The Black Mambas
The World's First All-Woman Anti-Poaching Unit
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- $9.99
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- $9.99
Publisher Description
Head out on patrol with the Black Mambas, South Africa's first women-led anti-poaching unit.
This anti-poaching team is unlike any other: they carry no weapons. Instead, they keep animals safe with frequent patrols and a keen eye for footprints, snares, and other clues that poachers are nearby. These courageous women work in a nature reserve in South Africa’s Greater Kruger National Park. The reserve is home to the largest remaining populations of white rhinos, critically endangered black rhinos, and ground pangolins, one of the most trafficked animals in the world.
Author and photographer Kelly Crull traveled to South Africa to see firsthand how the Black Mambas are making a difference—for animals and for their communities. He tells their incredible story from their perspective, giving readers an unforgettable look at these environmental heroes.
A portion of the proceeds from this book will be donated to the Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Crull spotlights South African anti-poaching unit the Black Mambas in this documentary-style picture book. First-person-plural narration evenhandedly presents the perspective of poachers before delving into the Black Mambas' mission-driven work on a nature reserve ("We say to the animals... We are your mothers, your aunties, and your sisters"). Within the frame of the Black Mambas' daily schedule—from morning workouts to twice-a-day patrols—interactive pages invite readers to plan a patrol route and match animals to their tracks. Sidebars and quotes from individual Black Mambas help provide a complete picture of ranger work, while photo collages depict the women protecting wildlife. The result is an earnest, enthusiastic tribute to the world's first all-woman anti-poaching unit. A pronunciation guide and author's note conclude. Ages 6–10.
