Participants: Wambua Kikwatha James Mbuthis John Malonza Julius Mwanea David Lekoyari KWS Rangers Wilson Mengaiti Martin Wambua Findings

During this operation a total of 534 snares were lifted. We expected this high level of snaring given that this is the peak snaring period. At this time of the year people are not busy in their farms and also the drought makes them poach for subsistence. This notwithstanding, the stretch along the river near Kamunyu, Ngiluni, Kyusyani and Iviani yielded few snares made for dik dik. No snares were collected next to Kamunyu and Ngiluni. From Kyusyani through Iviani to Mtito town yielded 141 snares. It must be noted that hundreds of snares were collected at this same place during this period in the last two years.

Mangelete area registered the highest number of snares. This specific area has not been patrolled recently. In addition, no community awareness efforts have been directed to this community unlike the communities downstream. The snares were collected within a small area from Mtito Town. 343 snares were collected here. Both big and small animals are at risk at this place.

Towards the end of our operation, Gerry Ellis and Simon Trevor requested to film our operation (for the website). We had almost exhausted the area being patrolled and finding more snares was not easy. We therefore decided to stage a one day patrol at Ndi Station where we were sure of getting snares. 50 small and big snares were lifted around Ndi railway station.

On community conservation awareness, we have visited Iviani Primary school, Kamunyu and Nthunguni. Before the next operation, we plan to visit Kyusyani, Ngiluni and Misani. Plans are still underway to take Kyusyani Willife club members to Tsavo West National Park for a one day field trip. They will also visit the Education center at Kamboyo.