Yankari Quarterly Report January-March 2015

YANKARI GAME RESERVE
WCS QUARTERLY REPORT
January-March 2015
Report Prepared By:
Nachamada Geoffrey
WCS Yankari Project Manager
[email protected]
www.wcsnigeria.org
1
SUMMARY
This report describes the law enforcement efforts and ranger patrols supervised by
WCS in Yankari Game Reserve for the period January to March 2015. Protection
levels continue to improve this quarter with the sustenance of four teams on weekly
camping patrol, as a result forty-three camping patrols were completed by rangers
during the period covering a total distance of 3,808 km. Thirty nine people were
arrested for various offences (ten poachers, sixteen grazers, two trophy dealers, and
eleven gum Arabic collectors). There was no crop raiding incidence reported
because all farms have been harvested. The battery on the first satellite collar fitted
to a Yankari elephant in October 2013 finally failed in March 2015. One elephant
carcass was recorded. The main problem facing Yankari is the shortage of funding
to repair the deplorable road network, organize more patrols and lack of reliable
vehicles to support ranger patrols.
Eleven people arrested in February who entered the reserve illegally to collect gum Arabic
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

All ranger patrols at Yankari Game Reserve are currently based on the
CyberTracker monitoring program, this year 2015 we plan to replace
CyberTracker with the new SMART software. 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 43
patrols were organized during this period (see Appendices 1 and 2 for more
details). However, Map 1 clearly 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.

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 poor nature of the roads within the reserve makes it
2
extremely difficult to carryout efficient patrols. Furthermore the lack of reliable
patrol vehicles makes protection extremely difficult. The poor state of the
road network is also affecting tourism. Patrol vehicles can only drive through
a fraction of the 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 for rangers to get them. The
situation of the road increases pressure on the limited vehicles available for
patrol. Our vehicles break down very often which not only increases cost and
burden of maintenance but affects efficiency and productivity.

Implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between WCS
and Bauchi State Government is faced with great challenges due to lack of
timely transfer of funds from Bauchi State Government to WCS.

The PowerChute helped us chase grazers and poachers from the reserve and
to locate the one elephant carcass recorded this quarter.

A group of Fulani grazers who resisted arrest mobilized to attack rangers with
bows and arrows. Rangers shot warning shots which got them scared. Four
were arrested and sent to the police headquarters in Bauchi. No ranger was
injured.

A group of eleven people with six motor cycles were arrested in the reserve.
They claimed to come in to collect gum-arabic. Similarly they were all sent to
police headquarters in Bauchi. Due to continuous rise in the security in this
part of the country, some of our cases are now transferred to the police
headquarters for proper investigation.

We have sustained sending out four teams on camping patrol each week, a
significant achievement with the limited funds and resources available.

