Conservation on Amakhala is based on the principle that we can only preserve what we understand, and so considerable effort is put into analysing the current and projected status of the reserve. Organised focus areas are supported by comprehensive programmes of research and monitoring that informs all of our conservation management decisions. Offering a diverse, multi-faceted experience is one of the pillars on which these decisions are based. 

Environmental factors in terms of soil types, vegetation, climate, and the availability of water all combine to determine the carrying capacity of the reserve. The population of large mammal species is particularly salient, as it is the alluring megafauna and predators that largely drive ecotourism demand, and, their presence is also indicative of the health of our ecosystem. The reduction in poaching through the creation of viable economic alternatives for local community members has contributed to an increase in animal populations. There have been confirmed sightings of rare species such as Bat Eared Foxes and Blue Duiker, Aardwolf, along with all the major predator species here on Amakhala.

Securing and protecting wilderness areas is critically important for biodiversity conservation and is a large focus for us. Ecosystem integrity and managing the land so that it can support and maintain ecological processes in the face of changing environmental conditions is essential to biodiversity. 

• Ivory the cheetah
• Our hippos make history
• Meet Reserve Manager, Dwain 
• Orphaned 'Nibbles' released

On the ground our K9 unit and our horseback patrols work day in and day out scouting for potential threats. In the sky, our 'Eye in the Sky' is flown daily. Our Zero-Poaching approach focuses on the below: 

• Assessment; regular training of field rangers;
• Technology: use the best available tools and technologies;
• Capacity: increase our Field Ranger staff ability;
• Community: engage with local communities;
• Prosecution; improve prosecution; 
• Cooperation: share information regularly. 

There is no substitute for a team of well-trained, well-equipped and strongly motivated anti-poaching scouts. However, through innovative deployment of modern technology, we can significantly increase their effectiveness. For example, we deploy detection equipment such as GSM-enabled camera traps and night vision equipment to feed information through digital communication networks to web-based monitoring. The added efficiency derived from these systems assists teams in increasing the rate of arrests of poachers and reducing wildlife losses whilst simultaneously deterring other would-be illegal hunters who recognise the increased risk of being apprehended. 

• Protecting wildlife from the air
• Mounted Equine Anti-Poaching Unit
• World Rhino Day