RHINO CHARGE

CONSERVATION EFFORTS


Raising Sh 750million by Rhino Ark is both fun and a much cherished
exercise in various parts of the world through a series of activities
that have cut a niche for themselves in the past two decades.

There is the Rhino Charge race whose limit entry is sixty teams in any
given year and each team has to pledge Sh 500,000 to one million
towards the fund before it is allowed to participate.

Interestingly, many teams registers but have to be pushed to the next
year due to the high number of entries that have ensured the rugged
terrain motor vehicle race remains attractive and exciting the world
over.

"We received the pledges in reducing levels from Sh 1million, Sh
500,000 and Sh 200,000.By August 22 last year, all positions had been
taken and bookings closed," says Rhino Ark management committee
chairman Mr Collin Church.

Two other charities based and registered in United States and United
Kingdom also host their own events to raise funds for the project and
have been recording increased collections in the past two decades.

Wildlife and Forestry Minister Mr Noah Wekesa expressed surprise at
the success of the Aberdare Forest fencing project that saw Rhino Ark
and their partners raise Sh 750million while the government raised a
paltry Sh 100million.

"This is proof that the government can not do everything on its own
and must encourage private partnerships with people and organisations
with similar intentions if it is to achieve development at a faster
pace," he said.

Rhino Charge attracts participants from across the world and is one of
the most covered events in the country by international television
channels such as National Geographic, BBC's Top Gear, DSTV, CNN and
Reuters Africa Journal where it is dubbed as "an event of its own kind
in ther world".

Mr Church says that the event is a measure of Rhino Ark's success in
eradicating poverty, increasing farm revenue while at the same
timeconservaing the Aberdare ecosystem.

"This is how we market ourselves to the worldand the annual Rhoni 4x4
off road event serves in making billions of people across the world to
be glued to teir screens watching the rally teams tackel the harsh
terrain across rivers, up rocky hilly section and down slippery ones,"
he adds.

In the race any car capable of going in as straight a line as possible
in impossible kenya terrain can compete. Tractors tanks, crawlers and
trail bikes are not permitted but two wheel drives and 4wheel drive
vehicles fitted with tractor tyres among other mosnster like tyres.

"The six member teams, navigate, push, pull, grunt, groanand winch
their way to complete as many guard posts in the ten hours permitted,"
he says.

Winners then receive the most coveted prize-the Victor Ludorum,. the
highest placed and highest fund raise.

In Kenya there is another race associated with Rhino Ark and will take
place in November 1 at Athi River dubbed the, "Quattro Charge".

The event raised Sh 1,783,500 and attracted 1,500 spectators who
cheered the particpnts and in the previous years was used to raise
money for cars entering the event.

In his parting remarks, the minister urged Rhino Ark to consider
allocating a share of the proceeds in funding the rehabilitation of
the Mau Forest once the settlers are evicted and the exercise kicks
off.

Another event associated with Rhino Ark is Hog Charge, in its 11th
year where cross country bicycle rally challenge is organised by one
of the participants pf the main event.

This year it raised Sh 3,252,897 from sponsorships and contributions
from various schools across East Africa and has to date raised Sh over
15 million.

 

In UK, a similar Charge event is planned in September this year to
raise funds for the conservation effort.

Rhino Charge continues to be an attraction the world over and a
must-see event on global television channels where advertisers pay
dearly for slots to be market their wares.

ENDS


 Pictures courtesy of (ERIC KIHIU)RhinoArk Charitable Trust.

REFERENCES

www.rhinocharge.co.ke

www.rhinoark.org

http://rhinoark.wildlifedirect.org/

Kuki Gallman and her rhino 'Kamau'

Laikipia Wildlife Conservancy Owner Kuki Gallman joins KWS rangers in
mourning the death of 'Kamau' a male rhino shot dead by poachers at
the santuary. One of the poachers was shot dead and a horn recovered.

                                                    BREAKING STORY---------

'Kamau ' was illustrious, dominant and father to many rhino calves and it is very sad that a poacher’s bullet ended the life of one of Kenya’s indigenous bulls we have at Laikipia Wildlife Sanctuary.

Those were the words of renowned conservationist Kuki Gallman on receiving information that ‘Kamau’ had been shot and his highly prized horn removed.

