Elephant and rangers’ harmony in Virunga
Category: Wildlife | Date: Oct 08 2009 | By: conservevirunga
Through our Elephant monitoring program in collaboration with ICCN rangers in Kabaraza station, we have been able to protect three different herds of elephants.
Through daily monitoring of elephants, rangers are able to monitor and locate elephants for their protection from poaching.
On 29th, I visited the forest and met up with more than 50 elephants. I was surprised that elephants sighted us before we could and we were scared. As we were moving making some noises, the elephants were scared and took off. I was told by rangers: “they must be around our camp by now as they feel safe around there”. Fifteen minutes later, we were at road (barrier) and met with more than fifty elephants in three different groups.
It is unbelievable that, although elephants have been poached for the last decade in Virunga, you can get closer to this herd of elephants thanks to the devotion of rangers.
There is need to continue supporting this activity as we hope this herd can restore elephant population in Virunga Park. In 2008, we estimated more than 280 individuals in three different groups.
Field gears and ranger rations are needed by ranger and further support for monitoring.
Thanks to those who are supporting my work in Virunga.
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