YANKARI GAME RESERVE
WCS ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Report Prepared By:
Nachamada Geoffrey
WCS Yankari Project Manager
Yankari Resort and Game Reserve
Bauchi State, Nigeria
Tel +234 802 4976056
Email: [email protected]
1
SUMMARY
This report describes law enforcement efforts and ranger patrols supervised by the Wildlife
Conservation Society (WCS) in Yankari Game Reserve for the period January to December
2014. In March 2014 WCS signed an MOU with Bauchi State Government (BASG) to
manage conservation activities at Yankari on behalf of BASG for a four-year period from
2014 to 2018. Since then levels of protection have improved considerably. A total of 144
anti-poaching patrols (558 patrol days) were completed in 2014. This has reduced levels of
hunting and illegal livestock grazing within the reserve. With support from the UNEP African
Elephant Fund, WCS supplied boots, kit-bags, raincoats, blankets, camping tents, mosquito
nets, and water bottles for rangers, this has significantly boosted morale and improved the
effectiveness of rangers in the field. As a result of these renewed protection efforts a total of
71 arrests were made (27 hunters, 41 Fulani grazers, two wild fruit gatherers, and one
bushmeat trader). Successful prosecution rates have improved dramatically and tougher
sentences are now being imposed to act as a more effective deterrent.
A total of four camping patrols are currently organized each week, with WCS responsible for
providing patrol allowances, field rations and maintenance of patrol vehicles. However, four
patrols per week are not sufficient to protect the entire game reserve. Increasing the number
of patrols requires additional funds, and the purchase of more firearms and 4x4 vehicles
required to support foot patrols. Unfortunately not all the funds that should have been
provided to WCS by Bauchi State Government under the terms of the MOU have been
supplied as expected – and the chronic under-funding of the reserve remains a critical
problem. Five elephant carcasses were recorded in 2014 – shot for their ivory and as
retaliation for crop raiding. A strict policy of zero tolerance has significantly reduced levels of
livestock grazing within the reserve, and has allowed rangers to focus more attention on
arresting hunters and improving levels of protection. When necessary, joint patrols were
organized between the army and Yankari rangers. Annual maintenance of the reserve’s
network of vehicle tracks and bridges has been neglected for some time, many tracks and
bridges have been abandoned with the result that large areas of the reserve are now
inaccessible. The deplorable condition of the tracks still in use is exacting a heavy toll on
vehicles that are already over-worked and too few in number.
In February 2014 WCS Yankari Project Manager (Gilbert Nyanganji) was appointed as
Senior Special Adviser for Conservation to the Governor of Bauchi State. Nachamada
Geoffrey was duly appointed as the new WCS Yankari Project Manager. In March 2014 a
second elephant was fitted with a satellite collar in collaboration with State House and the
North Carolina Zoo. Unfortunately that elephant was shot and killed by poachers just seven
months later in October 2014. We continue to monitor movements of one elephant using the
original satellite collar, ensuring that rangers provide constant protection to this herd and
react promptly when the elephants leave the confines of the reserve. WCS established a
new partnership with Sunderland AFC and the Nuru Fund to provide solar lamps to Yankari
Rangers. Early bush-burning was done in December. Potash and salt have been applied to
salt-licks to attract elephants to come closer to Wikki. With support from the Leventis
Conservation Foundation, two PowerChutes have been repaired to assist with surveillance
and large mammal surveys.
2
INTRODUCTION
Situated in Bauchi State in north-eastern Nigeria, Yankari Game Reserve is the country's
richest wildlife oasis. Yankari Game Reserve contains the largest surviving elephant
population in Nigeria, and one of the largest remaining in West Africa. Estimated at 350
individuals, this population of elephants is likely to be the only viable population remaining in
Nigeria. In addition, Yankari Game Reserve also supports important populations of lion,
buffalo, hippopotamus, roan and hartebeest. The reserve covers a total area of 2,244 km²
and is covered mainly by Sudan savanna vegetation. Originally created as a game reserve
in 1956, Yankari was upgraded to a national park in 1991 and managed by the National
Parks Service until 2006 when responsibility for the management of the reserve was handed
back to Bauchi State Government. Yankari Game Reserve is currently managed by the
Ministry of Tourism and Culture of Bauchi State.
Since 2009 WCS has provided support for regular anti-poaching patrols in Yankari through
the provision of camping allowances, arrest bonuses, field rations, equipment and training.
Much of this work has been funded by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. With
technical assistance from Dr. Rich Bergl of the North Carolina Zoo, a CyberTracker-based
monitoring project was introduced in 2009. In March 2014, WCS signed a four-year
memorandum of understanding with Bauchi State Government for the implementation and
coordination of all conservation and protected area activities within Yankari Game Reserve.
