By John Lukas | President, White Oak Conservation Center, Inc.
The notorious poacher Morgan, who was responsible for the attack on ICCN headquarters nearly two years ago, killing six people and slaughtering all the okapi at the Station, was recently killed in an exchange of gunfire between his gang and Congolese army soldiers.
Security issues have been at the heart of the lives and work of the rangers and the communities in and around the Okapi Wildlife Reserve for the past two years and this recent development has already changed circumstances for everyone. This puts an end to a dark chapter in the country’s history and presents all with a brighter future in which the wildlife and the people residing in the Okapi Wildlife Reserve can live peacefully and flourish in this unique rainforest environment.
As a result of the improved security, ICCN rangers can move deeper into the forest on their frequent patrols monitoring the Reserve. OCP has been able to provide motorbikes and cameras to reinforce supervision and documentation of activities while these rangers are on patrol, helping to reduce illegal activities including poaching and the use of deadly snares.
These rangers could not do the difficult and dangerous work needed without the support of people around the world that care. Please share this link with friends, family and associates on social media.
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