Poaching: Kruger has a lot to learn from Swaziland

Cape Town – As the scourge of rhino poaching runs rife in Africa, one country seems to be standing its ground spectacularly well: Swaziland.

Speaking at WTM Africa in Cape Town, Ann Reilly, daughter of the legendary conservationist and head of Big Game Parks Ted Reilly, shared some insights into Swaziland's incredible conservation successes from the past few decades. 

Reilly said that while she could share facts, figures and statistics about Swaziland's wildlife, and the rhino population more specifically, the country's successes really take the form of an epic, ongoing, story with heroes, villains and a good sprinkling of magic. 

By the end of colonial rule in the country, the state of Swaziland's wildlife was so dire that there was hardly an antelope left, not to mention any of the Big 5. 

Realising the devastating effect hunting expeditions had had on the country, a young Ted Reilly decided to approach King Sobhuza II with a plan to demarcate specific areas for the protection of existing wildlife. 

What followed was years and years of remarkable partnership between the Reilly family and the Swazi Royal House, which has continued with King Mswati II, the current ruler. 

King Sobhuza II & Ted Reilly of Big Game Parks played a pivotal role in turning Swaziland's dire wildlife situation atound #WTMAfrica

— Traveller24_SA (@Traveller24_SA) April 16, 2015

While South Africa has suffered the scourge of poaching severely, having lost around 3 384 rhino since 2011 according to Wessa's statistics, Swaziland has lost only three. 

So, what are they doing differently?

Writer and photographer, Scott Ramsay, spent some time at Hlane Royal National Park and Mkhaya Game Reserve in Swaziland last year and came back with valuable insights. 

Swaziland's rangers know every single rhino in the various game parks across the country. Once again being small is an asset here #wtmafrica

— Traveller24_SA (@Traveller24_SA) April 16, 2015

In a video interview, he mentioned the exceptional work of rangers as one of the best conservation efforts in Southern Africa at the moment.

“There are lots of lessons there for South Africa and Kruger National Park,” he said.  

He added that Swaziland’s anti-poaching legislation is rather revolutionary and should stand as an example to other African countries, especially South Africa.

Scott's opinion was greatly informed by an interview he conducted with Ted Reilly, the head of Big Game Parks in Swaziland, who explained the basics about what is known as The Game Act. 

Reilly explained that anyone who poaches or attempts to poach one of the specially protected species (white or black rhino, elephant or lion), will go to jail.

Strong political will & legislation have been central to Swaziland's conservation successes #WTMAfrica

— Traveller24_SA (@Traveller24_SA) April 16, 2015

There’s a minimum of five years imprisonment, which could be increased to 15 years and no option of paying a fine to get off.  

Apart from this, the offender is also expected to pay back the prescribed value of the animal poached to the owner.  

Current legislation in South Africa does not require offenders to go to jail and if they are imprisoned, they are given the option to pay a fine and walk free. 

According to a 2001 report on News24, The Game Act was implemented for the first time in 1991 after 80% of Swaziland's rhino population had been killed off. 

It was Reilly and other conservationists who pushed for tougher legislation and the results speak for themselves.

What rules and regulations would you suggest government implement to curb poaching in South Africa? Tell us in the comment section below, send us your thoughts to info@news24travel.com, chat to us on Facebook or tweet us at @news24travel