Meet the ladies of the Black Mambas, an all-female anti-poaching who are changing the face of conservation.

The Black Mamba anti-poaching unit was founded in 2013 by Transfrontier Africa and were created to protect the Olifants West Region of Balule Nature Reserve in South Africa.

Restoring dignity and self-worth, and empowering communities to play their part, is a crucial component of efforts to combat the illegal wildlife trade across the globe, and the Black Mambas are an outstanding example of success.

Their brave actions are sending the message to others in South Africa and beyond that communities themselves can prevent the illegal wildlife trade— which threatens not only iconic species such as rhino and elephants, but puts money in the hands of criminal gangs, thus increasing insecurity, and threatens livelihoods.

As seen on Africa Geographic