Mount Visoke is an extinct volcano in the Virunga mountains that straddles DR Congo and Rwanda. It lies at the heart of mountain gorilla habitat – and so naturally our Rangers often venture onto the flanks of this mountain for anti-poaching patrols or to rid the area of the snares that threaten the mountain gorillas and other animals.
Mount Visoke, at 3,711 meters (just over 12,000 feet). Mount Mikeno rises up behind Visoke.
Just recently a group of Rangers tracked 4 poachers over a 2-day period. The Rangers came across traps and signs of poaching, including a dead antelope.
The Rangers also found spears and snares.
The Rangers spent an uneasy night in the forest, and the next day managed to apprehend 2 of the poachers. Unfortunately the other 2 got away. But the 2 who were arrested, who come from a community not far from the patrol post of Bikenge, were brought to Rumangabo and charged.
Unfortunately these poachers are only 2 of many. This is why we must patrol the Gorilla Sector, and indeed all of Virunga, to prevent any further destruction of the wildlife. Thank you for your support, and especially to those who Protect the Park – it is with your funds that we finance the anti-poaching patrols in the Gorilla Sector.
6 Responses to “Catching Poachers on Mount Visoke”
Well done to the brave rangers for catching these poachers.
I am pleased to sponsor an area of the Park. Thankyou to the rangers on patrol whose work is so crucial to protecting the Virungas.
Well done guys..
Good work Innocent. Hey Brenton did your problem with Protect the Park get resolved? I believe it did but just wanted to check. Thanks.
Hi Samantha. Thanks for your message and for resolving the problem that I had with the Protect the Park. All is working well. Kind regards.
Innocent, this is really cool. I think this is one of the areas where people think ranger cannot reach. Thanks to you and all the rangers who are still struggling to take care of the Virungas. Keep up!