James Mbuthia – team leader Julius Kyalo David Wambua Isaiah Ndei Daniel Lekoiten 2 KWS rangers
During the month of May the Chyulu team patrolled the following areas: KARI ranch, Birikani Ranch, Kiboko/Klinyet River and Kaputei ranch.
KARI RANCH The team was based at KARI ranch, which is a poaching hotspot. The ranch is synonymous with lamping, snaring and charcoal burning. Of the 98 snares recovered this month, 73 of them were lifted at KARI ranch. All of the snares lifted in this area targeted large game.
BIRIKANI RANCH During the team’s patrols in this area we were able to arrest 2 individuals who we believe are meat poachers disguising themselves as Miraa pickers.
KIBOKO/KLINYET RIVER STRETCH The team moved its base to Kiboko in order to patrol the Klinyet River stretch.
KAPUTEI RANCH The team also patrolled the Kaputei ranch up to Simba and came across a lot of game. We interrogated the Massai in the area who told us that poaching is not taking place in the ranch. Generally the ranches are relatively safe from snarers. Unfortunately however lamping continues to be a big challenge for us.
ANIMAL SIGHTINGS. A lot of animals were spotted during the month’s operations, including herds of zebra, elands, giraffes, gnus, gerenuks and Impalas.
ELEPHANT RESCUE A baby elephant was rescued near Kimana. It ad been found in one of the homesteads in the area. The case was reported to the trust by Richard Bonham. The elephant was airlifted to the Trust’s nursery in Nairobi. The team is investigating the reason for the calf’s separation from its mother.
COMMUNITY AWARENESS This month two schools, Soto Primary and Kithasyo Primary, benefited from the donation of Sports equipment.
The two schools were also treated to field trips into Tsavo National park where they visited Shetani lave, Chaimu hill, and Mzima springs.
VIDEO SHOWS The Chyulu team has been given a new mobile cinema unit to be used for shows presented to schools and communities neighboring the park in an effort to enhance conservation education.
Report by James Mbuthia