This report presents summary data from 2014 and compares this with data from previous
years. More detailed information can be found online at www.wcsnigeria.org
Map 1: The Location of Yankari Game Reserve in Nigeria
3
LAW ENFORCEMENT AND RANGER PATROLS
The most important conservation activity in Yankari is ranger patrols. All ranger patrols at
Yankari Game Reserve are currently based on the CyberTracker monitoring program
although there are plans to upgrade this system to the new SMART software in 2015. 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. This year we have been able to sustain four teams on camping
patrol each week, a significant achievement with the limited funds and resources available.
A total of 144 patrols were organized in 2014 (see Appendices 1 and 2 for more details).
However, there is an urgent need to increase the number of patrols to cover all areas of the
reserve.
1. Patrol Strategy
The current patrol strategy is limited by the number of firearms and 4x4 vehicles available.
Ranger safety is paramount and every single ranger who goes on patrol now carries a
serviceable firearm and sufficient ammunition. We currently have 25 usable firearms
available for ranger patrol and safety. The rule that states that all rangers on patrol must
now possess a fully functional firearm and sufficient ammunition is strictly enforced, and has
reduced attacks on rangers. Unfortunately with this limited number of firearms, we can only
send out four teams on camping patrol each week. Camping patrols normally combine both
vehicle patrols and foot patrols. However, insufficient vehicles make these patrols difficult,
the vehicles are old and they break down frequently. Thankfully both discipline and morale
among rangers has improved and is currently good. WCS continues to look at ways in
which the police based at Wikki can be used to support patrols, unfortunately they are
reluctant to participate in camping patrols and there are insufficient vehicles available to
support both camping and daily patrols.
4
2. Patrol Effort
In Map 2 below, the darker part of the grid map indicates areas that have been more
frequently patrolled, the grey portion represents areas that were less patrolled while the unshaded parts of the grid represents areas that were not patrolled. Large areas of the reserve
were not patrolled at all in 2014, leaving hunters free to operate in these areas without fear
of arrest. In addition, rangers spent significant amounts of time chasing elephants away
from farms in 2014 rather than looking for poachers. A total of 144 patrols over 558 patrol
days were completed in 2014 covering a total distance of 11,007 km over 3,431 hours.
Yankari rangers applying potash and salt at one of the salt-licks
Map 2: Patrol Coverage January-December 2014
5
Table 1. A Comparison of Patrol Effort in Yankari Game Reserve 2010-2014
Year
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Number of patrols
-
-
-
-
144
Number of patrol days
668
467
480
375
558
Total distance covered (km)
22,023
11,351
9,540
10,398
11,007
3. Hunting Evidence
Hunting signs recorded in 2014 are shown in Map 3 below. A total of 71 poachers were
arrested including 27 hunters. We believe that poaching activity has reduced but remains a
significant problem. With only limited resources available the current patrol strategy focuses
on vulnerable areas rather than trying to cover the entire reserve. This strategy also enables
us to focus more attention on proving close protection to the remaining elephants and also to
chase crop-raiding elephants back inside the reserve.
Map 3: Hunting evidence recorded January-December 2014
4. Arrests Made
A total of 71 arrests were made during the reporting period (see Appendix 1), this included
27 hunters, 41 Fulani grazers, two wild fruit gatherers, and one bushmeat trader. Rangers
are paid a bonus of about $30 per poacher arrested and about $140 for the arrest of an
elephant poacher. The bonus system is a good incentive and motivation for rangers.
6
Ten hunters arrested in July
Firearms confiscated by rangers from poachers arrested within the reserve
Poachers arrested during an anti-poaching patrol by Yankari rangers
7
5. Livestock Grazing
The frequency of livestock grazing inside the reserve has been significantly reduced.
However, livestock encroachment remains a huge issue and a growing long-term
problem that requires attention from government for a more sustainable solution.
Grazers have adopted a new strategy of sending the cattle into the reserve
unsupervised or else with small children who cannot be prosecuted. Zero tolerance
towards livestock found inside the reserve has proved to be effective reducing the levels
of livestock encroachment. However enforcing a zero tolerance policy is difficult with
limited resources (vehicles and firearms) and it has been hard to combat grazing and
poaching at the same time.
