Image Courtesy: PorscheIn what appears to be a heartwarming gesture towards rhinoceros conservation, Porsche South Africa has donated a second-generation Porsche Cayenne SUV, specially modified for rapid response anti-poaching operations.What is even better is that the SUV will assist the Black Mambas, an all-woman anti-poaching squad in Greater Kruger, reach certain areas quickly, where they would otherwise have had to walk.It is important to note that the rhino territory is as large as 20,000 hectares, and that means there was a need for a fast and capable vehicle to respond to poaching incidents on time.AdvertisementAdvertisementRhino poaching in South Africa has been an area of concern, as the period between 2007 and 2014 saw poaching incidents rise by 9,000 percent.The Greater Kruger and the Kruger National Park are home to the largest population of rhinos in the world, but their population has declined by 60 percent since 2013.What Do the Black Mambas Do?Image Courtesy: PorscheAccording to a press release by Porsche, the Black Mambas were formed in 2013, and they gained their identity as the world's first all-female anti-poaching unit.The group of women monitors the entire area around the clock to prevent poaching. Craig Spencer, who founded the Black Mambas, said:AdvertisementAdvertisement"By maintaining a constant presence, we disrupt the patterns that poachers rely on, making it more difficult to enter and exit the reserve unnoticed."Apart from monitoring for signs of illegal activity and removing snare traps, their scope of work also extends to community service programs. The Black Mambas assist people from local communities facing economic hardships and spread awareness.Although poachers are reportedly hired from these communities, the group helps change perceptions, showing how conservation can bring about employment opportunities.Why the Porsche Cayenne?Image Courtesy: PorschePorsche South Africa and the Porsche Middle East and Africa regional office joined hands to hand over a modified second-generation Cayenne, transformed from a largely urban SUV into a dedicated rapid response unit that can handle the challenging terrain of the Greater Kruger.AdvertisementAdvertisementModified by Porsche Centre Johannesburg, the Black Mambas' Cayenne sports a striking jungle livery that helps it fit into the rhino habitat. Previously, vehicles used by the anti-poaching units suffered breakdowns, resulting in significant delays in conservation efforts.What was needed was a reliable SUV that could reach remote areas of Greater Kruger in no time and respond to potential poaching threats. The Cayenne effectively filled that gap, as it is engaged in full-time anti-poaching operations, courtesy of modifications it received, such as suspension upgrades, Yokohama off-road tires, and robust underbody protection to safeguard the important bits.In addition, the SUV received a bull bar, and spotlights allow for safer operation during night patrols. The roof rack features a full-sized spare wheel and additional equipment that the Black Mambas need on their missions. Water tanks have also been installed to support patrol dogs that assist the Black Mambas.Toby Venter, CEO of Porsche South Africa, said the company aimed to give the Black Mambas an SUV that was jungle-ready. He said:AdvertisementAdvertisement"The team at Porsche Centre Johannesburg took on the challenge of upgrading this Cayenne with great enthusiasm and responsibility. Our focus was to ensure the Cayenne could operate reliably across the vast and demanding terrain of the reserve. It combines performance, durability, and capability, and will serve as a valuable asset to the team."Dr. Manfred Bräunl, the CEO of Porsche Middle East and Africa, added:"The Black Mambas do outstanding work to protect the rhinos of the Greater Kruger, and we are pleased to both support their efforts and bring further awareness to their cause. "Their non-violent, community-focused model of preservation is both innovative and effective. They should be proud of their record of protecting the rhinos of South Africa, and that their model is being adopted in other places around the world. It's great that the Cayenne is now an integral part of their team."Has the Porsche Cayenne Made a Difference to the Black Mambas?Image Courtesy: PorscheThe release states that the Porsche Cayenne is a crucial addition to the squad as it helps deliver supplies, transport patrol teams, and aids in responding quickly to suspected poaching activity.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdditionally, it enables rangers to remain in proximity to select rhinos who remain vulnerable to poachers, especially at night. Spencer said:"This vehicle has transformed the way The Black Mambas work. It allows us to respond faster, cover more ground, and be present where we are needed most. Before, reaching certain areas could take too long, and unreliable vehicles made our job harder."Now, we can move across the reserve rapidly and consistency. It has strengthened our ability to protect this landscape, and it gives us the tools we need to continue this mission to protect the rhinos every single day." [sic]Fortunately, rhino poaching incidents have declined in recent years, and hopefully, the Porsche Cayenne will help enhance the level of protection they require.Image Courtesy: Porsche
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