YANKARI GAME RESERVE

Transcription

1 YANKARI GAME RESERVE WCS QUARTERLY REPORT: JANUARY-MARCH 2017 Report Prepared By: Nachamada Geoffrey WCS Yankari Landscape Director Yankari Resort and Game Reserve Bauchi State, Nigeria Tel

2 SUMMARY This report describes the law enforcement efforts and ranger patrols supervised by WCS in Yankari Game Reserve for the period January to March Protection levels continue to improve this quarter with the sustenance of four teams on seven days camping patrol, as a result 47 camping patrols were completed by rangers during the period. Thirty people were arrested for various offences (18 hunters and 12 grazers). Zero elephant carcass was recorded and no elephant poacher was arrested. Elephants raiding cassava farms around Mainamaji, Kuka, Shira, Kungibar, and Duguri communities was a major problem. The Elephant Guardian program has continued to be vital in developing our relationship with surrounding communities. Illegal cattle grazing in the reserve remains a problem as we continue to enforce zero tolerance on cattle in the reserve. Ranger refresher training funded by the Elephant Crisis Fund (ECF) and WCS was completed by Conservation Outcomes. A total of 58 eight rangers including two WCS ecoguards from the Mbe Mountains in Cross River State completed the course. Yankari rangers on the occasion of their pass out parade after the refresher training, March 2017 PATROL STRATEGY AND CAMPING PATROL SCHEDULE All ranger patrols at Yankari Game Reserve are based on SMART. For reasons of personal safety rangers are only permitted to go on patrol provided that they are equipped with a functional firearm and sufficient ammunition. This new standard has reduced attacks on rangers by poachers but severely limits the number of patrols that can be organized at any one time. Notwithstanding, a total of 47 patrols were organized during this period (see Appendices 1 and 2 for more details). Levels of protection within the areas patrolled are adequate but some areas of the reserve are left unprotected (see Map 1 below) due to a shortage of funds to organize more patrols. Map 1 below shows that some areas of the reserve did not receive any protection at all this quarter. There is an urgent need to increase the number of patrols to cover all areas of the reserve. Four teams consisting of six-seven rangers per team are sent out on camping patrol for 1

3 seven days. There are no fixed camping locations, instead rangers continuously change their overnight location both to increase the area coverage but also to minimize the risk of the camp being discovered by poachers and attacked. Due to insufficient firearms and vehicles, rangers based at the ranger stations on the edge of the reserve are no longer allowed to go on patrol. This is necessary to avoid further loss of life by rangers. Data were collected using handheld computers running CyberTracker software which automatically records GPS coordinates for every observation. Data were analyzed using SMART software. Appendix 1 summarizes the patrol data for the quarter. PATROL EFFORT In Map 1, the darker red part of the grid map indicates areas that have been more frequently patrolled, the grey portions represent areas that were less patrolled while the un-shaded parts of the grid represents areas that were not patrolled. Some areas of the reserve were not patrolled at all, leaving hunters free to operate in these areas without fear of arrest. Map 1: Patrol effort in km walked per grid cell for January-March Darker red color indicates areas of more intense patrol coverage. 2

4 Map 2: Patrol track logs for January-March 2017 Table 1. Summary of patrol effort for the period January to March 2017 Number of Days Distance (km) Person - Days 290 3,336 1,833 Ranger Training Ranger refresher training by Conservation Outcomes has now been fully completed. The intensive refresher course lasted for 30 days and focused on improving their practical skills, including weapons handling and safety, drill, ambush techniques, patrol techniques, arrest techniques, physical fitness, information gathering and informant networks, marksmanship, first aid, and field deployment. Yankari rangers underwent a pre-selection exercise and they were split into two groups. A total of 58 Yankari rangers (including two WCS eco-guards from the Mbe Mountains) completed the course. Rangers with the trainers deployed for patrols as part of the training. At the end of the training, certificates were presented to graduating rangers by the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism who represented the Bauchi State Governor at a formal passing-out parade. 3

5 Rangers learning camp attack technique during the ranger training, February 2017 Rangers on patrol formations during the ranger training, February

