News Update- Fires Burn in Kenya Driving Wildlife into Near By Villages.

"Fires burn across the slopes of Mount Kenya, the second-highest peak in Africa at 5,199 meters, in Kenya Tuesday, March 20, 2012. A fire on the slopes of Kenya's tallest mountain is sending big game animals like elephants fleeing for their lives, as wildlife agents and British troops are fighting to put out several fires, elephants are among the many animals fleeing. The elephants fled the area, but they are still within the protected areas of the mountain. We have not come across any animal hurt or killed by the fire."
"Photo of the fire shows small bursts of flame and thick white smoke hanging over the mountain's lower elevations. Mount Kenya is the second-highest peak in Africa, at 5 199m. The fire is burning forest that serves as a water catchment, potentially affecting the region's water supply and hydroelectric dams." Written by Wilson Maina Kagunda 

When I ask Wilson about the impact this fire has had on wildlife he tells me the fire is driving wildlife out of their natural habitat and into the village. The elephants are mainly going to nearby farmland. Other animals are being driven to nearby villages he says. This information leads me to be concerned for the potential of human wildlife conflict.As the fires continue in Kenya, the financial loss continues to impact the economy.It remains to be seen how this fire will impact the villagers and wildlife of Kenya. Leopards, lions and cheetas have created conflict in the past when they have entered the village to kill domestic animals for food." "Zibras and gazelles have been known to distroy farms" Wilson states. As a fellow wildlife lover I sensed his concern that this fire will have on wildlife and the potential for human animal conflict.

Mr. Kagunda shared his thoughts saying “the loss has already been great, with more than 2 Billion Shillings lost”. This is equal to more than $10,000 US Dollars. Kenya depends on their forests for their economy. With elephant poaching already being an issue in Kenya will these panic stricken animals be driven into the waiting arms of hunters and poachers? As the fire continues, Wilson has provided up to the hour information and photographs of the fire in Kenya. The communication is often limited due to the lack of electrical power available in the camp where he is currently staying during this fire.  .

In my opinion Mr. Wilson Maina Kagunda is a brave young man. He grew up “ in the bush” he states and tells me he enjoys visiting and doing photography in the Wildlife Reserves in Kenya. Wilson is currently a part of the dedicated volunteers who are assisting in fighting this fire.

As a Wildlife Photographer and Humanitarian I felt it necessary to share this information, with Wilson's permission.  

All  information appearing on this website are ©Copyright Shelley Myke and are not to be copied, downloaded, saved, distributed, reproduced or used in any manner without the written permission of Shelley Myke.