K9 Unit
A first of its kind specialized K9-unit was established after trying to find a solution to the increase in dog poaching and unemployment. As a result of an exchange of ideas between Barend Lottering, Elize Serfontein @stop rhino poaching and Simon Naylor. The aim of the project was to use local poachers their skills, bush knowledge and making use of their own dog breed (Africanus) to reduce illegal hunting. The project also had to ensure sustainable employment, upliftment, skills development, and elevating poverty. Since this k9 unit was established, there has been a substantial drop in illegal hunting with dogs of properties under protection of Nyathi Anti-Poaching Unit. Our team currently consists of 6 permanently employed handlers and 9 traditional Zulu mixed breed K9’s- Canis Africanus. These K9’s are trained for human tracking.
ANTI – POACHING UNIT
Behind every successful operation is an experienced senior management team which consists of 124 combined years of experience.
The Anti-poaching unit teams consist of members being deployed in teams of two, to ensure their own safety and effectiveness. These teams are supported by senior management as well as a reaction unit fully equipped to deal with any situation.
Because Nyathi Anti-poaching unit believes in transparency and accountability, we make use of a report and monitoring system on the cmore platform created and developed by the CSIR and Stop Rhino Poaching.
LODGE AND GUEST PROTECTION
Nyathi members who are deployed at lodges fulfill the following duties.
Maintaining law and order.
Accompany guest and staff in and around the lodge.
Wake up calls.
Setting up of early morning tea and coffee.
Assist by manning reception during the night.
Guest and staff protection during bush dinners (from wild animals).
Guest protection during bush sleep outs (from wild animals).
APU TRAINING
Due to the nature of our work and beliefs in upliftment, our staff undergoes the following training. PSIRA Grade Training. Tactical First Aid.
Firearm proficiency and competency. Cmore reporting. Legal Training (focusing on use of force, arrests, and wildlife crime offenses). K9 handling and tracking. Tactical tracking. Specialized training in technologies, reporting, techniques during hot pursuits and crime scene preservation. Financial Literacy. Hospitality and guest assistance.
Counter poaching
Counter-poaching services focus on protecting wildlife from illegal hunting and trade. This involves patrolling, surveillance using advanced technology like drones, and intelligence gathering to disrupt poaching networks. Community engagement is also key, educating locals and providing sustainable livelihood alternatives to reduce reliance on poaching. These efforts ensure the preservation of wildlife and biodiversity for future generations.
Access control
Nyathi Anti-Poaching unit makes use of different technologies to capture data of visitors and guests entering or exiting the game reserves.
Stop and search of vehicles and people. recording the movements of vehicles to minimize misuse thereof.
Reporting of guest arrivals to lodges and camps.
Lodge security
Providing specialized protection for lodges, ensuring the safety of guests, staff, and property from threats, including wildlife intrusions and criminal activity.
Guest and staff protection
Nyathi Anti-Poaching Unit ensures the safety of guests.
To and from the airport.
From game reserves to local communities.
To and from borders.
Guest adventures and outings.
Escorting of high value and endangered species
Nyathi Anti-Poaching unit provides armed security on escorts of high value game and endangered wildlife species across South Africa and neighboring countries. Nyathi anti-poaching has successfully escorted black and white rhino in conjunction with; &beyond, rhinos without borders, Tracy & Du Plessis Game Capture, African Parks, Peace Parks Foundation and Conservation Solutions.
Monitoring
of endangered species
Tracking and safeguarding endangered wildlife through advanced monitoring techniques to prevent poaching and ensure conservation.
Farm and Rural Protection
Securing farms and rural areas against theft, vandalism, and illegal hunting activities with tailored security solutions.
Monitoring of wildlife protection technologies
Overseeing the functionality and effectiveness of tools like tracking collars, cameras, and other wildlife protection devices.
Monitoring of ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) cameras
Using automatic number plate recognition technology to track vehicle movements in protected areas and identify potential threats.
Installation of ANPR, Overview and CCTV systems
Expert deployment of surveillance systems to enhance area security and assist in wildlife and crime monitoring.
Wildlife crime investigations
Conducting thorough investigations into illegal wildlife activities to bring offenders to justice and protect ecosystems.
Intelligence analysing
Compiling and evaluating data to identify poaching patterns, predict threats, and develop counter-strategies.
Profiling and
screening of staff
Assessing personnel to ensure trustworthy, competent team members are engaged in sensitive roles.
SPECIALISED Operation coordinating
Nyathi Anti-Poaching unit has the capability, platforms, and resources to conduct and coordinate special intelligence lead operations.
Criminal and
Background checks
Conducting in-depth checks to verify the histories of individuals involved in conservation and security roles.
Qualification
and vetting services
Ensuring staff qualifications meet required standards and aligning team capabilities with operational needs.
Full vetting services
for human resources
Providing comprehensive background and capability checks to build reliable, secure human resources teams.
ARIEL SURVEILLANCE
Nyathi Anti-Poaching Unit in conjunction with different service providers conduct ariel surveillance when necessary.