Colobus Trust

Category: Human - Primate Conflict Resolution | Date: May 09 2008 | By: admin

This time of year is low season in Kenya and life is very tough. The effects of this, along with a high rate of inflation and a high level of unemployment caused by Post Poll Chaos, have led to a staggering increase in the amount of hunting. In the last fortnight we have had sightings of several hunting parties reported to us in Diani and in the neighbouring Tiwi Beach.

Although hunting has traditionally been practiced here since the dawn of humanity, the small, fragmented forest patches that are left on the coast cannot sustain such pressure. We must also mention that the hunting of wildlife is illegal in Kenya. Sadly this global trend (the collapse of wild animal populations in areas of high human disturbance) has occurred throughout history.

The main targets here are small antelopes, most commonly the Suni Antelope. However, in some of the less disturbed forests, Bush Pigs, other antelope & large ground birds are targeted. Suni’s are one of the smallest of the antelope species, weighing only 4-5 kg, but are sadly targeted for their meat, which is locally considered a delicacy. They are hunted by using packs of dogs, or more commonly, snares. Snares are fashioned using a length of wire or cord. One end is secured (usually to a fence or small tree) at the other a noose is tied. They are then placed on outskirts a patch of forest, often along the small trails used by animals. Then, when the Suni leave the shelter of the forest to feed, in the mornings and evenings, they are at risk of catching their leg in a noose. If this happens the suffering the animal goes through is immense, the snare only immobilises the animal. They then suffer until either they die of starvation or the wounds inflicted by the sharp wire, or are found by the hunter or another predator. Other animals (in particular Baboons, Vervet Monkeys & domestic animals such as cats & dogs) are often accidentally caught in snares, this leads to infection and usually the loss of a limb or death.

The Colobus Trust has been carrying out an active desnaring program for the last decade, focusing on areas of the forest in which hunters are reported. In an average year we collect a thousand snares. Unfortunately for the last 4 months we operated on a reduced schedule due to a lack of manpower (a large team is required to work efficiently) and funding. Last week we were able to start work again, and we did so with a passion. In the ten days we collected over a hundred snares! Unfortunately yesterday we found one Suni too late. The poor animal had a snare cutting her leg to the bone. In the struggle to try and get free she broke the leg and eventually strangled herself on the wire. It was apparent from the post mortem that she had been trapped for some time before she died.

We have been working in collaboration with the South Coast Residents Association on this matter and they have been very supportive and great at raising awareness and funds. We have also been able to increase our efficiency this second week through the addition of three casual labourers. The money to pay these enthusiastic chaps, who are all boat captains by trade but make excellent desnarers, was kindly donated to us by Luciana Parazzi, one of our trustees and the SCRA Chairperson (so a big thank you to her). More good news with the donation of 50,000 KSh from Diani resident John Buckle (thank you John!). This money is to be used solely for the employment of desnaring casual labourers. This is fantastic as it allows us to attain the numbers necessary for a proper transect sweep! This afternoon we have sent out a team to Kaya Ukunda, this is a local scared forest and is shockingly still being targeted!

Desnaring is now moving up on our weekly schedule and will be added to the other daily conservation activities we undertake. Next week, thanks to the SCRA, we will have a large team of casuals and CT staff sweeping areas where we know, or suspect, that snares are being set. On Monday we are also going to be working with Kenya Wildlife Services, who are sending a team down from the Shimba Hills NR to join us. This is very promising for us and we are sure that their presence will help discourage people from setting snares. We also hope to make a few arrests to set an example.

If you would like to help, please donate using the “Sponser a Desnarer” window or just write “this donation is to sponser a desnarer” in the comments box. Remember, not only will you be helping our work to protect wildlife, but you will also be giving a very grateful unemployed Kenyan a job!

Regards,

Gwili

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