27 dik-dik carcasses seized in Garissa bushmeat trade
Kenyan wildlife authorities intercepted 27 dik-dik carcasses in Garissa county, signaling an increase in organized bushmeat poaching. Officials are currently pursuing the suspects who fled the scene after an armed confrontation with rangers.
Why it matters
The commercialization of bushmeat near refugee-hosting areas poses a significant threat to regional biodiversity and wildlife conservation efforts.
Garissa County KWS Warden Aden Jelle speaking to the press. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO
KWS officers on Friday intercepted 27 carcasses of dik-dik and an antelope believed to have been killed for illegal bushmeat trade in Garissa county.
The development came as crackdown on suspected poaching activities along routes leading to Dadaab refugee camps intensify.
The carcasses were intercepted at Bohodhe along the Diiso-Hagadera road, a route that connects parts of the county to the refugee-hosting areas of Dadaab.
Garissa county KWS warden Aden Jelle said officers also recovered a Toyota Alto believed to have been used by the suspected poachers to transport the illegally obtained wildlife products.
Jelle said the operation turned dramatic after the occupants of the vehicle opened fire, forcing KWS officers to engage them before they escaped.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in