DSWT Aerial Surveillance Report October 2014

AERIAL SURVEILLANCE UNIT MONTHLY REPORT

OCTOBER 2014

AERIAL STATISTICS

HOURS FLOWN

KMS COVERED

AREAS PATROLLED

OCTOBER 2014

110.2

15,664.9

Tsavo East NP, Tsavo West NP, Amboseli NP, Chyulu Hills NP, Lamu County and the Arabuko Sokoke Forest

OCTOBER 2014

MONTHLY AERIAL ROUTES

October is traditionally the driest month in Tsavo as we come to the end of the dry season and await the rains. It is a period of bumpy, uncomfortable flying, strong winds and hot days. The past month has been another busy one for the Aerial Unit with the three DSWT pilots active across the Tsavo Region, conducting regular patrols in the Northern Area, Galana River, Chyulu Hills NP and Amboseli NP along with KWS spotters and ground personnel.

OCTOBER 2014

MONTHLY FLYING SYNOPSIS

The month began with the sighting of three wounded elephants in the Bachuma area of Tsavo East NP. On the 6th of October two of the three elephants were darted and treated by the Tsavo DSWT/KWS Mobile Veterinary Unit. Dr. Poghon was assisted by pilot Neville Sheldrick in the Super Cub, successfully treating the two elephants for arrow wounds. Sadly the third elephant was never seen again.

While on the same operation two elephant carcasses were also sighted and reported to the KWS, whilst later on in the month on the 21st six more wounded elephants were sighted in the Satao area, all with arrow wounds. They were again treated by Dr. Poghon with the assistance of the Trust's helicopter. All were given 100% chance of survival.

Extensive patrols have been carried out in the Northern Area during the month as the dry season not only brings in large numbers of cattle but possible threats of poachers in search of elephants, which are easily targeted around the remaining isolated waterholes.

As a result of the regular patrols it has been possible to monitor the movements of the elephants which have been focused around two common areas. Both the KWS and the DSWT ground teams have followed up with foot patrols in those areas. Due to these increased security measures there have been no reported incidences of elephants being poached in the Northern Area, whilst one shooting platform was sighted from the air and destroyed by the ground teams

While carrying out aerial patrols with KWS personnel two elephant carcasses were sighted with tusks still present near the southern end of the Yatta Plateau. The tusks were later recovered by KWS ground teams.

One other freshly poached carcass was discovered near Lake Jipe after a report was received from KWS. The DSWT aircraft was dispatched to search the area, but unfortunately the tusks had been removed by the poachers who escaped into Tanzania.

The incoming Warden of the Chyulu Hills NP accompanied the aerial patrols on two occasions, allowing him to get a good aerial perspective of the challenges facing the area. Extensive cases of charcoal burning, logging and cattle encroachment were sighted and GPS waypoints were taken to assist the KWS and the DSWT ground teams in their response measures.

Other areas that have been covered from the air at the request of the KWS include Amboseli NP and its surrounding areas, the Arabuko Sokoke Forest near Watamu on Kenya’s north coast, where an elephant carcass was sighted from the air, as well as Lamu County where security has been tight and ground movements restricted.

The Aerial Unit now prepares for the upcoming rainy season which brings new adventure, excitement and challenges.

While the flying conditions will become smoother and cooler, the DSWT pilots will have to contend with thunderstorms and wet runways, migrating birds and a change in poachers’ tactics as the rains set in.

Photographs copyright Š 2014 The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust