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ON THE PROWL

Rhino hunters have become the hunted thanks to this band of badasses

The world’s first all-female antipoaching unit is a rhino’s best friend—and illegal hunters’ worst nightmare. Known as the Black Mambas, these 26 rangers defy danger and gender stereotypes to patrol the 154-square-mile Balule Nature Reserve bordering South Africa’s famed Kruger National Park. The women roam the park day and night, searching for tracks and traps left by illegal hunters who kill rhinos for their horns, which can fetch up to $60,000 on the black market in Asia for their supposed medicinal benefits.

The work of the Black Mambas is of critical importance: South Africa is home to 80 percent of the world’s rhino population, and three of the five endangered species are on the brink of extinction. “In the beginning, it was very hard,” says Nocry Mzimba, 22, the first recruit. “But there was no choice—these animals need our protection.”

With 6,000 poachers active in Kruger, the women are greatly outnumbered, but that hasn’t stopped them. Since 2013 (their fourth anniversary is in April), the Black Mambas have reduced the number of snared or poisoned animals by 76 percent and dismantled 12 poacher camps. “It’s a dangerous job,” says Belinda Mzimba, 22, another ranger.

“Once I came across two poachers during a patrol, and one of them grabbed a machete and ran toward me. I managed to pepper-spray and handcuff him just in time.” Count that as another win for team rhino. —Matteo Fagotto

THE RANGERS' EQUIPMENT IS FUNDED BY DONATIONS. TO GIVE, VISIT BLACKMAMBAS.ORG.