In the heart of South Africa, amidst the wilderness of the Greater Kruger National Park, a courageous band of women patrol the landscape to protect the wildlife. Meet the Black Mambas, Africa’s first all-female ranger team, who embody the spirit of empowerment and determination. Their story echoes the timeless wisdom of an African proverb: ‘A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture, and transform.’
Day and night, the Black Mambas patrol rugged wild spaces, unarmed, to monitor the wildlife, seize snares, work with the local communities, and sometimes help arrest poachers. With each stride, they defy societal norms and prove that gender is not a barrier to protecting our planet’s biodiversity. Their journey is one of perseverance in the face of adversity and marginalisation. Despite encountering discrimination, scepticism, and social stigma, the Black Mambas remain steadfast in their mission to protect wildlife.
Africa experiences an annual loss of around 35,000 elephants to poaching, leaving fewer than 400,000 remaining on the continent. Other prominent threats increasing pressure on elephant populations include human-wildlife conflict, habitat loss, the closing of migratory corridors, retaliatory killing, and climate change. Elephants are keystone species that play a critical role in balancing natural ecosystems. The work of rangers is paramount right now.
Over the last ten years, the Black Mambas have made an impressive impact. In the Olifants West Nature Reserve, bushmeat poaching has been reduced by 89 percent, poaching incursions by 62 percent, and snaring has dropped by 99 percent. They have worked with many bordering communities to protect and conserve their natural heritage and have empowered women to take charge of their futures.
‘When I started working with the Black Mambas, people feared the training we went through. People said this training is for men and we couldn’t do it because we are women. The hardest part was that even women were looking down on us’
Leitah Mkhabela, a Black Mamba since 2014
Leitah Mkhabela, an original Black Mamba since 2014, shares her experience: ‘When I started working with the Black Mambas, people feared the training we went through. People said this training is for men and we couldn’t do it because we are women. The hardest part was that even women were looking down on us. But people started to come around once the impact of our work was clear. It has helped women in my community to see themselves differently.’
Inspiring Change
As the story of the Black Mambas spreads, so does their influence. From local villages to global conservation forums, the Black Mambas’ achievements resonate far and wide, sparking a ripple effect of change and inspiring similar initiatives worldwide. Nkateko Mzimba was recently recognized in the IUCN International Ranger Awards for her dedication to protecting wildlife. She is the breadwinner in her family, supporting her mother and five siblings.
Meet the New Female Rangers Waging War on Poaching ‘My mother was worried I’d be killed by poachers working as a ranger,’ she recounts. ‘Now she understands what I do, and she is very proud.’
Tsakane Nxumalo is a sergeant in the Black Mambas and a role model in her community. In the course of duty, the rangers face danger from poachers and wild animals. She says, ‘at first, people were sceptical that we, women, could do this traditionally male job and be good at it. Now we have their full support.’
The knowledge and experience indigenous African women bring to the table extends beyond the traditional narratives of conservation and have helped disrupt the status quo, showing the capabilities and successes of females in traditionally male roles.
Over the past decade, I’ve patrolled on the front line with multiple all-female and mixed ranger teams across Africa, including the Black Mambas. I’ve seen first-hand how female rangers are impacting lives, protecting wildlife, uplifting communities, and empowering other women.
The Power of Gender Equality
However, less than 11 percent of the global wildlife ranger force is female, meaning an entire gender has been marginalised in conservation and climate action conversation. Investing in gender equality has far-reaching benefits for environmental conservation, poverty reduction, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
I have identified over 4,500 female rangers in 18 African countries so far and over 5,500 female rangers around the world, including in South America, Asia, and Europe
Holly Budge, Founder World Female Ranger Week
In 2022, I launched World Female Ranger Week, a pioneering annual awareness campaign on June 23-30th to amplify female rangers’ voices in the global media. Building on the success of the campaign, which reached over 500 million viewers worldwide, I have identified over 4,500 female rangers in 18 African countries so far and over 5,500 female rangers around the world, including in South America, Asia, and Europe.
I’m collating gender-specific data about female rangers globally to identify their needs, find tangible solutions, and help build effective policies to contribute towards positive outcomes for female rangers and conservation.
Wildlife-based tourism that is sustainable and well-managed is vital in supporting conservation efforts and provides a revenue stream to keep ranger ‘boots on the ground.’ Rangers play a critical role in patrolling and disrupting landscapes to protect wildlife; it is often impossible for them to monitor such vast areas by themselves, and the presence of tourists often helps by providing extra eyes and ears on the ground.
The lack of tourist dollars through the pandemic led to many rangers losing their jobs or having significant salary cuts. The knock-on effect was huge, as one African ranger may support up to 16 family members. At How Many Elephants NGO, we work hard to keep the funding streams going to help our partner ranger teams remain operational.
See The Black Mambas in Action
Looking forward, Wildlife Positive Travel is an exciting tour operator venture I’ve just launched. It offers unprecedented opportunities for intrepid travellers to immerse themselves with ranger teams on the frontline across Africa and globally. By experiencing conservation efforts first-hand, travellers can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges facing wildlife and the resilience of those dedicated to protecting it.
The inaugural trip is on November 20-27th 2024, where a small group and I will spend one week with the Black Mambas in South Africa. We will be immersed in the daily lives of these pioneering female rangers; accompanying them on their patrols, visiting schools whose students participate in their Bush Babies Educational Programme, enjoying awe-inspiring game drives, and having meaningful conversations around the campfire.
You could be part of a very special and immersive experience, promising adventure and the chance to ‘give back’ and make a real difference.
Join the Journey
The Black Mambas are not just protectors of wildlife; they are beacons of hope and change. Their story is a testament to the power of women in conservation, challenging societal norms, and making a tangible difference in their communities and beyond. By supporting their efforts and sharing their stories, we can help ensure a future where wildlife thrives, and women are empowered to lead the charge in conservation.
To learn more and join us on this incredible journey, visit wildlifepositivetravel.com. Together, we can support the Black Mambas and other female rangers in their vital work to protect our planet’s precious wildlife and wild spaces.
About Holly Budge, Founder of How Many Elephants & World Female Ranger Week
Holly Budge is a world-class adventurer and conservationist who has supported female rangers for almost a decade. Recently voted as ‘Woman of The Year in Non-Profit,’ Holly is the first woman to skydive Everest and has summited Everest. Through her adventures, she has fundraised over £500K. She founded her NGO ‘How Many Elephants’ in 2013 while studying for a Masters in Sustainable Design, and her work has since been highly praised, including by Sir David Attenborough. Read more hollybudge.com.