Sunderland AFC and the Nuru Fund in collaboration with WCS provided solar
lamps to Yankari Rangers through "small customized loans" to help eradicate
the use of harmful kerosene lighting. This is a mission to replace traditional
kerosene lamps with safe and healthy solar lamps.
PATROL STRATEGY AND CAMPING PATROL SCHEDULE
Discipline among rangers has improved and is currently relatively good. The
strategy that all rangers on patrol must now possess a fully functional firearm and
sufficient ammunition is strictly enforced. Currently, we can only organize four
camping patrols each week and although this is a big improvement compared to
when only two or three patrols per week could be organized, it is still not enough. In
future, greater effort and attention is required towards firearm maintenance and more
regular repairs. WCS continues to look at ways in which the police based at Wikki
3
can be used to help support patrols, unfortunately they are reluctant to participate on
camping patrols and there are insufficient vehicles available to support both camping
and daily patrols.
At the moment, the Police Hilux, WCS Hilux and the old 4x4 Ford truck are the only
vehicles available to support the rangers. These vehicles break down frequently
which creates bottle neck to maximize human resources. Four teams consisting of
six-seven rangers per team are sent out on camping patrol each week. There are no
fixed camping locations, instead rangers continuously change their overnight location
both to increase the area covered 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.
Appendix 1 summarizes the patrol data for the quarter.
PATROL EFFORT
In Map 1, the darker part of the grid map indicates areas that have been more
frequently patrolled, the grey portion 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. However, the area coverage has improved compared to
the previous quarter.
Map 1: Patrol Coverage January-March 2015
4
ELEPHANT CONSERVATION
This quarter elephant activity recorded was concentrated around the centre of the
reserve (see Map 2 and 3 below). One elephant carcass was recorded. Elephant
activity recorded while on patrol was concentrated around the Gaji River. With the
aid of the powerchute, one elephant carcass was recorded during the reporting
period. There was no crop raiding incidence reported because all farms have been
harvested.
Elephant herd captured from the PowerChute
Map 2: Fresh Elephant Activity Recorded by All Ranger Patrols January-March 2015
5
Yankari elephant herd photographed during an anti-poaching patrol
Map 3: Satellite Locations of Elephant Herd January (black), February (red), March (green)
6
LION CONSERVATION
There were several lion sightings recorded, more around the centre of the reserve
and a few scattered (see Map 4 below). There were reports of lion roaring around
Wikki.
Lion captured with camera trap at one of the salt-licks in February
Map 4: Fresh Lion Activity January-March 2015
7
ALL OTHER MAMMAL SIGHTINGS
Various other large mammals were sighted within the reserve (see Map 5 below)
including baboons, waterbuck, roan antelope, buffalo, hartebeest, patas monkey,
tantalus monkey, bushbuck and warthog.
Map 5: Location of All Other Mammal Sightings
HUNTING EVIDENCE
Hunting signs recorded this quarter are shown in Map 6 below. We believe that
poaching activity has reduced but remains a significant problem. With very 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 elephant herd containing the elephant
fitted with satellite collar.
8
Map 6: Hunting Evidence
LIVESTOCK GRAZING
The frequency of cattle grazing has significantly reduced. However this remains a
huge issue and a growing long-term problem that requires attention from government
for a more sustainable solution. Zero tolerance towards cattle found inside the
reserve has proved to be effective reducing the number of cattle sighted. However
enforcing a zero tolerance policy is difficult with limited resources (vehicles and
firearms) and it has been difficult to combat grazing and poaching at the same time.