Ms. Gallman paced between the slain bull and the fallen poacher asking why this had to happen when the bull had reached his prime at 25 years, the most productive period of his life.

“But am celebrating since Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the conservancy’s rangers managed to shoot dead one poacher and recover two AK-47 rifles loaded with five rounds of ammunition.

Patting ‘Kamau’ on the belly which had been cut open and his liver half eaten raw by the three poachers, the owner of the 46 square kilometer wildlife sanctuary  straightened up and holding her chin with both hands.

“Bloody bandits, although I celebrate the death of a poacher-a rhino killer, it is just for now since the market for rhino and ivory tusks seems to have exploded. Unless we arrest the buyers and brokers, there will always be poachers hunting Africa’s big two,”she adds.

Illegal trade in rhino skin, horns, elephant tusks and python skins has seen an increase in poaching where innocent and poor locals are used to invade wildlife sanctuaries to hunt the much coveted game.

Private wildlife sanctuaries in Laikpia eco-system have experienced a n upsurge of poaching activities due to their harsh terrain that makes policing impossible.

For the poachers, known for their hardy nature and animal-like characters, the terrain provides for a conducive environment to strike.

In an interview with the Nation, Kuki, an accomplished author whose book ‘I dreamt of Africa’ has been translated into 22 languages worldwide, said  time had come for KWS to mount intelligence gathering with a view of arresting the financiers.

These rich people running illegal trade are the real culprits and no effort shall be spared in making sure that their evil and unpatriotic schemes are curtailed.

Kuki as she is fondly referred by workers and admirers has dedicated her life to conservation and providing a safe sanctuary for the endangered species for the last six decades.

Kuki started the conservancy with her husband Gallman who died after sustaining a snake bite. Their son also suffered a similar fate and Kuki now remains with her only daughter who assists with the running of the sanctuary located in Laikipia West district.

Poachers struck last week killing ‘Kamau’ at around 3pm when there was a heavy downpour that made it difficult for rangers to hear the gunshot. Luckily, intelligence gathered earlier had prepared the rangers for an impending strike after some three poachers were seen entering the sanctuary while carrying a sack.

“These poachers are dangerous and hardy people. They wait for the full moon season before striking at night. We are very apprehensive everytime there is a full moon since we shall always hear of gunshots.

“At times we are lucky to know of the attacks and recover the game trophies but at times it is even difficult to find the carcass as it is covered with twigs and eaten by lions, hyenas, leopards and other scavengers” she says.

In Mid May, the poachers shot four elephants and later covered them with twigs, but sharp eyed poachers discovered the large heaps and removed the tusks before they were stolen.

This is the new style where poachers wait for the elephants to rot and be mauled by wild animals, thereby making it easy for them to remove the tusks.

As we chat beside the slain rhino, communication comes in from Mugie Ranch saying another male elephant has been shot by poachers and this sends a team of armed KWS rangers accompanied by tracking dogs to respond swiftly.

Kuki looks at the white polythene bag belonging to the poachers and is shocked to find boiled maize weighing four kilogrammes and large pieces of roasted goat meat.

Her dedication to conservation has left many in the world dumbfounded-her hear is with the rhinoes.

The boiled maize had started fermenting and could easily be passed as unsafe for human consumption but that is the food for a poacher keen on remaining inside the sanctuary for a month killing and carrying away game trophies.

Even the biting cold and heavy downpour does not dampen the spirit of the poachers who seem keen on making a killing despite the odds.

Several people have since been arrested and charged before Nyahururu courts with being in possession of game trophies and are still awaiting hearing and determination of the cases.

The cases related to wild game have been on the rise in the recent past as forests which also provide

KWS Assistant Director in charge of the Mount Kenya Conservation Area Mr. Barasa Otungah adds that time has come for Kenyans to protect wildlife at whatever costs.

“ The poachers are heavily armed and we appeal to residents to provide us with information on these poachers. In Samburu ecosystem, we used elders intervention nd recovered many tusks but in Laikipia we have no elders and have no choice but to use fire,” he says.

Kuki adds that the poachers have perennially used their firearms to attack innocent residents and motorists thereby adversely affecting tourism.

