AERIAL SURVEILLANCEUNIT MONTHLY REPORT JULY 2022
HOURS FLOWN 173 KMS COVERED 23,222 AREAS PATROLLED Tsavo East NP, Tsavo West NP, Chyulu Hills NP, Galana Ranch, Kulalu Ranch, KALRO ranch — Kiboko, Selengei, Ole Naishu JULY 2022AERIAL STATISTICS
MONTHLY AERIAL PATROL MAPJULY 2022
MONTHLY AERIAL SUMMARY
Sadly, another elephant was not so lucky. In a conservation area outside of the park, an elephant was discovered collapsed. Dr. Limo was flown to the site by helicopter and with the use of two Land Cruisers the elephant was helped to its feet. At the time, it was thought that the elephant was simply weak from the effects of drought. Unfortunately, however, the same elephant was seen again several days later in an even more weakened state, yet still standing. The SWT was alerted and once again the vet was flown to the scene in SWT’s helicopter. By the time the team arrived, the elephant had collapsed again, and a deep, penetrating wound was discovered, which had caused a severe infection extending into the groin, where huge amounts of pus had accumulated. During the first rescue, the elephant had been lying on the side of the wound and so it had gone unnoticed. Despite everyone's best efforts, the elephant sadly succumbed to its injury.
Veterinary cases again dominated July with a total of 8 cases responded to by the SWT Aerial Unit. Two cases were first found and reported by our fixed-wing patrols, and while one of these was considered non-life threatening, the second case, a bull elephant in the northern sector with a suspected arrow wound, was later darted from the helicopter and treated. The infected area was cleaned out and although the arrow head was not found, the severity of the infection indicated the use of a poisoned arrow. Once treated and administered with antibiotics, Dr Limo from the SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Veterinary Unit gave the elephant a good prognosis.
Charcoal burning was limited to ranches outside of the Parks. Although there was a reduction in aerial coverage on Galana and Kulalu Ranches this month due to pilot availability, several patrols were conducted, especially in close proximity to the Tsavo East boundary where extensive charcoal burning activity was noted. Several camps and charcoal kilns were identified, and coordinates shared with ranch management.
New poaching activity in a remote part of the Park in the northeast corner was discovered by SWT ground teams, which warranted a follow-up helicopter patrol in which 3 poachers’ harbours, 29 snares of various sizes and a snared kudu were discovered. Several, worn paths leading into the Park from the north were identified by the ground team for further patrolling on foot. An increase in logging activity was noted in Tsavo East with another 3 harbours and 5 fire pits sighted on one patrol, as well as a large number of felled trees. Several days were spent by ground teams combing the area and setting ambushes in response. One incident of logging was also noted in the Chyulu Hills where a felled cedar and a logger’s harbour were identified.
Livestock pressure continues in Tsavo West, especially south of the Maktau-Taveta Road, whereas incremental success is being realized north of the road. While livestock continues to creep back in, we remind ourselves that this is historically the worst time of the year for livestock and that given the current drought conditions across much of the country, the situation is actually vastly improved over previous years. We are proud that between our efforts in the air, and KWS’s hard work on the ground, that Tsavo East remains largely livestock free, with only small incursions being observed and swiftly responded to by KWS.
Another callout attended to by the airwing was a search and rescue for a self-driven, solo camper on the Tiva River, who had not checked out of the Park when expected. Fortunately, the gentleman was quickly identified at a campsite on the river. He indicated to the aircraft that his vehicle was experiencing mechanical issues and so KWS was alerted to mount a rescue. His car was found to have a dead battery and he was aided by the rangers and continued on his way.
One orphan elephant rescue was conducted in the Trust’s Cessna caravan, where a 2-week-old female elephant calf found on Ole Naishu ranch in Laikipia.
Highlights included various sightings of lion and some good rhino sightings, as well as a huge herd of 1000 buffalo and 25 critically endangered Hirola.
Photographs copyright © 2022 The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
