The Greater Kruger Environmental Protection Foundation (GKEPF) plays a vital role in supporting wildlife protection across one of Africa’s most iconic conservation landscapes. At the heart of this work is GKEPF’s Protection pillar, which brings together reserve partners to strengthen anti-poaching efforts through coordinated operations, shared intelligence, and innovative tools and technologies. All efforts are directed toward contributing to a safe, secure, and resilient landscape within the Greater Kruger; enabling ecosystems to flourish, biodiversity to thrive, and people to be an integral part in conservation.
One of the most impactful rhino conservation success stories of the past year has been the reintroduction of 120 southern white rhinos into GKEPF management authority reserves, carried out in partnership with African Parks. This marked the first reintroduction of rhinos into the Greater Kruger landscape in more than 50 years. The operation was made possible through coordinated anti-poaching efforts, improved reserve security, and strong collaboration across the region. Poaching incidents have continued to decline across the open system management authority reserves since the relocation, highlighting the impact of strengthened protection strategies. In a hopeful sign for the future, nine white rhino calves born from reintroduced cows have already been reported. With sustained commitment, this initiative offers a real opportunity to rebuild rhino populations across the landscape.
GKEPF continues to support frontline security teams through aerial monitoring flights, including both fixed-wing and helicopter patrols. These flights are essential for real-time surveillance, detecting incursions, and tracking priority species like rhino. Alongside this, GKEPF assists in rhino monitoring efforts by maintaining an identification database using ear notch records and photographic references, enabling early detection of anomalies and missing individuals.
To support the justice system, GKEPF recently hosted a prosecutor awareness visit, welcoming prosecutors from the area who prosecute wildlife crime cases to experience firsthand the realities rangers face in the field. The group participated in a simulated follow-up exercise and engaged in critical discussions around wildlife crime prosecution, helping to bridge the gap between field operations and courtroom outcomes.
On the ground, GKEPF has also been instrumental in infrastructure support, including the completion and ongoing maintenance of key boundary fences that limit illegal access and safeguard wildlife corridors, while also minimising human-wildlife conflict. The fence line is seen as a common asset by both the protected areas and the community. Maintaining it is a joint effort between GKEPF, the reserve management, and community members, highlighting the value of including communities in conservation.
Through these efforts and more, GKEPF continues to provide essential coordination, support, and strategic guidance that empowers the people on the ground to protect wildlife and the wild places they call home.
A portion of the profits from each Draken Kruger sold will go to GKEPF in aid of the fight against rhino poaching.