Care for Chimp Infants Confiscated from Poachers

The 1^st of August marked the official closure of hunting in the forest zones of the Okapi Wildlife Reserve (OWR). The leadership of ICCN issued a reminder to all the local communities residing in the OWR and distributed an official order to abide by the pre-established hunting schedule.

Later in the month, on the 22^nd of August, ICCN rangers apprehended an individual in Salathe, located just 25 km from the Epulu Station on the road to Kisangani, with a large amount of smoked bushmeat.  The meat found on the individual was from a yellow-backed duiker, a protected species, 20 blue duikers and several monkeys. The meat they carried was destined for the market in Badengaido, and would have fetched approximately $400. The market in Badengaido is where the miners working the Muchacha gold mine shop for food. This incident is a poignant reminder to why closing down the various gold mines is so important when it comes to controlling the bushmeat trade in the Reserve. This individual was brought back to Epulu and the ICCN, to serve as an example for all of the gathered bystanders. Additionally, the confiscated bushmeat was burned to prevent it from being sold, and to reinforce that it is illegal to kill wildlife when the OWR regulations prohibit hunting.

Funding from donors like you help the ICCN monitor wildlife, remove snares, and enforce the laws in the OWR. Your support provides tools and equipment for rangers to complete their jobs in a demanding environment as well as provide access to health care to keep them on patrol. Thank you so much for your continued support!