Horns of Pain - Horns of Sorrow 25 images Created 22 Jul 2019
Africa’s iconic wildlife is facing an unprecedented onslaught of carnage by well-organized global criminal networks. Amongst an endless list of illegal trade, rhino horn has become far more valuable on the black market than gold. A wide range of actions are being undertaken to reduce the risk and impacts of this wildlife crime.
At the frontline of this conservation war are the rangers that have to do battle with the poachers and the corrupt and regular shootouts are leaving a swath of wounded and dead on both sides. Many of these rangers are poorly trained and equipped and have to work under extreme conditions with minimal support. Rising incidents of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), acute stress disorder and burnout fatigue are just some of the effects rangers have to endure as a result of this on-going fight against the poachers and the corrupt.
For these rangers, their greatest fear is not that they might be wounded or killed themselves, but rather they worry about what the future holds for their families if they themselves were wounded or killed. In Africa, at least 57 rangers have lost their lives over the last 12 months. This then leaves destitution and trauma for the ranger’s families as in most cases the rangers are the only breadwinners for their large and extended families.
At the frontline of this conservation war are the rangers that have to do battle with the poachers and the corrupt and regular shootouts are leaving a swath of wounded and dead on both sides. Many of these rangers are poorly trained and equipped and have to work under extreme conditions with minimal support. Rising incidents of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), acute stress disorder and burnout fatigue are just some of the effects rangers have to endure as a result of this on-going fight against the poachers and the corrupt.
For these rangers, their greatest fear is not that they might be wounded or killed themselves, but rather they worry about what the future holds for their families if they themselves were wounded or killed. In Africa, at least 57 rangers have lost their lives over the last 12 months. This then leaves destitution and trauma for the ranger’s families as in most cases the rangers are the only breadwinners for their large and extended families.
