Rhino Protection Units

RPUs are the front-line defense for protecting Way Kambas’ rhino population. They are highly trained anti-poaching teams made up of 4-6 people that intensively patrol the key areas of the park to deactivate traps and snares and identify and apprehend illegal intruders, including poachers, and to investigate crime scenes, thus preventing or reducing the loss of wildlife to poachers. Each RPU is led by a qualified wildlife ranger who has qualifications of a civil investigating officer (Penyidik Pegawai Negeri Sipil) and has the authority to carry firearms and arrest suspected poachers. Other members are contracted from the local community. All team members receive rigorous training and evaluation before joining the program.

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