Ep 32: Dr. Timothy Wittig –  Intelligence, terrorist finance, and ending illegal wildlife trade.

Ep 32: Dr. Timothy Wittig –  Intelligence, terrorist finance, and ending illegal wildlife trade.

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In this episode, I’m talking with Dr. Timothy Wittig. Tim is a conservationist, professor, and former defense intelligence analyst. He is a research fellow at Oxford University (Oxford Martin School), an associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) in London, and Head of Intelligence for both the Royal Foundation’s United for Wildlife Taskforces and the wildlife investigations charity Focused Conservation.

In this conversation, we dive into Tim’s early days growing up around nature in the outskirts of DC, his work that helped redefined the way agencies look at terrorist financing, and how his analysis during his time in Africa lead him into conservation. We talk about the first US National Strategy on Wildlife Trafficking, the early days of the United for Wildlife Taskforces, and the work happening at Focused Conservation to bring wildlife traffickers to justice. So please, enjoy this wide-ranging, in-depth conversation with Tim.

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Website: timothywittig.co
Instagram: @unitedforwildlife
Facebook: @FocusedConservation
Twitter: @focusedconserve
LinkedIn: @Timothy Wittig

Ep 31: Leitah Mkhabela – The Black Mambas, and the life of a female anti-poaching ranger.

Ep 31: Leitah Mkhabela – The Black Mambas, and the life of a female anti-poaching ranger.

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In this episode, I’m talking with Leitah Mkhabela. Leitah is a Supervisor and Media Officer for the Black Mambas. Founded in 2013 by Craig Spencer of Transfrontier Africa, the Black Mambas are South Africa’s first all female anti-poaching unit. They operate on the front lines of the Balule coalition of private game reserves on the western border of Kruger National Park. Leitah started her career as a Black Mamba in 2014. In 2020, she received a Ranger of the Year award by The International Paradise Foundation in China.

In this conversation, we talk about Leitah’s blossoming love for wildlife as a teen, her decision to become a ranger for the Black Mambas, and the challenges she faced from society as a woman going into this field. Leitah dives into her growth as a ranger, the dangers rangers face in the field, and the reasons the Black Mambas patrol in the bush unarmed. We go into depth on the role of a ranger, community engagement, and advice for women in conservation. We even talk about our dear friend, Leitah’s cousin, the late Anton Mzimba of the Timbavati—how he motivated Leitah and what it means to pick up the torch and continue his work.

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Website: transfrontierafrica/the-black-mambas
Instagram: @theblackmambas
Facebook: @blackmambasapu
Twitter: @blackmambasapu
LinkedIn: @Black Mambas Anti-Poaching Unit

Ep 30: Charlie Mayhew, MBE – Founding Tusk, Wildlife Ranger Challenge, and Massive Impact.

Ep 30: Charlie Mayhew, MBE – Founding Tusk, Wildlife Ranger Challenge, and Massive Impact.

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In this episode, I’m talking with Charlie Mayhew, MBE. Charlie is the Co-Founder and CEO of Tusk Trust. Their mission is to amplify the impact of progressive conservation initiatives across Africa. Charlie was educated at Wellington College, worked as a Lloyd’s Marine Insurance Broker while moonlighting as a DJ, is a Fellow of The Royal Geographical Society, and was awarded an MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) by Her Majesty The Queen. In 1990 he co-founded the charity, Tusk Trust, and under his stewardship it has since grown into a highly reputable and efficient UK conservation charity.

In this conversation we dive into Charlie’s path into conservation, including a 1985 expedition he led across Africa, and the film he co-produced which led to the foundations of Tusk. We take a winding path through all of the various organizations Tusk supports across Africa, dig into their ethos, and talk about the power of ambassadors including Tusk’s Royal Patron, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales. And of course we explore the importance of rangers, and the amazing support for them through Tusk’s Wildlife Ranger Challenge and the Tusk Awards. Charlie has a captivating life story, and with over £100m raised since its inception, Tusk has had and continues to have massive impact on conservation and community development programs.

LEARN MORE
Website: tusk.org
Instagram: @charlie_mayhew | @tusk_org
Facebook: @tusk.org
Twitter: @MayhewCharlie | @tusk_org
LinkedIn: @Charlie Mayhew, MBE | @Tusk

Ep 26: James Slade – Firefighter, ranger, and wildlife crime prevention at Re:wild.

Ep 26: James Slade – Firefighter, ranger, and wildlife crime prevention at Re:wild.

