The short rains, called vuli, are imminent. Dark clouds are amassing on the horizon and although the rains have arrived elsewhere in Kenya, we’ve only had a smattering so far in Amboseli.

As always happens this time of year at the height of the dry season, with resources in short supply and fewer employment opportunities on local farms, bushmeat poaching and human-wildlife conflict have increased. These increases are expected, and assuming the rains arrive on time, will stay within the range of “normal” for our area of operation. That said, our rangers are working extraordinarily hard right now, and we thank you for your support in keeping them in the field.

Another notable update is the addition of two new tracker dogs to our team, who are currently undergoing extensive training: Holmes and Watson. We hear from their trainers that they’re a handful, as is to be expected with the breed (Belgian Malinois). The training can take up to a year or more, but we’re hoping to have them back and supporting Clyde with field operations as soon as possible.

Also, many of you have inquired about the status of the hunting situation in Tanzania, just across the border from us in the Enduimet Wildlife Management Area. As far as we know, both from our rangers operating in Enduimet and from other partners, no elephants have been killed by hunters in that area since June. What that means for the issuance of hunting licenses for the Amboseli-Kilimanjaro population remains to be seen. We do know that talks between Kenya and Tanzania are ongoing, and we remain optimistic for a positive resolution. We’ll let you know as soon as there’s a substantive update.

And lastly, I’d be remiss not to use this opportunity to eulogize on the late, great Tom Hill, whom I miss dearly. Tom was a staunch advocate for conservation in Amboseli for more than 25 years, particularly for lions through the Maasai Olympics and Predator Compensation Fund. He has left an indelible mark on this ecosystem. I will think of him every time a lion roars.

Richard Bonham
Co-Founder and Executive Chairman -
Big Life Kenya

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Photo: Jeremy Goss