Cattle carcass from zero tolerance in the reserve
Cattle carcass taken from PowerChute during aerial patrol
8
ELEPHANT CONSERVATION
Elephant activity recorded was scattered across the reserve (see Map 4, 5 & 6 below). In
March 2014 a second elephant was fitted with a satellite collar in collaboration with State
House and the North Carolina Zoo. Crop raiding by elephants was a major constraint this
period affecting several communities (Bajama, Yelwan-Duguri, Kumbim, Birim, Gaji-Gamu,
Kuka, Maccido, Gale, Sangar, Dan, Nasira, Dagudi, Mainamaji, Gum, Futuk, Yello, Boga,
Rahama, Malla, Wolekerol, Pali, Kashera, Kuka, Milli, and Sabon-Sharam). With zero
compensation paid to the affected farmers, local levels of support for conservation are at an
all time low. As a result elephants are equally at risk from irate farmers seeking revenge as
well as hardened poachers seeking ivory. Five elephant carcasses were recorded (see
Appendix 2) including the second elephant fitted with a satellite collar in March 2014
(126821). At least one of these elephants was allegedly shot by the notorious poacher
Baushe Bello, also wanted for the murder of Hussaini Pai (a loyal Yankari ranger) in 2012.
We continue to monitor movements of one elephant herd using satellite collar (126820),
ensuring that rangers provide constant protection to this herd and react promptly whenever
elephants leave the confines of the reserve.
Map 4: Fresh Elephant Activity Recorded January-December 2014
9
Elephant Carcass with Tusks Still Intact and Satellite Collar (126821)
Map 5: Satellite Locations of Elephant Collar 126820 January-December 2014
10
Yankari elephant herd captured with camera trap at one of the salt-licks
Map 6: Satellite Locations of Elephant Collar 126821 March-October 2014
(the elephant was shot and killed in October 2014
11
Yankari ranger recording the location of an elephant carcass
Second elephant fitted with a satellite collar (126821) in March 2014
12
LION CONSERVATION
Numerous lion sightings were recorded in 2014 across the reserve but more along the Gaji
river valley and towards the central, southern and western parts of the reserve. This may be
due to the fact that more patrols were organised in these areas compared to other areas,
see Map 7 below. There were numerous lion sightings along the Ahmadu Bello Way and
frequent roaring of lions was reported around Wikki also. Zero lion carcasses were reported
during 2014.
Lion (Panthera leo)
Map 7: Fresh Lion Activity January-December 2014
13
Lion (Panthera leo) along Ahmadu Bello Way
Lion (Panthera leo)
14
OTHER LARGE MAMMALS
Various other large mammals were sighted within the reserve including hippopotamus,
baboon, waterbuck, roan antelope, buffalo, hartebeest, patas monkey, tantalus monkey,
duiker, bushbuck and warthog. Some of their photos are included below, some of which
were taken by camera-trap.
Hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus)
Waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus)
Patas monkeys (Erythrocebus patas)
15
Buffalo (Syncerus caffer)
Red-flanked duiker (Cephalophus rufilatus)
Roan antelope (Hipppotragus equinus)
16
Bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus)
Oribi (Ourebia ourebi)
Warthog (Phacochoerus africanus)
17
THE POWERCHUTE PROGRAM
With funds from the Leventis Conservation Foundation the PowerChute program, originally
established by Aaron Nicholas in the 1990s, has been revived to assist with aerial surveys
and surveillance. New engines and new canopies were purchased for both Powerchutes.
Chief pilot Jonah Umaru and WCS project manager Nacha Geoffrey
The powerchute program has already proved to be extremely useful in locating elephant
herds from the air, as well as flushing out poachers.
Powerchute over Yankari
18
A NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH THE NURU FUND AND SUNDERLAND AFC
Sunderland AFC and the Nuru Fund have partnered with WCS to provide 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.
Some of the Yankari rangers with their solar lamps, the WCS project manager is in the middle
WCS Nigeria Country Director Andrew Dunn with officials from SAFC and the Nuru Fund
19
PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED
Shortage of Funds
Shortage of funds for effective conservation is the most serious problem facing Yankari. Full
implementation of the 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.
Road Maintenance
The reserve has an extensive network of roads, tracks and bridges developed over a long
period of time – a major asset for tourism and protection and formerly a source of pride,.
However this network has not been maintained in recent years and has deteriorated to such
an extent that many roads and bridges are now impassable. The poor nature of the roads
within the reserve makes it extremely difficult to carry out efficient patrols, a situation made
worse by the shortage of reliable patrol vehicles. The deplorable state of the road network is
also affecting tourism. Patrol vehicles can now 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 reach.
Shortage of Patrol Vehicles
Lack of reliable patrol vehicles makes effective protection extremely difficult to achieve. .
