De-Snaring Report for April 2017

April saw a number of successful arrests by the DSWT/KWS Anti-Poaching Units including 3 ivory and 7 bushmeat poachers

April saw a number of successful arrests by the DSWT/KWS Anti-Poaching Units including 3 ivory and 7 bushmeat poachers.  In total 34 arrests were made of which the remaining apprehensions included livestock herders, charcoal burners, loggers and a miraa harvester.  During daily patrols the teams also lifted and confiscated 425 snares, many of which were discovered by the Burra and Meru teams.

Charcoal burning in the Chyulu Hills was targeted specifically this month in joint operation with the DSWT Aerial Unit.  In total 35 kilns were destroyed throughout the TCA with the majority being found in the Chyulus.  Livestock incursion was also addressed with large groups of herders being arrested during the month.  April also saw the deployment of a new cattle enclosure system, using mobile cattle holding pens, perfect for seizing livestock found illegally in the parks and apprehending the owners.

In total 4 elephant carcasses were found by the Burra, Mtito and Meru Units, the majority with tusks already removed by poachers.  There was also a rescue or an orphaned buffalo calf, which is now being cared for at the DSWT’s Kaluku HQ in Tsavo East.