Participants

Alex Macharia – team leader Francis Chege Semeli Lolchuraki Nteritu Kapina James Nuymu Vincent Mutua Sylvester Matheka 3KWS Rangers

Areas Covered

During the course of the month of January the following areas were patrolled by the Mtito de-snaring team: Kilaguni, Chyulu gate, Mtito River, Kanga, Kenani, Mangelete, Tsavo River and The Triangle.

48 SNARES COLLECTED 1 ARREST

Findings

After the Christmas break the team embarked on a desnaring mission that began in The Triangle. Lots of footprints were seen that had been dented by the rains. There were many hideouts some of which looked active.

We were able to lift 48 snares 24 of which targeted small game and the rest targeted medium sized game such as antelopes. Due to the seasonal rain that fell in the area, most of the water pans and water holes are full. For this reason the majority of the wildlife can be found deep in the park. This means that the poachers will also be venturing further into the park in order to set their snares. By following the footprints and cuttings left behind by some poachers and were able to arrest one poacher. Sadly another escaped into the bushes. The arrested poacher was in possession of poisoned arrows, Dikdik meat, a knife, an axe and some food. Upon interrogation the poacher told us that he and his partner were in search of Elephants.

During our patrols we came across several shooting platforms strategically placed along elephant tracks.

These shooting platforms were mainly seen at Kilaguni lodge and around Finch Hattons.

Logging is also taking place in some areas. Unfortunately the culprits escaped as they heard us approaching.

We feel that the increase in the number of poachers could be due to the fact that a lot of security personnel have temporarily been reposted.

Report by Alex Macharia