Under the Radar: R.C750 in Special Operation
The R.C570 is a "perfect match" for the job
The idea of being able to operate "under the radar" against poachers led Bryce Clemence, the head of ATS at the Savé Valley Conservancy (SVC), to consider using eBikes that can adapt to the local conditions. The rangers should be able to monitor large areas undetected, supported by a quiet drive and flexible usability. Hence, the choice fell on the eMTB category. A conversation with wildlife expert Guy Jennings, now working at the Wild Africa Fund, led to a connection with ROTWILD brand ambassador Claudio Caluori. We found the idea of using our eMTBs for wildlife protection very innovative and immediately convincing. With the first two models, the rangers have been gaining experience in the bush of Zimbabwe since July 2022. Now, the bike fleet is complete with two additional R.C750.
Quick Deployment after the Introductory Phase
Initially, the rangers underwent training to use the R.C750 as operational vehicles. As every rider knows, effective bike use involves understanding its specifications, behavior, and adjustment possibilities. Bryce Clemence now reports in an update that the R.C750 bikes not only provide good services but also exceed expectations. The wildlife protectors effectively use them for observing animals, following leads on poaching, and even law enforcement by authorities. This is done on three patrols, either in pairs or groups of four bikes, depending on the situation and local needs. The use has the positive side effect of promoting the fitness of the rangers, boosting their morale, and serving as a means of recreation.
The R.C750 Support Various Tasks
Among the main tasks that the rangers handle with the R.C750 are tracking and identifying illegal crossings over the reserve's borders. The reserve is protected by double fences with a total length of 350 kilometers. The continuous inspection and maintenance of these structures are essential for the reserve's protection. The rangers also take on the monitoring and counting of animals. In the SVC, 25% of all "Black Rhinos," also known as white rhinoceros, found in Zimbabwe, live. The population was just over 200 in September 2023. Additionally, there are "White Rhinos" in the reserve, numbering about 60. These animals are part of a unique fauna, including pangolins, wild dogs, or cheetahs. Patrols either start from the headquarters or after transport on a vehicle to a specific region of the reserve. Bryce Clemence reports that the R.C750 proves to be very durable, attributed to the care and maintenance by the trained rangers. Additionally, the construction of a trailer for transporting all four bikes is planned in the near future.
Special Equipment for Special Challenges
We prepared the R.C750 in our production facility in Dieburg for its use in Zimbabwe. The challenges, especially from the terrain, are different from the classic trails in our country. Instead of roots and blocked sections, the rangers must overcome sandy and bumpy paths, mostly off-piste in the bush. The powerful Brose S-Mag motor, with up to 90 Nm of torque, coupled with the effective 720 watt-hours capacity from the battery, supports the riders with sufficient power. Some patrols are up to 70 km long. Coarse-treaded Big Betty tires provide better traction on the sandy ground, where the surface is loose and easily slips. The local rangers use them for less rolling resistance and more grip with lower tubeless pressure. Moreover, they are less susceptible to damage and quicker to get back on track in case of tire punctures, thanks to the use of sealant. We also installed fixed M99 Mini Pro headlights from Supernova. In the standard configuration, they can be removed via the MonkeyLink adapter. These headlights shine with up to 1,200 lumens in high beam. The lighting system is complemented by an integrated LED taillight in the luggage rack system. Additionally, we equipped the special models for the bush with bicycle stands at the dropout.
The Rangers' Work Bears Fruit
The rangers in the SVC reflect on a successful year in 2023. They were able to prevent almost all incursions by poachers. Furthermore, the efforts of many stakeholders in the reserve have led to an increase in the rhino population across species. According to the active members on-site, these successes give hope for positive development in protection efforts but will not lead to a reduction in the fight against poaching. Displaced poachers, for example, move to less frequented regions in the SVC and increasingly set up wire snares that can also harm larger animals. The experts continue to rely on support from their own K9 dog squad in tracking criminals, less invasive animal observation using drones, large-scale chipping and monitoring of animals, and cooperation with local groups and residents. The tasks in the approximately 750,000-hectare area are so diverse that they can only be reliably and continuously fulfilled together with many active participants. The protection of wild animals is inseparably linked to the compatibility with the development of regional prosperity and, consequently, with the acceptance of the people.
Find out more about the R.C750 here, however with standard equipment.