Honorary Rangers
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Pretoria Region Stages Anti-Poaching Exhibition.
"We stage exhibitions about poaching because poaching potentially drives certain species to extinction, jeopardises our natural heritage, and in turn damages an industry which has the potential to fight povery and uplift our country" says Louis Lemmer, commenting on the counter-poaching efforts of the Petoria Region Honorary Rangers.
The public response to their last anti-poaching display earlier this month has encouraged the Pretoria Region Honorary Rangers to stage another anti-poaching display on the 16th of June 2006 at the Youth Day carnival of the Dutch Reformed Church Magalieskruin-Pretoria.
A large number of people visited the last exhibition to learn more on the subject of poaching in South Africa's national parks.“The photographs of snared wild animals, genuine skulls, AK47 bullets, traps and snares that have been found or confiscated from poachers, made a big impression on the public” says Louis Lemmer from the Pretoria Region of the SANParks Honorary Rangers; "It really hits you in the gut, when you realize that the snare you are holding caused a poor animal terrible pain, killing it over the period of days, through suffering, de-hydration and infection".
He explains that the displays are used to raise public awareness about the challenges faced by SANParks regarding poaching on a daily basis.
The Honorary Rangers throughout the country are actively involved in counter-poaching activities such as participating in snare and fence patrols in some national parks, creating awareness of the problem among the public through exhibitions and displays, and fundraising for the SANParks Counter Poaching Units. Concerned members of the public can also get involved, by making donations towards the equipment these units need, exposing known poachers and applying public pressure to stop such illegal activities.
"It is vital that we all get involved in protecting nature, for the sake of our children and all creatures that share this planet with us", says Lemmer.
There will also be an exhibition regarding alien-invasive species presented by the Honorary Rangers and the church is also hosting a Carnival and Youth Day music concert to celebrate Youth Day. For more information contact Louis Lemmer.
photos by: Louis Lemmer