Apr 04 2008
Poison seized near Gorilla Sector
This is Diddy. The last few weeks have been very difficult, with more pressure than ever being placed on those of us who are based in the park, trying to prevent the forest destruction.
Inspite of the difficulties we have had quite a lot of success, with charcoal supply being reduced to about a third of what it was. Also our rangers are now very present in the park, and regularly make arrests of poachers and teams going in to clear the forest. Three days ago, one of our patrols seized a group of poachers with snares and poison.
Poison seized from poachers in the Nyamulagira Sector
The impact of poison on wildlife can be devestating, and we are very concerned about its increased use near the gorilla sector. Again, one incident could destroy a whole family of mountains gorillas, and so we have to be incredibly careful. Snares have also had a terrible impact on our gorillas. You will remember Karema, who was killed at the beginning of last year, had also lost his hand to a snare when he was a young juvenile black back.
A second troop of 15 rangers of the Advance Force has been deployed in our area. They are here to strengthen the existing patrols and road blocks. We have also been carrying training with the rangers, to continuously build up their skills and update them on new techniques. Yesterday we trained them in using GPS. We have been donated a GPS by Andrew C, in Colorado, which will be extremely useful in the remoter parts of the park.
GPS training
Daily news from the conservation frontline by Innocent and Diddy, and other Congolese rangers risking their lives to save mountain gorillas of the Virunga National Park in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
Diddy — So glad to hear from you, even if the news is not so good.
Keep up all the great work…I cannot imagine how tough things must be in Virunga park right now, but you, Innocent, and the rest of the rangers give us great hope every day. Good luck out there and I hope you get to see the gorillas soon.
Diddy, what could possibly be the reason for poison, in this case? It’s not like they are trying to kill predators. If they poison the wildlife, they can’t eat it. So I’m puzzled and also very concerned. These GPS units are around $500, yes? How many more do you need. And yes, this news of snares, well, I just can’t say here, what I’m thinking. I truly pray these poachers are not set free under any circumstance. You have my deepest gratitude for all your efforts.
Diddy, Thank you for this post. It is very alarming to hear that the Rangers have seized poison near the gorilla sector. I imagine, this makes it all the more worrisome regarding the situation of not being able to actually monitor the gorillas. You guys are working so hard and I am very happy to hear that, like you said, inspite of the difficulties, you have had lots of success with charcoal supply being reduced and the rangers being very present in the park, as well as making regular arrests of poachers. Thank you for your dedication and hard work. Lisa
Hey, good to hear from you Diddy. Exactly what animals are they trying to kill with the poison? Did you arrest these poisoners? Is there any way to make them realize the disastrous effects of their actions?
Thanks for keeping up the pressure on charcoal traders. I can’t imagine how difficult things are for you right now, but we appreciate your efforts so much.
s.
Those poisoners try to kill especially elephants for ivory and accidently gorilla can” play with it” as it’s very curious. Till now anyone has been arrested.
Diddy
Diddy, the forest elephants….my heart just keeps on breaking. So many wonderful creatures share their home with our gorillas. Your rangers are their only hope of survival, thank you.
Just sickening…..that poachers could be so cruel as to kill animals this way…it seems you guys are under extreme pressure Diddy….please know we realize you are doing all you can….be careful and I will continue to say prayers for all the animals …..God bless and thanks for all you do each day ….you devote your lives to this cause and somewhere there has to be some benefits coming from this!