Base Titanium, in collaboration with the Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS), has initiated a significant wildlife relocation exercise aimed at addressing the growing human-wildlife conflict in the Shimba Hills region. The initiative involves the relocation of buffaloes from the Shimba Hills Game Reserve to the expansive Tsavo East National Park. The decision to move the buffaloes comes in response to increasing reports of these animals posing a security threat to local residents.
Pius Kassim, the Community Relations Manager at Base Titanium, highlighted the urgency of the exercise, emphasizing its role in mitigating the ongoing conflict between humans and wildlife. "The move is geared at reducing human-wildlife conflict cases," Kassim stated. He further noted that at least nine villages, including Bomani, Vumbu Fihoni, Magaoni, Masindeni, Barcelona, Miembeni, and Kibwanga, have been particularly affected by the presence of the buffaloes. The relocation is expected to provide these communities with a safer environment, allowing them to resume agricultural activities without the constant threat of crop destruction by the buffaloes. "Initially, our neighbours could not farm following the increased number of buffaloes in their farms. These wild animals destroyed their produce year in year out,” Kassim explained.
Urgency of the relocation exercise
The relocation exercise, which commenced on Wednesday, has already seen the successful capture and transfer of six buffaloes by KWS officials to Tsavo East National Park. The park offers a more suitable habitat for the buffaloes, with its vast area providing ample space for the animals to roam freely. The operation is being spearheaded by Mr. Edward Karanja, the KWS warden in charge of the Shimba Hills Game Reserve. The plan is to relocate eight buffaloes daily until the exercise is completed.
Details of the relocation process
In addition to the buffalo relocation, Karanja addressed another pressing issue: the presence of a stray lion from Tanzania that has wandered into the reserve. This lion has been a significant threat, reportedly preying on livestock in the Matuga and Lungalunga sub-counties. Karanja urged locals to remain vigilant and report any sightings of the lion to the authorities. He also advised women, in particular, to exercise caution while going about their daily chores to ensure their safety.
Addressing the stray lion threat
The relocation of the buffaloes and the monitoring of the stray lion are crucial steps in ensuring the safety and well-being of the communities surrounding the Shimba Hills Game Reserve. The efforts by Base Titanium and KWS underscore the importance of collaborative approaches in managing wildlife and protecting human livelihoods.
