Using Technology to Combat Poaching (9-minute Video)

In today’s world, technology has become part of everyday life. This applies even to the most remote wilderness areas in Africa. Cellphone coverage has enabled poachers in many places, including Coutada 11 in Mozambique, to communicate.

Although coverage is not good across the concession, poachers are aware of the hotspots and use cellphones to communicate information, such as anti-poaching patrol movements, coordinating poaching excursions, and drop-off points for poached meat to buyers.

Zambezi Delta Safaris (ZDS) has had to adapt to the times and employ technology to support its anti-poaching efforts.

One of the tools that they use is a “Blackview” cellphone with the “Smart” app installed.

Every unit that goes out on patrol has a Blackview cellphone, and with it, they can record all the details of the patrol.

This information is then uploaded to the computer back at camp, and the data is used to determine poaching patterns, which helps in planning future patrols.