Open AccessA Review of the Impact of Militarisation: The Case of Rhino Poaching in Kruger National Park, South Africa
Author(s) -
Wendy Annecke,
Mmoto L. Masubelele
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
conservation and society/conservation and society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.04
H-Index - 35
eISSN - 0975-3133
pISSN - 0972-4923
DOI - 10.4103/0972-4923.191158
Subject(s) - poaching , national park , intervention (counseling) , developing country , argument (complex analysis) , development economics , sustainability , geography , political science , natural resource economics , economic growth , environmental planning , environmental resource management , business , economics , wildlife , ecology , biology , archaeology , psychology , biochemistry , psychiatry
This paper is addressed to academics, conservation agencies and governments primarily in developing countries, faced with the need to protect species from poaching by global syndicates or local groups that threaten the survival of species. The argument of this paper is that while military intervention may provide short to medium terms gains, these have to be weighed against the likely medium to long term financial and socio-economic costs of military activity on people, including the military themselves, and conservation. These costs are likely to be significant and may even threaten the sustainability of conservation areas. While the analysis is developed in relation to the military intervention to inhibit rhino poaching in the Kruger National Park, South Africa, the literature review reveals that similar challenges occur internationally and the South African case study may be applicable to a wide range of anti-poaching conservation efforts and military options throughout the developing world. A multi-pronged approach, where all components are strongly implemented, is necessary to combat poaching