In this episode, I’m talking with James Slade. James was born in British Columbia surrounded by wildlife on the Canadian West Coast. After some years of traveling he ended up studying at the Southern African Wildlife College. From there he worked as a game ranger and tracker at the Cheetah Conservation Fund, he was the Senior Warden and Operations Manager with the International Anti-Poaching Foundation, he worked for the Game Rangers Association of Africa, he was a Technical Advisor for the Bumi Hills Foundation, and he is currently the Wildlife Crime Prevention Officer for Re:wild. On top of that Jame’s is a Volunteer Firefighter with the Lone Butte Fire Department in BC, Canada.

In this conversation, we talk about all of James’ roles and experiences through the lens of following his passion for wild spaces and working in the bush. From his early days growing up in BC, to his decision to study at the SAWC, and all that he has learned and encountered through his varied positions over the years. From training rangers, to combating poaching, to understanding crime prevention. This is another great episode full of stories of following one’s passion and seeing where it takes them.

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Website: rewild.org
Instagram: @james_logan_slade | @rewild
Facebook: @Rewild
Twitter: @rewild

Ep 25: Donaxi Borjes Flores – The life of a ranger and marine biologist on Guadalupe Island, MX.

Ep 25: Donaxi Borjes Flores – The life of a ranger and marine biologist on Guadalupe Island, MX.

In this episode, I’m talking with my friend Donaxi Borjes Flores. Donaxi graduated with a degree in Marine Biology from the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur. She then volunteered on Guadalupe Island west of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, where she was able to work with rangers stationed on the island. Shortly after she applied for and took a job as a ranger working for the Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas on that same island.

In this conversation, we talk about Donaxi’s connection to the ocean, her path through higher education, and how she found herself working on this small protected island. We go into the many duties she must perform as a ranger, some of the research and projects taking place in the unique biome, and we even talk about her experience cage diving with great whites. This has been a great opportunity to learn what rangers are doing from places outside of the African context, and Donaxi is full of passion, energy, and love for her work.

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Website: gob.mx/conanp
Instagram: @conanp_mx
Facebook: @CONANPmx
Twitter: @CONANP_mx

Ep 24: General Johan Jooste – Rhino War: the battle to save Kruger National Park’s rhinos.

Ep 24: General Johan Jooste – Rhino War: the battle to save Kruger National Park’s rhinos.

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In this episode, I’m talking with retired Major General Johan Jooste. General Jooste spent 35 years in the South African National Defence Force as an infantry officer, a war veteran of Southern African campaigns, and finally exiting the military as the Deputy Chief of the Army. His second career was 5 years as the Director of International Business Development for BAE Systems Land Systems South Africa, a South African defence company. The General’s third career started in 2013 and includes the roles of Officer Commanding Special Projects at Kruger, Officer Commanding Special Projects at SANParks, Law Enforcement and Security Program Manager at Peace Parks Foundation, and Law Enforcement and Security Program Manager seconded to the National Department.

In this conversation, we talk about General Jooste’s past experience in the military and how he ended up leading the para-militarization of the ranger corps at Kruger National Park. We dive into the many challenges he faced, his method for securing the park from the outside in, the risks the rangers must take to protect the rhinos from poaching syndicates, and why he decided to write his new book titled, Rhino War. The General wants to make it clear that all of his answers are his personal opinion and do not necessarily represent the organizations he works for. There are many great stories and lessons in this one, along with the harsh realities of poaching crisis.

LEARN MORE
Rhino War: Buy book on Amazon
Instagram: @sanparks | @krugernationalpark | @peaceparks | @tonyparkauthor
Facebook: @SANParksHonoraryRangers

Ep 22: Jamie McCallum – Force for Nature and delivering the support our rangers deserve.

Ep 22: Jamie McCallum – Force for Nature and delivering the support our rangers deserve.

In this episode, I’m talking with Jamie McCallum. Jamie spent ten years in corporate sponsorship (working with Orange, Toyota, Omega, Usain Bolt and Ferrari) before getting a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences and doing research on the US/Mexico border. He then set up and ran the Technology Programme at the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and since 2015 he has been the UK/EU Director for Peace Parks Foundation (PPF). Jamie is the Founder and CEO of Force for Nature, a forward-thinking social and environmental enterprise committed to preserving nature and the value it brings humanity, by supporting wildlife Rangers.

In this conversation, we talk about Jamie’s youth growing up in the UK with horses, his early professional career working with corporate sponsors for Formula 1 racing, and his eventual journey into conservation. We go into the importance of rangers, and the support they need. We dive into the creation of Force For Nature, the Ranger App, and the Pod app, which is used for amplifying campaigns to help bring awareness and funds to rangers. We also explore new models for NGOs to work with corporate sponsors. This conversation is full of great stories, a love for rangers, and innovative solutions to support their work.

