Participants

Alex Macharia – team leader Francis Chege Kathuki Ngongo James Nyumu Mutua Vincent Nteritu Kapina 4KWS Rangers

Areas Covered

During the course of the month of November the following areas were patrolled by the Mtito de-snaring team: the Chyulu gate, Mangalete, Yumbuni, Kenani, Kanga, the Chyulu pump, Ngulia and along the Mtito river

14 SNARES COLLECTED 3 ARRESTS

Findings

November happened to be a wet month with the rains falling day and night throughout the month and thus hindering our operations. Working became impossible as some areas were completely impassable preventing us from accessing our normal patrol areas. The levels of snaring this month were practically non-existent with a total of 14 snares being recovered. Most of the evidence seen this month was in the form of footprints and grazing. The triangle was the hottest spot visited being covered with footprints from armed bandits who were criss-crossing the parks.

At Ngulia 3 elephant poachers were sighted. We were able to arrest one of them but unfortunately the other two were able to evade arrest. We took a video clip of the poacher, along with photos, for our records. The poachers were in possession of 12 poisoned arrows and knives.

We were able to arrest another two poachers at Kenani who were in possession of some snares and logged timber. All three poachers were booked at Mtito police station and are awaiting their sentences. Unfortunately two charcoal burners, at the Mangalete area, escaped arrest. In their hurry to get away they left their bicycles and luggage behind.

The Kenani area is frequently visited by armed bandits who terrorize the railway line staff members. The bandits, who are believed to have come from Somalia, shot a hippo before proceeding into the triangle.

Community work We visited several schools where we showed wildlife films and organized a field trip for Kikwasuni primary school.

Sadly the trip had to be postponed till next year as the schools were busy taking their national and local exams.

Report by Alex Macharia