What challenges do rangers face in private game reserves?

    Rangers in private game reserves face challenges like drought, food scarcity for animals, and the constant threat of poaching, especially of rhinos. These issues highlight the ongoing conservation efforts needed to protect wildlife in the region.

  • How do lie detector tests help combat poaching?

    Lie detector tests are administered annually to rangers to combat poaching by ensuring they are not corruptible. This measure aims to limit illegal activities like poaching and protect endangered species from exploitation in the wild.

  • What is the goal of Claudia's club in Germany?

    Claudia's club in Germany aims to support a well project in South Africa by financing a fountain project called Akani. The club's goal is to provide water to a children's home in Lulekani, showcasing the importance of international collaboration for community development and conservation efforts.

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Summary

00:00

"Wildlife ranger in South Africa's bushland"

  • South Africa's wild northeast is a paradise for nature fans and safari tourists, home to the Big Five: lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, and leopards.
  • Claudia Schnell from Mannheim is a ranger in Africa, finding excitement in the unpredictability of encountering wildlife.
  • Claudia's journey into becoming a ranger began with a misunderstanding and a bush course for nature enthusiasts.
  • Claudia's workday starts at 6 am, identifying animals for safari guests based on horn shapes and sizes.
  • Claudia's passion for wildlife began in '91, leading her to become a ranger despite initial doubts about her knowledge and gender.
  • Claudia's work as a ranger includes multiple game drives daily, with a particular love for evening drives when the bush comes to life.
  • Claudia and her partner, Robin, work at a daycare center for disabled children, facing challenges like water scarcity and lack of resources.
  • Claudia's efforts to fix a collapsed borehole for water supply reveal the struggles faced by the community and the need for external help.
  • Claudia and Robin live in the bushland, where they recharge and maintain their safari company's equipment, including firearms for emergencies.
  • Claudia's workplace is a private game reserve facing challenges like drought, food scarcity for animals, and the constant threat of poaching, especially of rhinos.

18:59

"Combatting Poaching and Providing Water Projects"

  • Poachers target animals' horns, which are more valuable than gold.
  • Rangers undergo lie detector tests annually to prove they are not corruptible.
  • Ann Mari administers lie detector tests to rangers to combat poaching.
  • The tests aim to limit poaching, but the battle feels like a losing one.
  • Claudia founds a club in Germany to support a well project in South Africa.
  • Claudia's club aims to finance a fountain project called Akani.
  • The club's founding meeting elects a board and sets guidelines.
  • The club's goal is to provide water to a children's home in Lulekani.
  • The drilling team in Lulekani successfully hits water at 62 meters depth.
  • Claudia passes her mandatory ranger shooting test, securing her license for three years.

38:04

Night watch, Poikee stew, hailstorm concerns.

  • To ensure safety from predators, a night watch is necessary, with a vigilant person keeping the fire burning all night and checking the perimeter. If any dangerous animal is spotted, they should be alerted immediately.
  • The group fortifies themselves with Poikee, a South African stew, before settling in for the night. Claudia and Robin are known for their cooking skills, and everyone prepares for a night in the wilderness.
  • The next morning, a hailstorm hits the region after eight months of no rain, causing concern for the animals in the reserve. Richard uses technology to locate the rhinos, emphasizing the importance of anti-poaching efforts and the collaboration with rangers like Claudia.
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