Porsche Transforms Cayenne Into Anti-Poaching Vehicle for World’s First All-Woman Ranger Squad

Porsche South Africa has donated a modified second-generation Cayenne SUV to the Black Mambas, the world’s first all-woman anti-poaching unit in the Greater Kruger area for rhinoceros conservation.

According to a press release by Porsche, the Cayenne has been modified, transforming it from a regular SUV to a rapid response vehicle built to zip through forest trails and aid in conservation efforts.

Modified by Porsche Centre Johannesburg, it has been fitted with upgraded suspension, a bull bar and spotlights for nighttime operations, Yokohama off-road tyres to tackle rough terrain, a roof rack to carry the spare wheel and other equipment, and sufficient underbody protection so a stone hit won’t drain all its engine oil.

Visually, Porsche has made the Black Mambas’ Cayenne look like it belongs in the jungle with a camo paint job and its off-road personality. The Cayenne will play multiple roles, such as delivering supplies and transporting patrol teams to address poaching activities in sensitive areas of the forest that spans 20,000 hectares.

Photo Courtesy: Porsche

“The team at Porsche Centre Johannesburg took on the challenge of upgrading this Cayenne with great enthusiasm and responsibility,” said Toby Venter, CEO of Porsche South Africa. “Our focus was to ensure the Cayenne could operate reliably across the vast and demanding terrain of the reserve. It combines performance, durability, and capability, and will serve as a valuable asset to the team.”

The Black Mambas previously carried out most of their operations on foot, but the addition of the Cayenne will make conservation efforts much easier. Not only that, but the Black Mambas are also involved in community service, setting an example for the local youth so that they can earn their livelihood through conservation rather than by aiding poachers.

Rhino conservation received priority after poaching wiped out nearly 60 percent of the animals since 2013. Fortunately, poaching incidents have decreased in recent years. Speaking on the conservation work carried out by the Black Mambas, Dr. Manfred Bräunl, CEO of Porsche Middle East and Africa, said:

“The Black Mambas do outstanding work to protect the rhinos of the Greater Kruger, and we are pleased to both support their efforts and bring further awareness to their cause.

“Their non-violent, community-focused model of preservation is both innovative and effective. They should be proud of their record of protecting the rhinos of South Africa, and that their model is being adopted in other places around the world. It’s great that the Cayenne is now an integral part of their team.”

Has the Cayenne Made a Difference?

According to Craig Spencer, the founder of Black Mambas, the addition of the Cayenne has created a positive impact. He said:

“This vehicle has transformed the way The Black Mambas work. It allows us to respond faster, cover more ground, and be present where we are needed most. Before, reaching certain areas could take too long, and unreliable vehicles made our job harder.

“Now, we can move across the reserve rapidly and consistency. It has strengthened our ability to protect this landscape, and it gives us the tools we need to continue this mission to protect the rhinos every single day.”

Photo Courtesy: Porsche