Comment Re:Elephants? (Score 1) 187
Try South Africa:
http://www.dod.mil.za/operatio...
"We've got one Intelligence Tactical Regiment from Potchefstroom, which specialises in intelligence gathering. Special Forces and 21 Batallion, both in the park and on the borders," says Colonel Bobelo. The ground troops are supported by helicopters for a speedy chase of poachers. "The helicopters contribute a lot in terms of identifying areas where poachers are operating," he adds. Colone! Says that it became increasingly important to rope in the army when syndicates began using helicopters, night vision equipment and high-powered rifles in their expedition."
and:
"Within three months of the SANDF's arrival at the Kruger National Park, rhino poaching cases dropped from 40 in March to just two in June. But poachers always device new strategies and return for more horns."
Turns out that hunting Rhinos becomes a lot less attractive when you're being hunted by a Rooivalk backed by special forces.
Other African nations are now following suit and also beginning to deploy drones more frequently as well.