Hytera DMR Radios Help Rangers Combat Wildlife Poachers in South Africa
The Private Nature Reserve is a private wildlife game reserve on the eastern edge of Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. The 43.96 km² reserve forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park and is home to many iconic animals, including the famous “Big Five”: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and African buffalo. In recent years, rhino poaching has become a major threat, with hundreds of animals killed for their horns. Bhejane 360°, a private anti-poaching firm, was brought in to help protect the rhinos and other species in the neighboring nature reserves.
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User
Bhejane 360° - Specialized Wildlife Protection -
Project Time
2022 - 2024 -
Market Segment
Wildlife Conservation
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Product
Hytera PD48X portable radio
Hytera MD785 mobile radio
Hytera Smart Dispatch Plus platform
Challenge
Due to limited access to public networks, a robust and reliable two-way radio system is essential for any effective anti-poaching operation, where instant communication is critical for timely response. However, the vast size of the reserve and its remote location posed a major coverage challenge for any radio system.
Another major challenge for rangers is the unpredictability of poachers — they rarely know where or when intrusions will occur. This makes real-time communication vital for alerting each other and the command center to suspicious activity and coordinating a response. The lack of reliable communications had been hindering Bhejane 360°’s operational capacity and its ability to respond swiftly, resulting in delays and increased risks to both rangers and wildlife.
Solutions
Bhejane 360° invested in a Hytera Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) system with the SmartDispatch Plus platform. To ensure reliable coverage across the extensive conservation area, Hytera’s local partner Khuselo installed a DMR repeater site on the Mariepskop mountain range at an altitude of 1,947 meters above sea level. This elevated site enables wide-area signal propagation, ensuring seamless communication even in remote sections of the reserve.
The handheld PD48X portable radios and MD785 mobile radios offer long-range communication and feature built-in GPS tracking. This allows supervisors to monitor the real-time location of each unit via SmartDispatch Plus on screens in the control center. Rangers use GPS-enabled PD48X handheld radios in the field, fully integrated with the dispatch platform, while the control room operates the MD785 base radio to maintain continuous voice and data connectivity. This setup ensures efficient coordination and rapid response to emerging threats.
About Bhejane 360° - Specialized Wildlife Protection
Bhejane 360°, a private specialized wildlife protection company, required a reliable radio system with GPS tracking capability for use in wildlife nature reserves in South Africa. Khuselo Electra Communications & Security Solutions supplied a Hytera DMR two-way radio solution with the SmartDispatch Plus platform. The radios provide long-range communications, while GPS tracking enables the command center to monitor the location of all rangers in the reserve in real time and quickly dispatch the nearest personnel to intercept poachers or investigate any suspicious activity — significantly improving response times.
“The Hytera radio system is our go-to radio and it's been proven to be reliable. We can't do without it. So, thank you for providing a reliable radio and communication medium to us and our teams in the field. We really appreciate it. I must say that it is top notch quality and value.”
Willem Noirtier, Operations Manager, Bhejane 360° Specialized Wildlife Protection
Unit
Benefits
Seamless Real-Time Communication
The Hytera DMR radios enable long-range communication, allowing rangers to stay in constant contact with each other and the control center. In anti-poaching operations, where time is critical, reliable communication helps ensure swift, coordinated action.
Enhanced Operational Coordination
The real-time GPS tracking and dependable voice communication provided by the Hytera PD48X radios allow the command center to dispatch the most appropriately positioned rangers and optimize patrol routes.
Enhanced Ranger Safety
GPS tracking significantly enhances ranger safety by allowing the command center to pinpoint their location and send assistance without delay.
Loud, Clear Audio
Hytera radios feature powerful speakers and clear audio performance, enabling effective communication between rangers and the control center, even in noisy outdoor environments.
Rugged and Reliable Devices
With military-grade durability and IP54 rating, the radios are built to withstand heat, dust, and water — performing reliably through both dry and rainy seasons.
The compatibility and scalability of the Hytera system also support interoperability with neighboring protected areas such as Kruger National Park and Sabi Park. This enables cross-boundary coordination and joint anti-poaching operations, giving Bhejane 360° and its partners a technological edge in protecting endangered species in this high-risk region.
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