When it comes to curbing poaching activity in South Africa, one of the most useful tools is a small general aviation airplane.
Leaders at Atlanta-based Elephants, Rhino & People (ERP.ngo) can tell you all about it next month at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The organization will be at the show for the first time, and to celebrate, it has launched a campaign to fund its second airplane, a CubCrafters NX Cub to be used for anti-poaching and herd monitoring flights in South Africa.
The organization is seeking 500 pilots to donate $1,000 each for its Signature Campaign to help fund a CubCrafters NX Cub. The aircraft will be crated up and shipped to Namibia to be used to patrol the large ERP nature preserves.
The airplanes will be equipped with radio tracking systems and infrared cameras to monitor the herds and spot poachers. Those pilots who contribute by participating in the Signature Campaign will become an ERP Air Wing Aviator and will have their names affixed to the NX Cub’s fuselage.
“Pilots understand how capable general aviation airplanes are for conservation and humanitarian missions,” said Quintin Smith, ERP’s director. “These NX Cubs will save lives every day. As we like to say, ‘conservation through aviation.’” Smith adds, “Planet Earth loses two rhinos a day and an elephant every 15 minutes to poaching. It is imperative that we work together to stem the losses and to protect these magnificent creatures, and general aviation can play a pivotal role in that.”
During AirVenture, the first ERP NX Cub will be on display at the Redbird Flight Simulations exhibit (Booth 301) from July 21-27.
Take a Trip
Organization officials note that in a later phase, donors will be invited to Namibia to utilize the ERP Air Wing aircraft to witness the work the organization does to protect endangered animals while providing education and business opportunities that give sustainable alternatives to poaching as a source of income. ERP also does elephant relocations and drought relief programs.
The organization has over 30 years of experience in community relations, poverty alleviation, and impact investment in infrastructure to achieve sustainable, non-lethal wildlife conservation. The experiences will include game viewing and stays at the luxury lodges near the preserves.
CubCrafters was founded in Yakima, Washington, in 1980 by Jim Richmond, an aviator and outdoor enthusiast. The high-wing tailwheel design is a favorite of people who prefer to land on unimproved runways. Conservation is part of the CubCrafters’ ethos, as the company encourages pilots to limit their ‘footprint’ in the backcountry.
