November 30, 2021
MSP and Partner Virginia Harman were honored to host a reception on November 17, 2021 for Mark Ponter one of the Directors The African Wildlife Foundation. In his “Sikeleli Talk” Mark spoke eloquently and passionately about efforts to preserve iconic species such as the rhino which are being targeted for their horns by poachers throughout Africa. The horn is sold in Asian markets as an aphrodisiac despite being nothing more than keratin, the same thing your finger nails are made of. These same Asian markets pose a threat to fresh water turtles and black bears here in the Southeast. The International Anti-Poaching Foundation’s all woman ranger squad known as the Askashinga, shown in the photo, have been uniquely successful and Mark explained that the all-female units have been used as a model around Africa to fight poaching.
