Poaching in the Jipe Area of the Tsavo Royal National Park, Kenya

Extract

This report is based on two and a half months' work along the western boundary of the park from Ziwani to Lake Jipe and in the adjoining area.

The Poachers.—The tribes reponsible for the poaching in this area are: Mtaveta, Wakamba, Wapore, Wanyasa, Teita. These people are found along the entire western boundary of the Jipe area. During eight months of the year there is not a drop of water inside this part of the park, and every animal must leave it to drink. Poachers are then able to kill game on their doorsteps with little danger of being caught, and the meat can be cut up and removed at once leaving no trace. During the rains, when waterholes are full and game scattered, small gangs operate far afield into the park.