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Thirty nine people were arrested for various offences (ten poachers, sixteen grazers,
two trophy dealers, eleven gum Arabic collectors). See Map 8 below and
Appendices 3 and 4 for more details. Most of the Fulani herders arrested were
under age and cannot be sent to jail. It became necessary to transfer some cases to
Police State Headquarters in Bauchi due to rising insecurity in this part of the
country. These fines are relatively small for Fulani herdsmen and do not serve as an
effective deterrent against illegal livestock grazing within the reserve. The Yankari
special protection law dating from 1989 which specifies that anyone arrested inside
Yankari goes to prison for six months, without any option of fine. If implemented, this
law would serve as a more effective deterrent against illegal livestock grazing and
would reduce the need to shoot cows. However there are many who would likely not
want to see this law implemented.
9
Some of the poachers arrested inside the reserve before being transferred to Bauchi
CHALLENGES FACED
The inability of the Bauchi State Government to fulfil its obligation and contribute its
financial obligation in full to WCS continues to be a major challenge. Continued
delay of the necessary funds 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. Furthermore the lack of reliable patrol vehicles makes protection extremely
difficult. The poor state of the road network is also affecting tourism. Patrol vehicles
can only drive through a fraction 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 vehicles available for patrol.
Our vehicles break down very often which not only increases the cost and burden of
maintenance but affects efficiency and productivity.
10
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Bauchi State Government to contribute its counterpart funding in full and on
time to enable activities to be carried out effectively. Unless this is done the
reserve will deteriorate.
2. Repair the road network and broken bridges in the reserve for more effective
patrolling and wildlife protection.
3. Purchase additional vehicles to provide essential support for patrol and
monitoring/supervision.
4. Purchase additional firearms to increase patrol coverage.
5. Continue to strictly enforce the zero tolerance approach to livestock grazing
inside the reserve.
6. Review the Bauchi State wildlife law and strengthen the existing penalties.
7. Liaise with the State Security Service to ensure that all wanted poachers are
arrested and brought to trial.
8. Provide refresher training for rangers for more effective law enforcement,
particularly weapons handling and shooting practice.
9. All poachers and herders arrested should be prosecuted using the 1989
special protection law. Removing the option of fines reduces opportunities for
corruption and serves as a more effective deterrent.
10. Maintain a good working relationship with the police, army, SSS, magistrates
and other government officials.
11
APPENDICES
Appendix 1: 43 Camping Patrols Completed January-March 2015
No
Area patrol
Patrol
Start
Patrol
End
No
of
rangers
1
Mai Dawa, Dogon Ruwa
02/01/15
07/01/15
7
2
Gadan Tsallake
02/01/15
07/01/15
7
3
Bultu, Gwana
02/01/15
07/01/15
7
4
Libji, Mawulgo
09/01/15
14/01/15
7
5
Dorina track, Kuka
09/01/15
14/01/15
7
6
Tungulum
09/01/15
14/01/15
6
7
Ruwan Rakumi, Shashau
16/01/15
21/01/15
6
8
Dimil, Dogon Kurmi
16/01/15
21/01/15
7
9
Mai Dawa
16/01/15
21/01/15
8
10
Mai Bindiga, Nata’ala
23/01/15
29/01/15
7
11
Libji, Buri
23/01/15
29/01/15
7
12
Tukuruwa, Dogon-Ruwa,
23/01/15
29/01/15
7
13
Tungulum, Ruwan-Rakumi, Tungan Dutse, 30/01/15
Salt-lick B
04/02/15
7
14
Dimil, Maidawa, Shafale, Nata’ala
30/01/15
04/02/15
7
15
Dogon Ruwa, Libji Buri, Mai-Bindiga
30/01/15
06/02/15
7
16
Dimil, Shafake, Nata’ala, Ruwan-Gogo
06/02/15
11/02/15
6
17
Gurumtum, Tungan-Dutse, Tantabara
06/02/15
11/02/15
6
18
Tungulum, Shafale
06/02/15
11/02/15
6
19
Walakerol, Bultu, Gombaza
06/02/15
13/02/15
7
20
Dimil, Dogon Kurmi
