December is generally a quieter month, and this year was no exception. Most individuals involved in illegal activities in the parks are small-scale farmers, and during the November-December period they typically remain on their farms to tend to freshly planted crops. Additionally, the SWT Aerial Unit operated with reduced staff during the latter half of the month, leading to fewer sightings.

The most significant illegal activity recorded in December was the large influx of livestock into both Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks, with Tsavo East being particularly affected. Coordinates were provided to KWS for ground team responses, but persistently wet conditions in December made some areas inaccessible by vehicle. In southern Tsavo West, significant progress was made in removing livestock before the end of the month.

No fresh poaching activity was detected during the month. However, during a helicopter patrol, deployed rangers uncovered a small number of old snares on the Yatta Plateau. A unique rainy season activity observed in December was the illegal cultivation of marijuana in patches of forest within Chyulu Hills National Park. In previous years, marijuana plantations were more numerous and extensive, but sustained action by our ground teams has significantly reduced this activity. Now, only a few very small plots appear each year.

Some small-scale logging and larger-scale charcoal burning were observed. Logging for timber and beehive construction was noted in northern Tsavo East. On Galana, Kulalu, and Kishushe Ranches. In South Kitui National Reserve, fairly extensive charcoal burning was documented.

Two human-elephant conflict cases were addressed by helicopters in December. In one case, two bull elephants were successfully pushed back into the park. In another case, a herd of 15 elephants was unsuccessfully pushed back after a tragic incident where an elephant had killed a community member in the same area.

Only one elephant carcass was observed from the air in December. It was an adult bull that appeared to have fallen off a cliff into the Tiva River. The tusks were recovered and handed over to KWS for safekeeping.

The Aerial Unit assisted with four veterinary cases in December, with only one resulting in a successful treatment. On two occasions, the teams were unable to locate the injured animals. One search was for a buffalo reported with a snare near the coastal town of Msambweni. Due to the significant distance, a helicopter flew the vet to Msambweni. Unfortunately, upon arrival, the buffalo had retreated into dense forest, and despite extensive searching, it was not found. Another unsuccessful search took place on Kulalu Ranch for an injured elephant. Large concentrations of elephants in the area made it difficult to identify the individual in question.

Of the two remaining cases, one ended positively. A snared giraffe, reported by tourists near Old Chyulu Gate in Tsavo West, was located by an SWT fixed-wing aircraft on the evening of the initial sighting and again the following morning. The giraffe was darted from a helicopter and treated by the SWT/KWS Voi Mobile Vet. Fortunately, the snare — which was removed from around the neck — was fresh and had not caused significant injury.

The second case, in Amboseli, was less fortunate. The mobile vet was flown to Kaluku via fixed-wing aircraft and then continued by helicopter to treat an injured bull elephant, which had collapsed near Amboseli. Sadly, the elephant's severe penetrating injuries, likely from fighting, were too advanced for recovery. His death was considered part of a natural process.

The Aerial Unit also assisted in three search operations for missing children in remote communities. The first was for a child north of Kone, along Tsavo East's eastern boundary. Unfortunately, this search ended without success. Further north, support was provided in a search for a boy missing south of Waldena, who was later found by a ground search party. Similarly, two young children who went missing near Daba on the Tana River were located by a search party after assistance from one of our pilots.

Highlights from December included several sightings of lions, as well as leopard, cheetah, and large aggregations of elephants.