Mr. Otungah says, the Laikipia Ecosystem has a high potential for tourism and that a new conservancy is to be set up at Kirimon by Laikipia County Council.

Kirimon currently provides lush pastures for hundreds of livestock from Samburu and Baringo East.

Laikipia County Council chairman Mr. Joseph Ndiang’ui adds that this would help the council increase its revenue base and enable it to provide better services.

The 13,000 hectare conservancy has also received approval from KWS which has offered trhe council expertise to enable them fence off the area and establish cottages.

The council has also set aside Sh. 1million for starting off the project which also seeks to engage communities neighbouring the sanctuary.

Mr. Ndiang’ui adds that the communities will be engaged in scout based activities and maintenance of the fence while others will be empowered to start small scale enterprises.

The poachers’ attire comprises of a red shuka and a pair of sandals made from vehicle tyre soles popularly known as ‘akala’.

They also carry a panga that is used to remove the horn and a sharp knife for cutting off rhino skin used in making expensive belts popular with tourists.

Ms. Gallman is an honourary KWS Game Warden and has been involved in many community projects within Ol Moran division among them feeding the hungry and providing funds for the construction of a maternity wing at Ol Moran division.

A nursery school is also earmarked for construction at Ol Moran township to enable children from the pastoralist communities to access school instead of spending their entire lives herding animals and carrying firearms.

Also planned is an adult literacy class for the mostly nomadic communities surrounding the conservancy, especially women. She says this will enable them know how to read and write in addition to counting money.

“Killing an elephant or a rhino breaks my heart as my whole life is dedicated to conservation of wild animals and that is why the Kuki Gallman Memorial Foundation was set up,” she adds.

In 2008, 38 elephants were killed at the conservancy, the highest number in any given year and countless pythons also killed.

LWC which is mainly made of Leleshwa shrubs is conducive for rhino rearing since the shrubs contain anti-septic, anti-fungal and anti-bacteria substances.

“This has made this sanctuary among the best homes for rhinos. Look at its skin that is smooth and scar-free. It has no infection. This environment was conducive for Kamau. It had the food and nice weather,” adds Ms. Gallman.

In a far flung section of the sanctuary is a visible cave used by the poachers during a heavy downpour.

Mr. Otunga says that the poachers found within the sanctuaries will be dealt with without mercy terming them as dangerous.

He welcomed recovery of a mobile phone saying it would enable them track down other accomplices of the poachers.

Also planned later in the year is the Year 2009 Peace Race in which members of the pastoralist communities compete in various races.

This gives them a chance to intermingle and foster common ideals for fighting against insecurity among their midst.

..........................

chameleon trade

A glance at a green coloured chameleon patched on a
stick held by experienced chameleon handler Richard
Tondolo strikes a instant bond between him and
tourists visiting Thomson Falls in Nyahururu town.
As foreign tourists draw closer he places the
Rhinoceros chameleon on his palm and invites them to
do the same at a fee for pictures to be taken. After
several shots, Mr Tondolo and the tourists exchange
addresses before bading each other farewell.
Mr Tondolo has been engaged in this trade for the past