13/02/15
18/02/15
6
21
Dogon-Ruwa, Bultu
13/02/15
18/02/15
6
22
Ruwan-Dumi, Dalamiri
13/02/15
18/02/15
6
12
23
Bultu, Libji, Garan-Garang
13/02/15
20/02/15
7
24
Mai-Konkoni, Dogon-Ruwa,
20/02/15
25/0/15
6
25
Twin-drift, Buri, Kariyo, Borkono
20/02/15
25/0/15
6
26
Magama, Salt-lick A&B, Filin-Tsintsiya
20/02/15
25/0/15
6
27
Gurumtum, Gonan-Ranger,
Adamu Jumba,
Kwala-road, 20/02/15
25/0/15
7
28
Salt-lick B, Salt-lick A, Gurumtum, Borkono
28/02/15
05/03/15
6
29
Fadam Malla, Mile 3 & 4, Lib-line
28/02/15
05/03/15
6
30
Kariyo, Giwa-Track
28/02/15
05/03/15
6
31
Shafale, Ruwan-Gogo
28/02/15
05/03/15
6
32
Dogon-Ruwa, Bultu
07/03/15
11/03/15
6
33
Borkono, Salt-lick A, Salt-lick B
07/03/15
11/03/15
6
34
Bultu, Gombaza, Dogon Kurmi
07/03/15
11/03/15
7
35
Kalban, Shaman, Ahmadu Bello way
07/03/15
11/03/15
6
36
Mai-bindiga, Sha’man, Kwafan Tonglong
13/03/15
18/03/15
6
37
Dogon-Ruwa
13/03/15
18/03/15
6
38
Gwambaza, Libji
13/03/15
18/03/15
6
39
Dogon-Kurmi, Garan-Garan
13/03/15
18/03/15
6
40
Guturu, Giwa-track
20/03/15
25/03/15
6
41
Borkono, Magama, Salt-lick A&B
20/03/15
25/03/15
6
42
Tungan-Dutse, Jar-Kasa
20/03/15
25/03/15
7
43
Tungulum, Tungan-Kiyashi
20/03/15
25/03/15
6
13
Appendix 2: CyberTracker Patrol Data for January - March 2015
Date
02/01/2015
03/01/2015
04/01/2015
05/01/2015
06/01/2015
07/01/2015
08/01/2015
09/01/2015
10/01/2015
11/01/2015
12/01/2015
13/01/2015
14/01/2015
16/01/2015
17/01/2015
18/01/2015
19/01/2015
20/01/2015
21/01/2015
23/01/2015
24/01/2015
25/01/2015
26/01/2015
27/01/2015
28/01/2015
29/01/2015
30/01/2015
31/01/2015
01/02/2015
02/02/2015
03/02/2015
04/02/2015
05/02/2015
06/02/2015
07/02/2015
08/02/2015
09/02/2015
10/02/2015
11/02/2015
12/02/2015
13/02/2015
14/02/2015
15/02/2015
16/02/2015
17/02/2015
18/02/2015
Patrols
1
2
2
2
2
2
1
4
5
5
4
3
4
1
3
3
3
3
3
4
3
4
3
3
3
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
1
3
3
3
3
3
3
1
3
3
3
3
3
3
Distance
Time taken
Start
covered
(hours)
time
(kilometers)
22.77981
26.6027 16:01:44
61.37271
21.2261 07:05:30
29.52205
16.018 09:13:40
34.58234
27.2052 09:54:37
61.28511
12.308 08:45:58
24.20332
10.3833 10:09:14
12.35131
29.8325 10:29:50
39.62854
13.8752 12:44:58
48.82014
30.8913 07:11:50
69.64985
28.4119 07:47:09
82.82225
20.2133 10:27:25
97.47074
20.5175 10:02:49
36.89601
50.5575 08:08:35
2.11778
12.5055 16:00:24
39.34756
19.1908 07:14:45
46.41131
35.1738 11:34:48
26.41451
11.3094 09:40:18
71.95146
31.9211 09:42:12
21.00126
13.2633 08:55:01
63.20043
58.3486 12:04:46
68.49952
22.5636 06:45:31
65.62763
13.7855 09:34:11
25.12297
30.6772 10:19:28
24.69963
15.9052 07:47:32
29.65832
15.4524 07:41:03
30.81536
22.3152 07:54:19
8.01438
3.8872 14:37:05
27.66249
14.5338 06:08:17
37.90385
10.1013 09:57:37
26.99943
27.2813 07:01:05
20.30864
20.0505 10:55:58
57.93832
9.3127 08:31:07
7.7268
3.4644 08:20:55
33.80693
15.0269 13:35:51
33.42384
18.9741 07:25:47
92.75206
36.9219 06:47:40
59.60258
15.7266 08:15:55
25.48292
14.5741 09:28:13
22.3528
10.9566 09:02:15
22.52778
55.2322 11:28:10
25.38191
47.9744 08:57:07
72.34371
29.4122 05:53:19
44.28083
31.2822 07:20:21
51.30838
26.5861 07:18:20
32.85653
22.6511 11:53:21
43.1714
13.535 07:11:58
14
Stop
time
17:06:54
17:42:17
18:00:41
13:16:17
14:55:13
19:27:00
10:29:50
16:13:05
13:29:10
13:19:29
15:30:42
16:53:10
12:05:36
16:00:37
13:38:34
18:30:33
13:26:29
14:04:01
16:40:33
14:22:48
14:16:47
13:00:58
14:21:05
13:05:39
12:50:06
07:55:26
17:50:40
15:52:03
16:38:11
14:00:39
15:12:40
15:46:41
11:48:47
14:49:17
13:45:16
13:54:15
13:28:27
14:19:42
12:41:23
17:00:10
14:16:54
15:45:55
19:07:25
16:10:04
19:03:17
15:58:08
19/02/2015
20/02/2015
21/02/2015
22/02/2015
23/02/2015
24/02/2015
25/02/2015
26/02/2015
27/02/2015
28/02/2015
01/03/2015
02/03/2015
03/03/2015
04/03/2015
05/03/2015
07/03/2015
08/03/2015
09/03/2015
10/03/2015
11/03/2015
13/03/2015
14/03/2015
15/03/2015
16/03/2015
17/03/2015
18/03/2015
20/03/2015
21/03/2015
22/03/2015
23/03/2015
24/03/2015
25/03/2015
27/03/2015
28/03/2015
29/03/2015
30/03/2015
31/03/2015
1
4
3
3
3
3
3
1
3
3
3
3
3
3
1
2
2
2
2
2
3
4
4
4
4
4
2
2
2
2
2
2
3
2
2
2
3
