By Evan Hale | Conservation Assistant
Due to the threat of COVID-19, the new restrictions of the DRC government to limit the spread of the disease, there has been a reduction of ICCN ranger patrols around the Reserve, but they remain steadfast in working hard to remove snares and document wildlife sightings on the patrols they are able to conduct. We are happy to still see a good number of wildlife sightings reported, including 3 okapi and 6 chimpanzees.
As fewer people are spending time on the road, it is possible that poachers are feeling more confident in moving around the Reserve, and profiting from the pandemic restrictions. It is important that we stay vigilant with these movements, and do not allow poachers to travel around the Reserve. ICCN has had some success on this front, confiscating 2 chimpanzees from poachers this quarter that would have made it into the illegal wildlife trade.
Rangers are using the downtime caused by the virus to further their training in combating poaching, currently taking anti-poaching courses to improve their effectiveness.
The Okapi Wildlife Reserve is no stranger to fighting disease. In fact, the most recent Ebola epidemic in eastern DRC was declared over by the World Health Organization just two weeks ago. In addition, all the handwashing stations and temperature checkpoints remain in operation, now serving a dual purpose of COVID-19 prevention. With poaching a continuous threat and the addition of COVID-19 restricting movement within the Reserve, your support is appreciated now more than ever. Thank you to everyone who has and will contribute to protecting chimpanzees in the Ituri Forest.
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