keeping the horn on the rhino using crime prevention theory to understand and combat poaching elisa...
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Keeping the Horn on the RhinoUsing crime prevention theory to understand and combat poaching
Elisa Reuter, M.A. German State Police Hessen
GaPS Research Group, Ghent University, Belgium
Approaches to counter poaching
Response in private nature reserves is largely uncoordinated and under-resourced
Change in the roles of a ranger from conservationist to private quasi law-enforcement entity
Neo-colonialism and exclusion of indigenous people
Shoot on sight as solution?
Only recently has criminology been employed to better understand poaching and offender decision-making
Theoretical Framework
Crime = convergence of 3 factors in space and time
• Routine Activity Theory
o Malleable vs. non-malleable factors
o Target suitability of rhino horn
o Opportunity to control crime by influencing malleable factors
(Cohen & Felson 1979)
Motivated Offender
Suitable Target
Lack of capable
guardianship
Theoretical Framework
Rational Choice Theory
Influence on offender decision-making:o Anticipated effort, o Perceived risk, and o Expected reward
o Suggests potential offenders perform reconnaissance upfront
o Resulted in Situational Crime Prevention Measures (Clarke, 1997)
o Situational Crime Prevention works towards increasing risk and effort, and decreasing possible rewards
(Cornish & Clarke 1986)
Evaluating measures in Situational Crime Prevention Theory:
1. Increasing Anticipated Effort
Target Hardening- Rhino Collaring- Intelligence-led
patrols- Reducing target
visibility
Access Control
- Entry & Exit screening
- ID of persons & vehicles
- Visible & well maintained fence
- Employee database
Deflecting Offenders- Visible Policing- Posting of
warning signs- Randomizing
patrol routes & times
- Extensive Ecological Management / “Sanctuary in a Sanctuary”
Controlling Facilitators- Detection Dogs- Gate
operations- Weapon
registration & regulations
Entry & Exit screening- Gate
operations- Search
procedures for vehicles, persons & luggage
- ID of contractors & service providers
Formal Surveillance- ProTrack Armed
Response- UAV/ Drone
surveillance- Air support by
helicopter/light aircraft
Surveillance by Employees- Black Mambas
APU- Warden Team- Ad-hoc stop &
search of vehicles
- Reporting of persons & vehicles by game drives via radio
Natural Surveillance- guests, lodge
owners, tourism operators, general public
- Portable GPS transmitters for service provider & contractor vehicles
Evaluating measures in Situational Crime Prevention
Theory:2. Increasing Perceived Risk
Evaluating Measures in Situational Crime Prevention Theory:
3. Reducing Expected Reward
Target Removal- De-horning- Translocation
Identifying Property- Horn infusions- Micro-chipping
horn- Ear-notching
rhinos- Signage at
fence & other ports of entry
Reducing Temptation- Signage along
fence- Horn infusions- Rotational
assignment of Armed Response Team
- Short-notice deployments
- GPS trackable radios
- Polygraph testing
- Media publications
Denying Benefits- Detection Dog- Horn infusions- De-snaring,
emptying snares
- New methods of detection, i.e. radioisotope marking of horn
Evaluating Measures in Situational Crime Prevention Theory:
4. Removing Excuses
Rule Setting- Signage of
reserve rules at the gates
- Signage of legal obligations concerning poaching at gates
Stimulating Conscience- Repeating
warning signage
- Spreading awareness among visitors, clients & employees
- Radio/TV adverts to raise awareness
Creating Inhibitors- Environmental
education for children & adults of local communities
- Creating vested interest by employment & benefits
- Whistleblower Program (benefits for information)
Facilitating Compliance- Environmental
Monitors- Green Kidz- Community
work via ProTrack
- Training & Skill building for employees to create upward mobility
Strengths & challenges of SCPT measures
Combination of red and green intelligence to alter risk, effort and reward
Tailored to the situation and location, adaptable system
Allows for inclusion of stakeholders on all levels, especially local communities, to increase guardian capabilities
Aids in locating assets and deploying patrols
▬ Management intense and financially strapping (donor fatigue)
▬ Not a one-fix-all solution and needs to be adapted over time
▬ Supply/Harvesting side approach bigger illegal trade
Key Successes at Balule Nature Reserve
No rhino poached in 9 month
3 black rhino babies on the ground
207 beneficiaries from employment of 23 Environmental Monitors in Anti-Poaching Unit
Delivered environmental education to children and adults and creates interest in the preservation of wildlife and nature
Improved cooperation with surrounding communities
Improved cooperation within the reserve between tourism operators, private landowners, game guards and section wardens
Keeping the Horn on the RhinoA Case Study of a Multi-Stakeholder Framework to Counter Poaching
Elisa Reuter, M.A., German State Police Hessen, GermanyGaPS Research Group, Ghent University, Belgium
[email protected]://www.gaps-ugent.be
Thank you for your attention. Any questions?