Operation Areas.

The April de-snaring operation was divided into two main operation areas. The Tiva river circuit and part of the Yatta Kimweli Kasaala boundary stretch. This took the first half of the month. Towards the end of the month the de-snaring team jointly with the Ithumba base rangers engaged in operation from Tsavo Safari camp to Gazi area. Participants.

WAMBUA KIKWATHA - TEAM LEADER PATRICK MUTUKU - TEAM LEADER FRANCIS ITUMO - ASSISTANT LEADER ODERO SAMUEL - COOK/ CAR GUARD MUNYWOKI KISANGI - TRACKER ITHUMBA RANGERS - SECURITY

Field Report.

Operations during the first part of the month were centered on the kasaala- kimweli, Tiva and the Yatta. During this period, 158 snares were lifted. It was noted that Kasaala Kimweli boundary had very minimal activities with most snares lifted being old ones and some inactive. Northern bank of Tiva yielded nil snares while across the Yatta 750 snares were lifted. Information from our sources indicates that poachers now avoid this area due to continuous de-snaring and other operations. They prefer the Yatta where accessibility has been difficult. Currently the area is accessible after opening the Tundani Mkoka and Tiva circuit.

Towards the end the end of the month, the team visited cottars to Gazi area and part of the Yatta. This are has been a hot sport. Altogether 750 snares were lifted and four poachers arrested in a six-day period. It was observed that our efforts in de-snaring and community work along the Kitui boundary put off many poachers while others shifted their operation base to this area being hosted by the community across the river Athi. Others make hideouts near the river. The poacher arrested come from Kitui and confirmed this saying that there are many people from Kitui staying across the river and do their poaching on the Yatta and along the river stretch. These people visit their families occasionally just like other people engaged in meaningful employment in towns. A Total of 908 snares were collected.

COMMUNITY WORK.

Community work involved our regular school visit. Two video shows were shown at Kaluluini and Kimweli primary school. We also visited two sports clubs namely Kwa mbaki and Malatani football clubs. 9th may the fence committee met at Kakindu shopping center. Issues pertaining the fence project sustainability and other issues of conservation concern were discussed. Training Workshop organization also continued through out the month.

Compiled by: WAMBUA KIKWATHA.