Alex Macharia – team leader Francis Chege Semeli Lolchuraki Nterito Kapina James Nuymu Vincent Mutua 4 KWS rangers
During the course of the month of January the following areas were patrolled by the Mtito de-snaring team: Kaluku, Kilalinda, Umani, Kenze, Kari, and the Chyulu hills.
129 SNARES COLLECTED 20 ARRESTS
Goals and Objectives 1. Wildlife conservation and to promote the co-existence of people and wildlife 2. Make people understand the benefits of wildlife as well as capacity building and development
Kaluku / Kilalinda The Mtito desnaring team camped at Kaluku for the period of a week. The team working in conjunction with the Peregrine desnaring team patrolled the community area until we had to break camp due to the presence of Shiftas (armed Somalis) in the area. The shiftas had reportedly invaded a house bordering the park boundary 3 times in the same day. They ransacked the house, asking the occupants for food. Fortunately no one was injured. For security reasons we had to stop our patrols. We were however able to lift 17 snares before having to leave.
Umani / Chyulu hills A joint patrol was organized with the Chyulu team for a period of two weeks.
Kenze / Kari During our patrols in these areas we were able to arrest 4 poachers who were in possession of 40 kilos of bushmeat, 5 bows, 26 poisoned arrows, 2 torches and several knives.
Report by Alex Macharia