So how do we capture hartebeest?
When the translocation first started, in November 2008, the capture technique involved the use of helicopters and numerous trucks to transport the animals. The animals were helicopter-shepherded into curtained traps that funneled them into loading ramps which led to the trucks. Given the urgency of the situation, the translocation had to take place during the rainy season. The team lost about 4 days to the rain, when the exercise had to be suspended. There were times when the team had to work at night.
The capture started again in early February 2009, once we were able to raise more funds. For this capture, it was decided to catch the animals at night. Our team had learned from the previous capture and knew that we would have better success if it was done in the dark. Hartebeest are smart animals, and difficult to catch during the day.Traps were set again, but with nets this time, and the animals were channeled into the traps with the use of a vehicle and a spotlight. Each animal was ear-tagged so that we could identify them upon release. The night capture are extremely taxing on the team, and can only go on for about 5 days. But in 5 days, we were able to catch 46 hartebeest and 15 impalas. All we need now are more funds to continue the translocation.
Donations made here are
Mar 14th Donna T USD 275.00
5 Comments
I have donated for moving 1 Hartebeest. I wish I could do more. I feel so sorry that they are losing their home. I hope that others will support your efforts to transfer all affected animals so that they will be safe on the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. Please keep me informed. Brenton.
Dear Brenton:
We are so grateful for your donation. We will post updates as soon as the translocation starts again. The Kenya Wildlife Service is working hard to raise additional funds, and they would like to move all the animals out of Solio, not just the hartebeest. Hopefully, I will have some good news to give you soon. I will keep posting updates on this blog.
From all of us at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, an immense thanks.
Elodie
Hi All,
I’m a filmmaker who was present at both captures on solio for an up-coming series on Ol Pejeta. Normally I would not allow previews of a work in progress, but due to the urgency of this matter. I invite anyone to view a work in progress of the episode “Refugees of the Laikipia Plains” in the hopes it will inspire you to donate.
Michael
Sorry here is the link
http://www.wildcamhd.com/opd.htm
Nice work Michael.