250718 PieAerts BigLife5

The weather between July and September is the closest Amboseli gets to winter.

Dull grey clouds blanket the sky, blocking the sun, sapping color from the plains.

Animals become dependent on permanent water sources, plants become devoid of leaves, and everything seems to be existing rather than thriving, waiting for the good times to return.

It’s the “dry” season and is the toughest time of year, not just for wildlife, but for people too, which is reflected in our arrest data.

Our records show that arrest incidents are highest between July and October, averaging 13-15 incidents a month. It’s a time when crops have long since been harvested, and with them, the temporary jobs have disappeared. This prompts some people to commit wildlife crimes as they try to get by.

This July we have made 7 arrests in 5 incidents, slightly lower than average, which could be attributed to the ample rains the ecosystem received in April.

While trends may vary each year, what remains constant is the presence of our ranger teams who patrol this ecosystem every day, ensuring Amboseli’s people and wildlife remain protected year-round.

Please support our rangers by joining our Ranger Club and becoming a monthly donor. Your reliable funding keeps them in the field throughout the year.

📸: Pie Aerts Photography