6 ELEPHANT CONSERVATION This quarter elephant sightings were recorded in the north-western part of the reserve and inside the Wikki camp (see Map 3 below). There were reports of elephants raiding cassava farms around Mainamaji, Kuka, Shira, Kungibar, and Duguri communities. Elephant Guardians have helped to reduce the pressure we get from communities when elephants raid peoples crops. As surrounding communities have often complained of government inaction over the crop raiding issue, sharing the responsibility between Yankari management and the communities will also serve to demonstrate our commitment to finding mutually agreeable solutions to the longstanding problem of crop raiding. Map 3: Elephant Sightings Recorded by All Ranger Patrols January-March

7 Elephant herd photographed by rangers on patrol, March 2017 Elephant herd taken around Borkono, March 2017 LION CONSERVATION There was no lion sighting recorded while on patrol. However, there were reports of lions roaring from the Wikki camp. 6

8 ALL OTHER MAMMAL SIGHTINGS Various other large mammals were sighted within the reserve (see Map 4 below) including baboons, waterbuck, roan antelope, buffalo, hartebeest, patas monkey, tantalus monkey, bushbuck and warthog. Map 4: Location of all other Mammal Sightings January-March 2017 Buffalo herd taken by ranger team on patrol, March

9 Waterbuck taken by ranger team on patrol, March 2017 Herd of roan antelope taken by ranger team on patrol, March

10 HUNTING EVIDENCE Hunting signs recorded this quarter are shown in Map 5 below. Hunting activity has continued to be a big problem although we have continued to make arrests it remains an issue of concern. With limited resources available we maintained the current patrol strategy which targets vulnerable areas rather than try to cover the entire reserve. This strategy has also enabled us to focus more attention on the remaining elephant herds. Map 5: Hunting Activity Recorded by All Ranger Patrols January-March

11 Mohammed Abati arrested around Dogon-Kurmi by ranger team on routine patrol, January 2017 Magaji Musa, Idi Musa, and Bala Dula all from Kashera arrested for hunting, March

12 Gayu Dakat, Danjuma Asulale, and Danjuma Sale arrested around Tungan-Dutse area for hunting, March 2017 Husseini Umar and Mai-Gari Sarkin Bindiga arrested for hunting, February

13 LIVESTOCK GRAZING Cattle grazing in the reserve continue to be a big challenge (see map 6 below). We continue to enforce zero tolerance on cattle grazing in the reserve. Twelve grazers were arrested during this period. Map 6: Livestock grazing activities recorded During January-March 2017 Patrols LAW ENFORCEMENT Thirty people were arrested for various offences (18 hunters and 12 grazers). Although some progress is been made, more needs to be done to get the Yankari Special Protection Law of 1989 fully implemented. The law specifies that anyone arrested inside Yankari goes to prison for six months, without any option of fine, we believe it can mitigate the challenges while we explore ways to review the Yankari special protection law. If fully implemented, this law would serve as a more effective deterrent against illegal livestock grazing and would reduce the need to shoot cows. With increase in hardship in the country, more people are likely to engage in breaking the Yankari law to find alternative sources of income. 12

14 CHALLENGES FACED Cattle grazing in the reserve remains a constraint. As we enforce zero tolerance on cattle grazing in the reserve, grazers have threatened to come and fight our rangers if we don t allow them to graze. Poaching also remains a big problem. Although success was made in making arrests, some people from the surrounding communities still engage in hunting and get the support of their people. Insufficient funds and firearms to organize more patrols is jeopardizing the long-term future of Yankari, and irreparable damage may result if the situation is allowed to continue. Lack of maintenance of the road network within the reserve over recent years has resulted in massive deterioration such that many roads and bridges are now impassable. The nature of the road within the reserve makes it extremely difficult to carryout efficient patrols. The poor state of the road network is also affecting tourism. Patrol vehicles can only drive through some portions of the game reserve; many of the experienced poachers understand the situation of our roads and bridges so they strategically do their poaching in areas where they know that it will be very difficult to get them. The situation of the road increases pressure on the limited patrol vehicles. Lack of enforcement of the Yankari special protection law which states that all offenders are sent six months in jail with no fine option is affecting our protection effort. Even this law is not tough enough and needs to be updated. RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Review the Bauchi Sate wildlife law and strengthen the existing penalties. 2. Purchase additional firearms to increase patrol coverage. 3. Bauchi State Government must provide counterpart funding to WCS in full and on time. 4. We must continue to enforce zero tolerance on cattle grazing in the reserve. 5. Improve relationship with surrounding communities to mitigate human-elephant conflicts. 6. Establish radio network for effective communication with rangers in the field. 7. Satellite collars on elephants needed for real time tracking and better protection and tourism. 8. Renovation and repair of the reserve s network of roads, tracks and bridges. 9. Purchase additional vehicles to increase activities and supervision. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS WCS is formally registered in Nigeria through an agreement with the Ministry of Budget and National Planning of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We are grateful for the continued support from the African Elephant Conservation Fund of the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bauchi State Government, Elephant Crisis Fund (a joint initiative of Save the Elephants and Wildlife Conservation Network), Leventis Foundation, North Carolina Zoo, Tusk Trust, Kathy Ruttenberg Foundation, Omaha Zoo and CITES (MIKE). 13

