Environmental Management Conservation Trust (EMCT) is at the forefront of Africa’s conservation efforts with multi-faceted operations that involve the use of human, K9 and aerial assets in the form of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. We have proven a successful example and strategy with a team of specialists travelling to areas with a struggling model and then spending time on the ground, assessing and subsequently advising and assisting with the implementation of a bespoke counter poaching management solution.
Tactically EMCT protects rhino, elephant and other wildlife by denying poachers access to and freedom of movement in under-threat wildlife habitat. When an illegal incursion occurs, we provide rapid action deployment of counter poaching teams supported by land and air transport as well as tracking dogs. Together with a high degree of training, leadership and support resources it is the key to our success.
Quick Reaction Force
EMCT utilises an extremely effective Quick Reaction Force (QRF) that responds to any poacher activity identified by scouts in the field of operation. The team consist of experienced pilots, rangers, game scouts, professional trackers, dog handlers (K9 unit) and in-country law-enforcement.
Human resources and assets
EMCT has selected the best team to carry out our strategy on the ground. All in-field, high-level rangers and managers are continuously mentored by Colonel Dyck and other experienced stakeholders to keep momentum and efficiency. This makes them incorruptible which is a key factor and of utmost importance.
Air Wing
Together with the QRF, the air wing plays an important role in EMCT’s success. Aerial assets are a huge factor to a successful operation if utilised correctly.
Helicopter
A helicopter is on constant standby, forming the basis of the QRF. Getting the right team to an area of concern as quickly as possible can be the difference between a successful arrest and a near miss. A helicopter allows teams to leap frog in areas of operation, saving time and in many instances getting ahead of poachers.It furthermore allows for the rapid deployment of additional scouts to create a high density force in the targeted area.
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
When covering a massive conservation area, the use of a fixed-wing aircraft becomes vital in surveillance. EMCT makes use of a Bat Hawk and a Savannah aircraft to monitor the movements of rhino and elephant throughout operational areas. This is in order to determine areas of risk and subsequently providing important information when planning tactics. The aircraft is further utilised when following poachers by providing overhead cover and keeping poachers pinned down, allowing follow up teams time to close the gap.
K-9 Team
The use of a well-trained and managed canine tracking team can be the deciding factor in poacher follow-up operations. EMCT applies an extremely effective canine solution. A well-trained canine will track through the field faster and more accurately than any professional man-tracker. EMCT prides itself on its high canine success rate, which allows the QRF to home in on active poachers at a rapid pace. Dyck Advisory Group K9 Solutions based out of Pretoria, South Africa provides pro-bono canine training and assistance.
Training
EMCT has identified a gap in the training of rangers and conservation law enforcers as well as the skills required to combat modern poaching threats. Since these skills and training is of vital importance to a successful operation, we have developed a world-class set of training courses to combat current and in situation poaching threats. Advanced courses are adapted to operational requirements and carried out to not only teach new but also develop existing skill sets:
- Armed and Unarmed, Basic and Advanced Field Ranger Course
- Team Leader Course
- Area Specific Tactics and Control
- Community Monitors
Examples of completed courses include:
- Maputo Special Reserve – Team Leader Course
- Mozambique – Basic Field Ranger Course for new rangers
- Ferreira Park – Re-training and development of new rangers
- Communities – Community Monitor Course
