CONSERVATION
SPEAR and NIG (NPO) serve as an integrator between KNP and the stakeholders bordering the KNP. This includes the property and business owners, communities, and related role players. We reach out to these role players in the area along the western boundary of the KNP north of the Crocodile River up to the Mthethomusa Game Reserve Junction, and along the southern boundary of the KNP, up to the Lebombo mountain range.
Conservation
Conservation faces security integrity challenges, however, conservation budgets are inadequate to provide for this. NIG and SPEAR collaborate to garner support and raise funds for sustainable solutions.
We create a communications and support network for the critical conservation areas. This includes neighbouring communities, landowners, security groups, business owners and related role players.
The nature of support is operational. It involves community members, security companies and volunteering individuals. SPEAR and NIG avail security technology and equipment to the KNP and conservation area owners. SPEAR or NIG source specialised equipment and instruments. We focus on the detection and prevention of illegal incursions and effective law enforcement. These assets are used for security operations. It includes Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi linked solutions, trap and long-distance cameras, radio communication, and other technology.
SPEAR issues Section 18 Tax Exemption Certificates to funders and donors. The ownership and use of all equipment are audited.
Duke
The Kruger National Park awarded the Duke Skeleton Reconstruction Project to SPEAR.
Duke was one of the “Big Seven” greatest tuskers in the Kruger. The legendary elephant bull was frequently spotted in the region of the Duke windmill. The staff started calling the magnificent tusker “Duke”. This magnificent animal died of natural causes. Most of his skeletal remains were conserved by the ranger team operating in the southeast of the KNP.
Duke’s skeleton will be reconstructed and mounted for display at Crocodile Bridge, closest to where it was discovered. Tusk replicas will be used. The reconstruction and edutainment site will include a small information centre focusing on the colourful history and facts about this tusker.
The reconstruction will be done by a local artist since it demands precise skills. It will also involve the local community (scouts from Komatipoort).
This aligns with the ideal to connect community to conservation.
Sponsorships will be accredited.
Rhino Statue
The Kruger National Park is a key point for the protection of the endangered African rhino. Criminal syndicates poach the rhino for their horns. The Kruger National Park rangers and anti-poaching units face real life dangers. They are often shot at when apprehending perpetrators. Respect Mathebula, a ranger from the Marula South area, has lost his life in this conflict. His contributions and memory are precious and heroic.
SPEAR and the Komatipoort scouts initiated the commission of a rhino mother and calf statue to commemorate his bravery. It will be a memorial for field ranger Respect Mathebula, and all others who put their lives at risk in the anti-poaching efforts. Acclaimed artist Jacques Muller will create the piece. Ideally, two statues will be created. It will capture a specific rhino orphan by the name of Arthur who has been adopted by the scouts movement. One will be located where rhino orphan Arthur was found next to his dead mother. The other statue will be displayed at Crocodile Bridge.
We request donations to commission the statues. It will be a permanent reminder of lives that are risked for rhino protection. Sponsorship will be acknowledged and displayed.
Canine Unit Support
The Kruger National Park’s specific canine division trains and deploys species-specific dogs to combat poaching. The dogs detect weapons at the entrance gates to the Park and track warm or cold spoors in pursuit of criminals.
Dogs are indispensable in anti-poaching operations. It is very costly to prepare and purpose fit a dog. Many dog handlers are often immersed in dangerous situations. They literary take bullets to protect these valuable animals.
Training is only one aspect of the costs. The dogs need special harnesses and specific nutrition. Handlers use signal bearing instruments, and protective clothing.
The canine division relies on donations for training, equipment, and the acquisition of dogs.
Public Recognition & Awareness
The public is often unaware of the efforts, dedication and sacrifices of the anti-poaching units and related role players. SPEAR gives recognition to men and women involved in this quest. We shine the spotlight on their achievements for local communities and businesses to understand and appreciate the remarkable work and successes of the anti-poaching initiatives. Our sponsors, ambassadors and partners also attend some of the functions.
