Conservancies warn over poaching of Somali Giraffes, ostriches
Central
By
Phares Mutembei
| Aug 13, 2024
Conservation groups have appealed to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to enhance the protection of Somali Giraffes and ostriches in Garissa, Wajir and Mandera counties.
North-Eastern Wildlife Conservancies Association (Neca) has written to KWS Director General Erastus Kanga to intervene and end rampant poaching of the giraffes and ostriches for their meat, part of which is smuggled to Somalia.
Neca Chief Executive Officer Sharmake Mohamed said the commercial poaching of the giraffes and ostriches, coupled with drought threatens their survival and asked KWS to enhance protective measures.
“Our field reports and investigations have revealed that giraffe meat is being sold openly in numerous villages in this landscape. This illicit trade is perpetrated by both refugees and some residents,” said Mr Mohamed
“Alarmingly, it has come to our attention that a significant portion of giraffe and ostrich meat and eggs is being smuggled into Somalia, with suspicions that some of it is being funneled to Al Shabaab, while the rest is sold locally in the villages and others transported to Nairobi, particularly Eastleigh,” he added.
READ MORE
Ongoing labour unrests are early signs of an economy that's about to collapse
Trailers and weighbridges: The untold story
KTDA moves to restore order in tea bonus declarations
Madagascar tycoon to buy Zuku parent firm Wananchi Group
How container cash deposits are creating a problem for Kenyan traders
Gold rush: How illegal gallbladder trade threatens Lake Victoria fishers
Real estate posts high productivity as challenges hit wholesale, retail sectors
Agencies in fresh plan to market Kenyan coffee
AI-driven smart borders transform travel security
Fresh test for Ruto as IMF urges new tax policies to unlock loans
The conservancies want KWS to strictly enforce the wildlife laws to end poaching.
“The rangers stationed in these areas are few and under-resourced, which significantly hampers their ability to carry out their duties,” he said.
Mohamed said Neca, a network of community conservancies spread in the Northern region, are committed to collaborating with KWS and other stakeholders to ensure the preservation of wildlife for future generations.
In Wajir, affected areas include Sabuli conservancy at Dagaxley, near Dadaab refugee camp, Hare, Sarif and Argani.
In Garissa areas affected include Bora’ana conservancy, Gababa, Gumaray, Sangailu and Danyere while in Mandera areas prone to poaching include Darwed, Afalo and Didkuro.
- KCSE candidates count missed lessons as tutors stay out of class
- Why the new Ruto Cabinet should not spin your head
- How to beat motion sickness on your next trip
- You cannot inherit from two men, widow is told