twenty years amid continuous protests by curio sellers
at the site who say the trade is illegal and should
not be allowed to go on as it robs them off customers.
“ The sellers are unhappy that my courage has earned
me admirers from various parts of the world who
communicate with me often .I earn my money the hard
way as I risk my life everytime I handle a chameleon,”
he adds.
His prowess in handling these amphibians ably
demystifies the taboo, children should not put a
chameleon on the head or else it will get stuck.
Mr Tondolo has been arrested on various occasions and
charged before court for handling protected wild
animals without seeking a licence from the Kenya
Wildlife Services but different  magistrates have had
differing opinions.
“ If you show a tourist a chameleon at a fee and you
do not sell it to them, is it a crime to use your
God-given talent to fend for your chldren?” quipped
one before he acquitted Mr Tondolo.
Mr Tondolo who jointly with Mr Peter Njege conducts
the business have tried to obtain a permit to handle
the animals but no KWS official or those at the
forestry department were ready to accept their
appliation.
Mr Tondolo said that the officers were unable to
understand how one would seek a permit to conduct a
prohibited act.
He later took the struggle to the Nyahururu Municipal
Council and was again turned down as the council said
it could not licence a prohibited trade.
Mr Tondolo made his wish known to the government in a
letter to KWS headquarters in which he said he He
wished to start a sanctuary for the chameleons.
“ Many tourists, notably students from foreign
universities have urged me to start a sanctuary where
they can come and study the eating, habitat and
procreative activities of a chameleon. This is what
made me write to KWS,” he said.
Born forty four years ago, in Kakamega district, the
father of three came to Nyahururu where his father was
working at Thomson Falls Lodge. It was while here that
he developed an interest with chameleons on seeing
tourists enjoyed viewing them.
Although he sustained bites for handling the poisonous
chameleons, Mr Tondolo got interested in studying the
animals when he realised that there were some
scientists interested in the chameleons.
They come twice every year and at a fee, Mr Tondolo
accompanies them to the foot hill of the 72metre high
Thomson Falls where larger species of chameleons are
found. Some live on the trees while other prefer
living on the rocks.
“ Wanton destruction of vegetation in various parts of
the forest surrounding the Falls has adversely
affected the number of chameleons and their sizes.
They have no food and vegetation to live in”, laments
Mr. Tondolo.
At Thomson Falls, there are two chameleon species,
Rhinocerous chameleon ( Chamaelo rhinoceratus and
Jackson Chameleon( Chaemeleo jacksonii)
Mr Tondolo says that many chameleons like hiding from
the sun and have been forced to move deeper into the
forest.
To see a chameleon, enthusiasts are advised to arrive
at the Falls early in the morning when it is still
cool. Chameleons will start moving towards a thicket
as noise around it increases and the rays of the sun
start emerging.
This the time for Mr Tondolo and his mate Mr Njege to
start working by encouraging tourists to come near the
chameleon and take a photograph while holding it.
At first a Swedish national Mr Ivan Grundberg, 65,
declined to come near but was fascinated when he held
it on his palm.
He bursts out aloud as the Rhinoceros chameleon raises
its head as his wife clicks away the camera.
Mr Tondolo says this adds flavour to the visit at the
falls named after historian Mr Joseph Thomson of
Scotland who visited the site in 1893.
Mr Tondolo then strikes a bond with Mr Grundberg and
they exhange addresses with promises that he will be
back in Kenya next year.
In his diary, there are addresses of people who wee
fascinated by his art from various parts of the world.
Mr Tondolo sought books about chameleons and got to
learn more about the wild animal that has been
mentioned in many tales written for children due to
chameleon’s ability to change its colour to suit its
environment.
“ Also the chameleon has a pair of eyes that see the
front and can roll to the rear without turning its
head. If it wants to eat an insect it moves slowly
before it flushes out its long sticky tongue to grab
an insect,” he adds.
Mr Tondolo is happy with move by the government to ban
logging of trees in forests saying this will great
aready home for the chameleons.
At times, the chameleon handler accompanies scientists
to Samburu district in search of the chameleons that
live on the rocks.
The study tour takes the team to the Aberdare National
park where they go in search of the Kikuyu chameleon.
To ease conflict with the curio sellers, the chameleon
handler says, a sanctuary is necessary as it would
also enhance environmental conservation around the
Falls site.
Pollution of water by effluent from sewer lines at
Manguo estate has also affected the environment
thereby leading to the death of a variety of animals
at the Falls.
He adds that thetre is a need for the government to
enhance surveillance efforts in the forests to
discourage and curb charcoal burning.
Madagascar leads Africa with a total of 134 species of
chameleons while Kenya has 85 chameleons discovered
and documented by scientists 80 years ago.
Some chameleons lay eggs while others give birth to
their young ones, adds Mr Tondolo, as he gets into an
intimate conversation with some three tourists from
France.

rhino horn trade

KWS rangers view 'Kamau' a male rhino shot dead by poachers who also removed its horn. KWS rangers responded swiftly and gunned down a poacher during a fierce exchange of fire. The horn was also recovered together with two AK-47 rifles loaded with five rounds of ammunition.

JUMBOS

Nothing is as breathtaking as the sight of a jumbo being loaded onto a truck. It is the most beautiful sight ever! This was done at Rwathia forest four Kilometres from Nyahururu town, 200kilometres from Nairobi, Kenya