The terrible condition of the road network increases pressure on the limited vehicles
available for patrol. Frequent vehicle breakdowns are caused in part by the bad roads – this
not only increases cost and burden of maintenance but also affects efficiency and
productivity.
Human-Elephant Conflict
Elephant crop raiding was a major problem in 2014. Elephants raided crops in many
communities surrounding the reserve. Irate communities threatened to take action since
according to them there was no intervention by government whatsoever. With the current
road situation, rangers have to drive for many hours to reach isolated villages to chase away
elephants from farms when crop raiding is reported. At least two elephant carcasses were
believed to have been shot by irate farmers in 2014 in retaliation for crop raiding, including
the second elephant fitted with satellite collar (126821) in March 2014.
Ranger Training
Yankari rangers have not received refresher training in many years. Training in weapons
handling and safety/marksmanship is particularly needed as well as drill/discipline
Firearms and Personal Safety
There is a critical shortage of firearms to organize more patrols and increase coverage of the
reserve.
Stolen Ivory
Six elephant tusks were allegedly stolen from the Yankari store in April 2014. The case has
not been resolved. Rangers are particularly angry how such a theft could occur and wonder
why they are expected to risk their lives daily to reduce elephant poaching. Ivory is a
valuable commodity that should not be kept in the general store. It should be kept in a
secure storeroom or armoury, and ideally it should be destroyed.
20
Insecurity and Attacks on Rangers
In June 2014 a patrol was attacked by a large group of Fulani grazers armed with bows and
arrows. Fortunately all rangers were armed and they were able to repel the attack. The
following day soldiers from the army battalion based in Bauchi were mobilized to join rangers
for a joint patrol. Joint patrols act to reinforce protection and increase the confidence of
rangers but also to remind the public that the reserve is a protected area and rangers have a
duty to protect it. It is worth mentioning here that the notorious poacher Baushe Bello,
responsible for the murder of Hussaini Pai (a loyal Yankari ranger) in 2012 as well as
numerous elephants – has still not been arrested.
CONCLUSION
Signing of the MOU between WCS and Bauchi State Government (BASG) in March 2014
was a major step forward for Yankari Game Reserve. With continued support from BASG
and other donors, we have been able to make steady progress at Yankari in 2014. More
patrols were organised and levels of protection have improved. New programs such as the
elephant collaring and the Powerchute have had positive benefits for conservation and the
number of elephants killed this year has been kept to a minimum through constant effort and
surveillance. Successful prosecution rates have improved and penalties imposed by the
court have increased. However we need to further strengthen existing efforts to protect
Yankari’s remaining elephants by increasing the number of patrols through the acquisition of
additional 4x4 vehicles and firearms; improving the monitoring and supervision of these
patrols; by providing improved training and equipment for rangers; and through an expanded
and improved intelligence network.
21
Appendix 1: 71 Arrests Made and Court Outcome January-December 2014
Date
Name
Location
Offence
12/01/14
Babangida Idi
Tukurwa area
Gathering muruchi
12/01/14
Danladi Mallam Sabitu
Tukurwa area
Gathering muruchi
08/02/14
John (Gaskay) Daniel
Dagudi area
Hunting
08/02/14
Markus Emmanuel
Dagudi area
Hunting
12/02/14
Ori Nasiru
Dogon Ruwa
Grazing
Not recorded
12/02/14
Bello Jabbi
Dogon Ruwa
Grazing
Not recorded
12/02/14
Mohammed Kiri
Dogon Ruwa
Grazing
Not recorded
13/02/14
Aisha Magaji
Yelwan Duguri
Bushmeat trading
Wrote an undertaking
03/03/14
Yakubu Alh Danrani
Ahmadu Bello
Grazing
N30,000 fine or six months in
prison (paid fine)
03/03/14
Dangogo Alh Danrani
Ahmadu Bello
Grazing
N30,000 fine or six months in
prison (paid fine)
03/03/14
Isa Alh Danrani
Ahmadu Bello
Grazing
N30,000 fine or six months in
prison (paid fine)
05/03/14
Usman Alh Jemma
Ahmadu Bello
Grazing
N30,000 fine or six months in
prison (paid fine)
05/03/14
Abudullahi Musa
Kwala
Hunting
N35,000 fine or six month in
prison
21/03/14
Ahmadu Alh Aliyu
Ahmadu Bello
Grazing
N30,000 fine or six months in
prison (paid fine)
21/03/14
Muhammadu
Yunus
Ahmadu Bello
Grazing
N35,000 fine or six months in
prison (paid fine)
07/04/14
Wambai Alhaji
Tukuruwa
Hunting
Two months in jail.
