The Black Mambas
The World's First All-Woman Anti-Poaching Unit
Head out on patrol with the Black Mambas, South Africa’s first women-led anti-poaching unit.
This anti-poaching team is unlike any other: they carry no weapons. Instead, they keep animals safe with frequent patrols and a keen eye for footprints, snares, and other clues that poachers are nearby. These courageous women work in a nature reserve in South Africa’s Greater Kruger National Park. The reserve is home to the largest remaining populations of white rhinos, critically endangered black rhinos, and ground pangolins, one of the most trafficked animals in the world.
Author and photographer Kelly Crull traveled to South Africa to see firsthand how the Black Mambas are making a difference—for animals and for their communities. He tells their incredible story from their perspective, giving readers an unforgettable look at these environmental heroes.
A portion of the proceeds from this book will be donated to the Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit.
| Format | Your Price | Add |
|---|---|---|
|
979-8-7656-2725-9
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$14.99 | |
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979-8-7656-5919-9
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$24.99 |
| Interest Level | Grade 1 - Grade 4 |
|---|---|
| Reading Level | Grade 3 |
| Genre | Science |
| Category | 5 Kinds of Nonfiction, 5KN: Traditional Nonfiction, Diverse Books: Feminism, Diversity |
| Copyright | 2025 |
| Publisher | Lerner Publishing Group |
| Imprint | Millbrook Press ™ |
| Language | English |
| Number of Pages | 40 |
| Publication Date | 2025-04-01 |
| Text Type | Informational/Explanatory |
|---|---|
| BISACS | JNF003220, JNF037020, JNF011000 |
| Dewey | 639.90968 |
| Dimensions | 10.625 x 8.875 |
| Guided Reading Level | P |
| Features | Author/Illustrator biography, Author/Illustrator note, Maps, Primary source quotations/images, Reviewed, Sidebars, Source notes, Starred Reviews, Teaching Guides, and eSource |
Author, Photographer: Kelly Crull
Kelly Crull is an author, illustrator, and photographer. His work includes Washed Ashore: Making Art from Ocean Plastic which was selected for the Texas Topaz Nonfiction Reading List and nominated for the Keystone to Reading Book Award. Kelly’s lively school visits have been known to include reenactments of the Running of the Bulls and La Tomatina, the world’s largest food fight. Crazy fiestas like these happen every day in Spain where he lives with his wife and three children.
Lerner eSource™ offers free digital teaching and learning resources, including Common Core State Standards (CCSS) teaching guides. These guides, created by classroom teachers, offer short lessons and writing exercises that give students specific instruction and practice using Common Core skills and strategies. Lerner eSource also provides additional resources including online activities, downloadable/printable graphic organizers, and additional educational materials that would also support Common Core instruction. Download, share, pin, print, and save as many of these free resources as you like!
The Black Mambas
Head out on patrol with the Black Mambas, South Africa’s first women-led anti-poaching unit. This anti-poaching team is unlike any other: they carry no weapons. Instead, they keep animals safe with frequent patrols and a keen eye for footprints, snares, and View available downloads →
Reviews
Kirkus Reviews
“Admiring glimpses of women in a vital, challenging line of work.”—Kirkus Reviews
School Library Journal
“The energy, passion, and effort of this unit is made obvious through these images and will inspire readers to look around their own surroundings for ways to care for neighboring wildlife. . . A fascinating, kid-friendly title on wildlife conservation that will captivate and empower elementary school readers.”—starred, School Library Journal
Publishers Weekly
“An earnest, enthusiastic tribute to the world’s first all-woman anti-poaching unit.”—Publishers Weekly
Booklist
“The most exhilarating parts of the book, however, follow the Black Mambas on patrol as they observe wildlife up close, search the bush for snares, look for signs of poachers, and even plan and carry out a poacher ambush—all without guns. Documenting these courageous accomplishments are thrilling, large-scale photographs of the Black Mambas in action and the animals they serve to protect.. . . A joyful tribute to these dauntless women.”—starred, Booklist