Aerial Surveillance Unit Report April 2019

AERIAL SURVEILLANCE UNIT MONTHLY REPORT

APRIL 2019

AERIAL STATISTICS

APRIL 2019

114 HOURS FLOWN

15,443 KMS COVERED

AREAS PATROLLED

Tsavo East; Tsavo West; KARI Ranch, Kiboko; Amu Ranch

APRIL 2019

MONTHLY AERIAL PATROL MAP

MONTHLY AERIAL SUMMARY April saw the very late and scattered arrival of the rainy season in Tsavo. A few small areas received heavy storms, however, the bulk of the Park remained dry during a month when the rains would normally be coming to an end. We were relieved, however, that some areas received rain because at least large numbers of Tsavo’s elephant population were able to migrate to areas with fresh vegetation. Should the rains fail again in November-December, the situation will be grave.

The good news is that the Aerial Unit recorded few signs of illegal activity in April. This continues a general downward trend in illegal activities in Tsavo and speaks to the success that KWS and organisations such as the SWT are having in curbing poaching activity in the Parks.

There were a total of 3 old poaching harbours located on helicopter patrols in the Park, but these were all several months old. Only one recent harbour was found, near the highway in Tsavo East. A total of 2 charcoal kilns and 3 cut trees were also sighted in Chyulu Hills National Park; the first to be sighted since the completion of the SWT electric fence that now spans the eastern boundary of the Park. Ground teams destroyed these kilns and increased aerial surveillance has so far prevented any additional incidents. Next door to the Chyulus, on KARI ranch at Kiboko, a further 5 charcoal kilns and 3 cut trees were discovered.

There were no sightings of any charcoal activity in Tsavo East; however, a few incidents of logging were noted near the Northern boundary towards Umbi. Livestock incursions were nearly non-existent during April. In fact, only a small number were seen returning to the community after taking water at the Athi river near Gazi.

In addition to regular patrolling activity, the Aerial Unit was also involved in the treatment/rescue of an elephant calf in the Tsavo Triangle. The calf had been discovered by a SWT ground team in a collapsed state. A fixed wing aircraft was sent to collect Dr. Poghon from Voi who administered drips to the severely dehydrated calf. Realising that the calf would need several more drips and continued treatment to survive, the decision was made to relocate the baby to the Umani Stockades in Kibwezi Forest where it could be given on-going care.

The helicopter was also instrumental in the CASEVAC of a KWS ranger that had been injured by a buffalo while on patrol in Chyulu Hills National Park. The ranger received first aid in the helicopter and was airlifted to the KWS Airwing at Wilson Airport in Nairobi where an ambulance was waiting to rush him to hospital. Fortunately, no major internal damage was found, and we were later informed that an x-ray revealed a fractured scapula and bruising to the shoulder.

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The helicopter was also used to assist KWS in a rhino vaccination exercise in Nakuru National Park, after their helicopter was clocked in for major service. Rhinos were located, identified, and darted with vaccinations if still unvaccinated. In total, the helicopter was there for 3 days.

Only one carcass was found during the month and it appeared to be several years old with ivory still intact. KWS retrieved the tusks.

In April our Aerial Unit also patrolled the Amu Ranch region ensuring this sensitive conservation area benefits from aerial support. The region was dryer than usual, but the rains were on their way, and thankfully no illegal activities were observed.

Highlights for the month included multiple leopard, lion and wild dog sightings.

Photographs copyright © 2019 The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust