The South African National Parks (SANParks) graduated 24 elite ranger forces that will more than double the complement of Sea, Aerial, and Mountain (SEAM) operators on Table Mountain National Park.

The Table Mountain National Park SEAM Team responsible for the safety of both visitors as well as environmental protection, was established in December 2021.

“The SEAM team has affected the arrest of 116 persons since its inception in December 2021. The SEAM team has conducted 88 helicopter deployments, 1003 foot patrols, and 400 K9 deployments. The 24 graduates will add to the complement of 16 members, more than doubling SANParks capacity,” says SANParks head of communication and spokesperson, JP Louw.

“At present, the team consists of special operators, a canine unit of multi-purpose canines specialising in apprehension, detection and man-tracking, aerial support, and vessel support. This enables the unit to deal more effectively with the multitude of criminal threats that erode our environmental and visitor protection mandate.”

According to Mr Louw, SEAM candidates undergo a rigorous mental and physical process for selection and receive para-military training to prepare them for special operations to effectively address the broad suite of threats facing the park.

The deployment of SEAM team rangers is intelligence-driven and they conduct various terrestrial and marine operations, which have led to the arrest of various suspects. They run special operations targeting robbery and theft suspects, poachers, and illegal harvesting of plant species.

This initiative was made possible through partnerships with external stakeholders such as the SANParks Honorary Rangers, the Table Mountain Fund, and the Foundation for a Sustainable Future.

“The Table Mountain National Park is set up to protect its incredible biodiversity and natural heritage bestowed on us to enjoy, however it faces both environmental, especially species poaching, and safety threats,” says SANParks Honorary Rangers - Table Mountain Region chairperson, Kenneth Carden.

“The SANParks Honorary Rangers are pleased to have contributed to support the selection and training phases of this vital initiative to expand the SEAM team. We believe that the additional SEAM operators once deployed will have a significant impact on reducing both environmental and safety crimes in our beloved national park.”