All selection and training is open to women at the IAPF and we believe they offer a very valuable contribution towards the conservation of wildlife. IAPF Director of Training, JC Strauss, trained the first 34 Women Wildlife Rangers for nine African Countries at the SA Wildlife College

REHABILITATION OF CONVICTED POACHERS

Veteran poachers are generally very well adapted to bush life and wildlife behavior. This knowledge allows them to exploit their target with maximum effect. When considering potential projects we encourage the employment of convicted poachers. This means one less poacher ‘off the street” so to speak, but it also ensures that the unit has a broader knowledge base to use in the course of their duties.

Once trained, a poacher may become a member of an Anti-Poaching Unit. This has been successfully achieved at the Wild Horizons Wildlife Trust Anti-Poaching Unit where Orphius, a convicted poacher was retrained as a ranger and now patrol daily with his unit. IAPF believes in rehabilitation though education and ongoing support.