Howick-born ranger helps fight poaching in Bisley

Duranty, who is from Howick, has dedicated his life to combating poaching and educating both wildlife enthusiasts and the general public on matters and the realities of life as a ranger. Speaking toThe Witnessafter a day of patrols at the Bisley Nature Reserve last week, Duranty said KwaZulu-Natal remained a hotspot for poaching and that rangers, though vital, are often too expensive for some reserves and farms, which is why he offered his services and the services of his K9, Nitus, free of charge. In addition to conducting patrols, Duranty, Task Force Rhino’s Head Instructor, has been advising other K9 handlers in the area.

He said his presence was welcomed and that his visit was less a trip than a homecoming, as he was born and raised in KwaZulu-Natal, where he found his calling. When he was 17-years-old, he went into Phinda Private Game Reserve with some friends and saw a rhino and her baby brutally killed by poachers. It was that discovery which made him dedicate his life to combatting the poaching scourge in Africa.

Now, 15 years later, his remains unwavering in his mission. “Simply being able to keep animals alive keeps me going,” he said. In the late 2000s, poaching, rhino poaching in particular, dominated headlines as a global surge in demand collided with organised criminal networks and enforcement challenges in the country, turning it into a highly lucrative and rapidly escalating environmental crime.