Participants:

Mathew Kiura – team leader Samuel Odero Peter Wambua John Malonza Peter Ndungu Samuel Masaku 2 KWS Rangers

Area of operation:

During the month of February, the Burra team covered the following areas: Ngutuni/Ndara plains, Ndara/Sagala ranch, Mbulia ranch/Tsavo west, Ndii, Kutima, Lualenyi ranch and the Kajire area.

86 SNARES RECOVERED

FINDINGS.

During the months operations the team lifted a total of 86 snares. Twenty seven of the snares targeted big game with the remaining 59 targeting small game. The team came across one dead buffalo, which had been killed by a snare, at Lualenyi. Apart from snaring the rural community is actively destroying the wildlife habitats through charcoal burning and massive logging for firewood.

Observable evidence.

The number of snares lifted in the month of March was low which can be attributed to the continuing rains and the persistence of the Burra de-snaring team. However it was noted that snaring of big game is still carried out at Lualenyi, with the snaring of small game being observed at Kutima ranch and the Ndii area. Apart from snaring there is massive illegal logging and charcoal burning taking place. These vices are carried out in the communal and private ranches and are a serious threat to the survival of wild animals. During our operations we came across massive piles of wood and many charcoal kilns.

Kajire Few snares targeting small game were lifted in this area. The main concern was the destruction of wildlife habitats through charcoal burning and illegal logging.

Ngutuni / Ndara plains The number of snares lifted from this area was low. There was little evidence of destructive human activities taking place in this area.

Ndii / Irima The number of snares lifted from this area was relatively high. The perpetrators of this evil act have shifted their activities to the upper regions of the Ndii area. The team was determined to uncover all the poaching activities patrolling every corner and lifting all the planted snares.

Ndara and Sagala ranches The team patrolled these ranches frequently making it difficult for a poacher to kill any animals and plant snares. The number of snares lifted from this area was low. However, charcoal burning and the destruction of vegetation are serious issues.

Mbulia group ranch and parts of Tsavo West National Park Poaching activities have been greatly reduced following our frequent patrols. The number of snares lifted was low, an indication that our efforts are bearing fruit.

Lualenyi At Lualenyi the team came across a dead snared buffalo.

We were also able to lift 19 snares that targeted large game. The snares had all been planted along the riverine forest, which is an area frequently visited by all kinds of grazers.

Kutima Ranch At Kutima ranch the team lifted several snares most of which targeted small game. There was a lot of charcoal burning and illegal logging taking place and it was suspected that the loggers and charcoal burners are the same people who are carrying out the poaching activities in this ranch.

Community work In the month of March the team visited Sowa and Gideon Mosi primary schools.

The community work carried out involved video shows, and talks about the importance of the natural resources in Tsavo and Kenya in general.

Report by Mathew Kiura