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Websites: forcefornature.org
Instagram: @forcefornature
Facebook: @Forcefornatureorg

Ep 21: Grant Fowlds – Project Rhino, Saving the Last Rhinos, and Rewilding Africa.

Ep 21: Grant Fowlds – Project Rhino, Saving the Last Rhinos, and Rewilding Africa.

In this episode, I’m talking with Grant Fowlds. Grant is a conservationist, consultant, educator and author of two books. He grew up in the Eastern Cape of South Africa where his family and neighbors came together to form the now famous Amakhala Game Reserve. He’s the Director of the (KZN) Project Rhino Alliance NPC and the Ambassador & Manager for Rhino Art. He splits his time between range expansion projects, marketing, fundraising, youth education, and speaking about the work being done in the field. His two books, Saving the Last Rhinos and Rewildling Africa can be found on Amazon.

In this conversation, we talk about Grant’s early days of growing up on the family farm, his entrepreneurial beginnings in goat farming, and the development of the Amakhala Game Reserve. We talk about his involvement in Rhino Art with adventurer Kingsley Holgate, the work at Project Rhino and their efforts in range expansion, ranger support, youth education, and building a conservation economy. We go into the many stories related in his books, and dive into some of his rewilding projects with a focus on the development of the Loziba Wildlife Reserve. Grant’s books and life story is a masterclass in conservation. This episode is full of stories of passionate people coming together to make a difference.

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Websites: grantfowlds.com | projectrhinokzn.org | amakhala.co.za | loziba.com
Instagram: @grant.fowlds | @amakhala_game_reserve | @projectrhinokzn
Facebook: @grant.fowlds | @projectrhinokzn | @amakhalareserve
Twitter: @GrantFowlds1 | @ProjectRhinoKZN | @amakhala

Ep 20: Boris Vos – LEAD Ranger: developing the next generation of ranger trainers.

Ep 20: Boris Vos – LEAD Ranger: developing the next generation of ranger trainers.

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In this episode, I’m talking with Boris Vos. Boris was with the Ministry of Defence in The Netherlands from 1996 – 2014 before moving to project-based conservation training in Asia and Africa. He is the Co-Founder and Director of Operations at Ranger Campus and Lead Operations for the LEAD Ranger program — a collaborative initiative of the International Anti-Poaching Foundation , The Thin Green Line Foundation and Ranger Campus. In this capacity, Boris has trained rangers in Africa to be instructors and leaders in their own protected areas.

In this conversation, we talk about Boris’ decision to go into the military, his path to becoming a trainer, and many of the details of what makes a good trainer. We also dive into his first trip to Africa while protecting the coast from Somali pirates, and how seeing a poached elephant inspired him to change his career and go into conservation. We go in depth into the importance of rangers, how he and his wife Dominique started Ranger Campus, and the evolution and mission of LEAD Ranger. This was a fun chat full of stories, depth, and wisdom.

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Websites: leadranger.org | thingreenline.org.au | iapf.org | rangercampus.org
Instagram: @lead_ranger | @rangercampus | @thingreenlinefoundation | @int.anti.poaching.foundation
Facebook: @thethingreenlinefoundation | @iapf
Twitter: @RangerCampus | @ThinGreenLine_ | @IAPF

Ep 17: Andrew Campbell – GRAA, a life of conservation, and supporting Africa’s rangers.

Ep 17: Andrew Campbell – GRAA, a life of conservation, and supporting Africa’s rangers.

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In this episode, I’m talking with Andrew Campbell. Andrew grew up on a farm in the Kwazulu-Natal Midlands in the shadows of the iconic uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park. He spent much of his youth exploring these lands and many of the protected areas of South Africa. Andrew comes from a long lineage of conservationists. He began his career as a guide in places like the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Sabi Sands, Mala Mala, and Phinda Private Game Reserve. Andrew is Currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Game Rangers’ Association of Africa, and the Executive Director of Conservation Matters.

In this conversation, we dive into Andrew’s early days growing up in and around the bush, we talk about some of his early inspirations and his path into conservation. We learn about his eventual connection to the Game Rangers’ Association of Africa, we dive into what GRAA is doing for rangers, the importance of rangers, the many roles rangers play in conservation, and some of the challenges they face in Africa, along with many of the solutions that are making a difference. This one is full of stories, and passion, and love for the rangers.Subscribe, Like, and Review The Rhino Man Podcast on #Spotify and #ApplePodcasts today!

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Website: gameranger.org
Instagram: @campbell.a @gamerangersassociationofafrica
Facebook: @ameRangersAssociationOfAfrica
Twitter: @The_GRAA