Keeping the Horn on the Rhino Using 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 o Anticipated effort, o o Perceived risk, and o o Expected reward o o Suggests potential offenders perform reconnaissance upfront o o Resulted in Situational Crime Prevention Measures (Clarke, 1997) o 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 Rhino A Case Study of a Multi-Stakeholder Framework to Counter Poaching Elisa Reuter, M.A., German State Police Hessen, Germany GaPS Research Group, Ghent University, Belgium Thank you for your attention. Any questions?