15 APPENDICES Appendix 1: 47 Camping Patrols Completed January-March 2017 No Area patrol Patrol Start Patrol End No of rangers 1 Guruntunm, Tabakare, bultu, Dogon-Kurmi 29/12/16 04/01/ Buri, Bata, Tungan-Kifi, Gwambaza 29/12/16 04/01/ Salt-lick A & B, Daban-Maje, Shaman, Ruwan-Dumi 29/12/16 04/01/ Dukee, Hobaji, Sky, Duguri, Duguri, Kalban 29/12/16 04/01/ Dimil, Bogwa, Gwana, Ruwan-Rakumi, Bultu 05/01/17 11/01/ Shaman, Gum, Sharam, Dagudi, Jan-Dutsi, Natsira, Buri 05/01/17 11/01/ Salt-lick A & B, Tabakare, Garangaran, Guruntum 05/01/17 11/01/ Bultu, Shaushau, Tungan-Kifi, Dogon-Kurmi 12/01/17 18/01/ Kwala, Tungan-Kifi, Ruwan-Rakumi, Tungan-Dutse 12/01/17 18/01/ Bata, Kani, Tungulum, Tungan-Dutse 12/01/17 18/01/ Salt lick A & B, Libji, Faliyaram, Libline, Shafale 12/01/17 18/01/ Saltlick A & B, Libline, Sir-Gowen, Borko 19/01/17 22/01/ Pali, Shaushau, Kwala 19/01/17 22/01/ Dogon-Ruwa, Bultu, Dogon-Kurmi 19/01/17 22/01/ Dalamiri, Tungan-Kifi, Guruntum 19/01/17 22/01/ Guturu, Tungan-Dutse, Jar-Kasa, Shaushau, Dalamiri, Bata 23/01/17 02/01/ Bata, Shaman, Faliyaram, Konkoni, Bultu, Dalamiri, Buri, Dogon-Kurmi, Zambu, Bata 23/01/17 02/02/ Salt lick A & B, Guruntum, Gwambaza 03/02/17 04/02/ Dukee, Shaman, Sky 03/02/17 04/02/ Kariyo, Kuka, Bata Buri 03/02/17 04/02/ Libji, Shaman, Dogon-Kurmi 03/02/17 04/02/ Bultu, Bogwas, Dogon-Ruwa 07/02/17 08/02/ Tukuruwa, Mai-Kogo 09/02/17 13/02/ Salt-lick A & B, Tabakare, Garangaran, Guruntum 09/02/17 13/02/

