The Okapi Reserve

Category: Epulu, General, Rangers | Date: Jun 25 2007 | By: admin

In order to keep secure the zone invaded by illegal miners in the Okapi Reserve, some temporary bases were established especially in the West, South-West of the Reserve with the aim of maintening patrols around the region. A temporary base (TB) is a camp where Rangers are not affected permanently but for a period of 20 days, and then shift by another team or group of Rangers. Some important reasons explain the issue. We do not like for a Ranger to be familiar with people (miners) around the region for any attempt of corruption, living far away from his family can affect his work, … so he is there for a period of time, …

We are facing many difficulties to feed the team working in the base. Crossing big rivers into traditional canoes, paying porters from the headquarter to the Patrol Post (80 km.), from the Patrol Post we are supposed to organize other Porters to reach the team in deep forest spending 3 days walking with patrol rations on our backs.  

In fact, the Epulu Rangers deserve motivation. Ready for patroling without complaining. Could you imagine all risks when crossing the Ngayu river: crocodiles, snakes…but the guys are ready to protect the Okapi Wildlife Reserve. By the way, let me tell you some positive information:The Reserve is controlled in 93% (this means regular patrols are deployed all over)

• The animal dungs are discovered even in the former red zone of poachers
• Braconniers are arrested and transferred in court and condemned, …

By the law, hunting with an arrow or spear is not forbidden in a Reserve because it is an open method than metal snare which can catch any specie. the hard work is to let population know that he should select unprotected specie for his subsistance. Below, a villager apprehended with a monkey.

 

Rangers patrolling in different sectors witness that many animals are victims: some of them catch in snares, others died in natural conditions, …

It is our obligation to let you know that maintaining the natural resource of the Okapi reserve depends on your devotion in terms of donation, advance, etc, so your support is needed for safeguarding this paradise of okapis and pygmies.