220
24.76872
49.30242
49.09287
86.32984
74.25249
47.10719
50.19556
11.09338
23.54284
67.76169
40.77062
74.50325
35.07413
49.95936
24.24885
50.80704
55.36646
64.76442
47.42804
21.12145
26.51937
84.52735
73.59485
101.99563
79.14302
40.90415
49.57422
35.07634
122.73029
56.59118
31.12543
27.02064
46.43238
37.05883
23.96913
31.08933
111.32055
3808.26081
15
21.2752
41.448
49.0099
51.1244
27.8936
22.9044
39.2105
28.3944
23.7763
39.2777
32.9041
49.4972
40.7408
34.3494
30.065
18.0858
20.9838
41.7119
39.3255
24.3722
13.8994
35.5716
30.4722
43.7497
38.8966
20.7919
44.5961
18.7147
142.6183
10.8524
18.9366
12.6286
18.6486
22.5266
22.6644
17.9061
28.8061
2256.5687
10:32:32
11:26:26
07:34:14
06:50:30
06:29:50
06:45:05
06:09:06
05:49:11
11:46:36
06:16:27
09:55:19
07:32:45
08:10:07
08:16:36
08:35:44
07:10:23
06:17:16
05:36:23
06:11:46
05:21:44
13:22:58
10:44:27
08:07:51
06:46:53
08:35:16
06:05:43
14:26:34
06:27:17
06:11:53
08:19:20
06:00:50
07:21:47
11:53:47
06:18:24
06:26:40
07:33:07
08:19:05
08:47:12
18:41:34
15:02:50
14:22:42
15:50:20
15:47:43
13:09:29
12:59:59
17:39:42
13:55:02
18:17:15
17:34:36
15:55:41
15:22:46
14:34:54
08:35:44
16:12:58
16:46:47
18:42:45
17:41:05
13:55:07
17:59:12
16:17:29
15:44:56
14:26:52
17:07:54
12:35:46
16:41:50
15:48:44
17:59:13
12:57:44
17:59:12
15:35:19
17:41:49
11:35:57
15:18:39
14:36:20
18:52:16
15:17:07
Appendix 3: Thirty-Nine Arrests and Court Outcome January-March 2015
Date
Name
Location
Offence
Outcome
11/01/1
Sati Guga
Rimi
Poaching
Six months in jail
12/01/15
Bello Sule
Malla
Poaching
Six months in jail
25/01/15
Umaru Hamza
Walakerol
Poaching
They were arrested outside the reserve and with no
proof. Was charged two weeks in remand.
25/01/15
Sani Hassan
Walakerol
Poaching
They were arrested outside the reserve and with no
proof. Was charged two weeks in remand.
25/01/15
Mai Sale Mohammed
Jada
Poaching
They were arrested outside the reserve and with no
proof. Was charged two weeks in remand.
25/01/15
Alhaji Mohammed
Jada
Poaching
Minor. Two weeks on remand and the father was
charged N15,000
23/01/15
Iro Isa
Ahmadu Bello Grazing
Way
Minor. Two weeks on remand and the father was
charged N15,000
24/01/15
Adamu Jabbi
Jibrin Nayaya Grazing
Track
Minor. Two weeks on remand and the father was
charged N15,000
24/01/15
Ja’o Sale
Jibrin Nayaya Grazing
Track
Minor. Two weeks on remand and the father was
charged N15,000
28/01/15
Babuga Alh. Oro
Faliyaram
Grazing
Minor. Two weeks on remand and the father was
charged N15,000
28/01/15
Abdullahi Oro
Faliyaram
Grazing
Minor. Two weeks on remand and the father was
16
charged N15,000
28/01/15
Siddi Oro
Faliyaram
Grazing
Minor. Two weeks on remand and the father was
charged N15,000
02/02/1
Saidu Tafida
Gurumtum
Poaching
Six months in jail
05/02/15
Bammo
Jabi;
Iro
Alh,Ori;
Ahmadu
Buba; Ado Saleh
Nuhu Haruna; Sale
Hamisuo;
Mudassi
Saidu; Sallau Baba;
Ali
Haruna;
Abdulrahaman
Hamisu;
Hassan
Abdu; Chindo Hamisu;
Haruna
Yahaya;
Dahiru
Hamisu;
Bappayo Chindo
Shede Abdul; Musa
Attede; Abdu Buba; Iro
Alh Maole
Sani Abdu; Nura
Mohammed
Daniel Yakubu;
Sama’ila Adamu;
Timothy Adamu
Buba Maole; Buba
Tundu
Dogon Ruwa
Grazing
and Transferred to Bauchi police headquarter
attacking rangers
Gale
Found in the Transferred to Bauchi police headquarter
reserve and they
claim
to
be
collecting
gum
Arabic
Dogon-Ruwa
Grazing
Minors, all sent to remand for a week and the
parents were charged N60,000
Yashi
Trophy dealers
Three months in jail
Gale
Hunting
Three months in Jail. They were arrested outside
the reserve.
Kuka
Grazing
Minors. Sent to remand for a week. The parents
were charged N20,000
16/02/15
04/03/15
09/03/15
13/03/15
23/03/15
17
Appendix 4: Elephant Carcass Data January-March
Date
GPS Long
GPS Lat
Carcass
Age
Sex
Age
26/02/15
10.32280
9.46180
About five Adult
months old
Unknown
18
Death
cause
Meat
taken
Ivory
status
Hec_
Unknown
Yes
Missing
There was
elephant no
crop raiding
cases
reported
comment
situation
Might have
been killed
by poachers
because it
was
far
away from
communities
and
meat
was taken
but
there
was no sign
to indicate
gunshot.