16 25 Shaushau, Tungan-Kifi, Dogon-Kurmi 14/02/17 15/02/ Sir-Gowen, Buri, Bata, Kuka 14/02/17 15/02/ Dogon-Kurmi, Pali 14/02/17 15/02/ Duguri, Dan, Dagudi, Mainamaji 14/02/17 15/02/ Borkono, Guruntum, Pali, Jada 18/02/17 27/02/ Bultu, Tungan-Kifi 18/02/17 27/02/ Dalamiri, Shaushau, Rimi 18/02/17 27/02/ Tungulum, Shafale, Ruwan-Rakumi 28/02/17 06/03/ Kwankwani, Nata ala, Shaman, Salt lick A & B 28/02/17 06/03/ Twin Drift, Kariyo, Tungan-Maliki, Dogon-Kurmi 28/02/17 06/03/ Malla, Tonglong, Tungan-Kiyashi 28/02/17 06/03/ Sky, Dagudi, Mai-Kogo, Libline, Tungan-Dutse, Buri, tukuruwa 37 Daban-Maje, Adamu Jumba, Shaman, Kwaffa, Tonglong, Saltlick A & B, Garangaran 09/03/17 15/03/ /03/17 15/03/ Filin-Tsintsiya, Tungan-Maliki, Dalamiri, Kariyo 09/03/17 15/03/ Kwala, Dalamiri, Shaushau, Kariyo, Boga, Ruwan-Rakumi 09/03/17 15/03/ Guruntum, Tungan-Dutse, Guturu, Buri, Kwaffa, Shaman 16/03/17 22/03/ Twindrift, Rendel, Kariyo, Kwanan-Kirya, Dalamiri, Kwala, Shaushau, Dogon-Kurmi, Buri, Bata 16/03/17 22/03/ Saltlick A & B, Shafale, Libji, tukuruwa 16/03/17 22/03/ Jada, Yalo, Tungan-Kiyashi 16/03/17 22/03/ Guturu, Giwa, Kariyo, Gwambaza, Bultu, Dalamiri 23/03/17 29/03/ Faliyaram, Kalban, Kwaffa, Sky, Dukee, Tungan-Dutse 23/03/17 29/03/ Bultu, Dalamiri, Pali 23/03/17 29/03/ Daban-Maje, Shaman, Libji, Borkono 23/03/17 29/03/

17 Appendix 2: Summary of patrol effort January to March 2017 Date Distance (km) Number of Hours Number of Rangers

18 Date Distance (km) Number of Hours Number of Rangers

19 Date Distance (km) Number of Hours Number of Rangers

20 Date Distance (km) Number of Hours Number of Rangers

21 Appendix 3: Thirty Arrests and Court Outcome January-March 2017 Date Name Location Offence Village Outcome 03/01/ Mohammed Abati Dogon-Kurmi Hunting Kashera Six months in jail 14/01/ Sulaiman Mai- Yalbi Tungan-Kiyashi Hunting Kashera Six months in jail with no option of fine 26/10/ Alhassan Ahmadu Tungan Kiyashi Hunting Kashera Six months in jail with no option of fine 03/02/ Magaji Musa 5. Idi Musa 6. Bala Dula 03/02/ Hussaini Umar Anguwa 8. Maigari S. Bindiga Tungan-Kifi Hunting Kashera Eighteen months in jail with no option of fine Shaushau Hunting Kashera Eighteen months in jail with no option of fine 11/02/ Moh d Lawan 10. Adamu Jumba 23/02/ Rami Alh. Chadi 12. Moh d Alh. Chadi Tungan-Baki Hunting Dogon- Ruwa Kani Grazing Dogon- Ruwa Three months in jail with no option of fine Sent two months in jail with no option of fine 25/02/ Umar Buro Shaman Grazing Mainamaji Sent two months in jail with no option of fine 01/03/ Dundu Alh. Mu azu Pali 02/03/ Ezra Torgwom 16. Amos Kirdang 17. Abubakar Saidu 04/03/ Adamu Haruna 19. Umaru Baguda 20. Amadu Baguda Kwala track Grazing Pali Sent two months in jail with no option of fine House arrest Bogwas Hunting Bogwas Sent three weeks in remand awaiting trial Faliyaram Grazing Dogon- Ruwa Sent two months in jail with no option of fine 10/03/ Usman Alh. Buba Buri Grazing Kuka Sent two weeks in remand and charged N20,000 compensation 20

22 13/03/ Samaila Manu 23. Ezra Usaini Gale Hunting Jada They were arrested at home. They were charged two weeks in remand 14/03/ Moh d Alh. Dan Auta 25. Adamu Alh. Dan Auta Buri Grazing Kuka Sent one week in remand as punishment. 17/03/ Alh. Alh. Oro Shaman Grazing Duguri Sent one week in remand 28/03/ Buba Dogo Buri Grazing Kuka Sent two months in jail with no option of fine 29/03/ Gayu Dakata 29. Danjuma Asulale 30. Danjuma Sale Tungan-Dutse Hunting Kukawa, Dani Kanam, Plateau Sent three years in jail with a fine option of N100, 000 each. None of them could afford the fine option. 21