Okapi Conservation Project Update: Summer 2013

OCP masons reinforce the foundation of the damaged ICCN headquarters.

The staff of OCP and ICCN has been hard at work restoring operational and logistical capabilities to the Epulu Station and carrying out community assistance, education and law enforcement actions that maintain the integrity of the Okapi Wildlife Reserve. A new reality has settled in to daily life in the region around Epulu; the threat of Morgan remains but life goes on with a greater level of caution but with a strong commitment to stand against him and his allies by living normal lives. This is made possible by a significant Congolese military presence which is ready and able to respond to any threats to life and property. The ICCN rangers are going out on patrol with FARDC troops on a regular basis, taking special efforts to collect snares and relocate trackers and trap makers from the Reserve that the poachers depend on to find and catch animals. Recent analysis has shown that snaring is the major cause of okapi decline and removing snares and arresting those involved in the bushmeat trade is the best way to protect okapi and many other species of wildlife from severe population decline. OCP senior staff is now in Epulu organizing the next work plan for September to December based on the recommendations of the annual meeting of the partners of the OWR reported on in this update.  As always, the staff of OCP and ICCN, their families and the community members all thanks you for your kind support and concern for their well being.  To read the entire update, click here.