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Billy and Simon tell of tracking a group of approximately 15 individuals through dense terrain, analyzing minute clues to anticipate their next move. Simon emphasizes, “It’s all about detail—tiny plant bending, faint footprints, or disturbed leaves—that can reveal where they’ve been, how long ago, and where they’re headed.”
The Power of Tracking: A Vital Conservation Skill
Both experts highlight tracking as a cornerstone skill in anti-poaching efforts. With roots dating back decades and military conflicts such as the Malayan Emergency and Rhodesian operations, tracking has evolved into a finely-tuned discipline requiring patience, intelligence, and experience.