07/04/14
Rilwanu Bala
Tukuruwa
Hunting
Two months in jail.
09/04/14
Abdullahi Surajo
Shaman
Hunting
Outcome is pending.
24/04/14
Usman Alh Jemma
Walakerol
Hunting
Two months in jail.
24/04/14
Abudullahi Musa
Walakerol
Hunting
Two months in jail.
24/04/14
Ahmadu Alh Aliyu
Walakerol
Hunting
Two months in jail.
28/04/14
Kala Babawuro
Tungan-Maliki
Hunting
It’s the third time he’s arrested.
Alh
22
Outcome
Six months in jail or fine of one
hundred thousand naira
Six months in jail or fine of one
hundred thousand naira
Sent to jail for a year.
28/04/14
Isiyaku Mohammadu
Tungan-Maliki
Hunting
It’s the second time he’s
arrested. Sent to jail for a year.
29/04/14
Abdullahi Garba
Buri
Hunting
He couldn’t afford a fine option
of thirty thousand naira so he
went for two months in jail.
06/06/14
Saidu Mohammed
Dogon-Ruwa
Hunting
He was given six months in jail
or forty thousand naira fine
option. He paid the fine
16/07/14
Mohammed
Dan’almajiri
Jada
Hunting
Sentenced to six months in jail
16/07/14
Usman Halilu
Jada
Hunting
Sentenced to six months in jail
16/07/14
Buba Mohammed
Dogon Ruwa
Hunting
Sentenced to six months in jail
16/07/14
Bello Usman
Dogon Ruwa
Hunting
Sentenced to six months in jail
18/07/14
Ibrahim Sani
Garin-Na’ala
Hunting
Escaped from police custody in
Yankari cell.
19/07/14
Ali Halilu
Jada
Hunting
Sentenced to six months in jail
19/07/14
Garba Shehu
Walakerol
Hunting
Sentenced to six months in jail
20/07/14
Jabir Musa
Duguri
Hunting
Sentenced to six months in jail
21/07/14
Musa Bala
Duguri
Hunting
Sentenced to six months in jail
22/07/14
Abdullahi Mohammed
Duguri
Hunting
Sentenced to six months in jail
23/07/14
Sulaiman Haruna
Duguri
Hunting
An old man with health
problems was sentenced to six
months in jail or N25, 000. He
signed an undertaking to pay
the fine.
04/09/14
Adamu Alh. Adamu
Mamman Musa
Bura Manu
Isa Jokkadi
Buba Alh-Sogiji
Sadak Alh. Sali
Bello Alh. Sali
Buba Alh. Boderi
Haruna Musa
Dogon Ruwa
Hunting
They were all sentenced to five
months in jail.
Jada
Grazing
Their parents were charged
N15,000 including court fine
Dagudi
Grazing
Their ages were ten and twelve
respectively. Their parents
were charged N15,000 each
including court fine
29/08/14
08/09/14
Sani Alh. Mammman
23
12/09/14
Ussaini Sale
Giwa
Grazing
Their ages were eleven and
twelve
respectively.
Their
parents were charged N15,000
each including court fine
Shaman
Grazing
The boys arrested were aged
ten,
ten
and
twelve
respectively. Their parents
were charged N15,000 each.
Moh’d Alh. Manga
11/10/14
Buba Alh. Oro
Ali Alh. Oro
Abubakar Alh. Oro
24
Appendix 2: Elephant Carcass Data January-December 2014
Date
GPS
Long
GPS Lat
Carcass
age
Age
Sex
Death
cause
Meat
taken
Status
ivory
Hec_situation
comment
7 March 14
10.4099
9.8525
Fresh
Adult
Female
Unknown
No
Missing
None reported
Tusk had been
removed after
decomposition
3 May 14
10.16414
9.45567
Old
Adult
Male
Unknown
No
Missing
None-reported
Tusk had been
removed after
decomposition
24 May 14
10.3201
9.46283
Fresh
Adult
Male
Gunshot
No
Retrieved
None-reported
It ran with the gun
shot from a long
distance before it
died
26 Oct 14
10.17239
9.59193
Old
Adult
Female
Gunshot
No
Missing
Intense
crop Likely
shot
as
raiding
by reprisal attack due
elephants
in to crop raiding
surrounding
communities
26 Nov 14
10.31484
9.58485
About a Adult
month
old
Female
Gunshot
No
Retrieved
Intense
crop
raiding
by
elephants
in
surrounding
communities
25
Likely
shot
as
reprisal attack due
to
crop
raiding.
Fitted with satellite
collar in March 2014