Elephant Poaching Summary and 2002 Reports Through May 21

* Poaching as a result of human-elephant conflict is not included unless the tusks were taken. Figures used in this summary include the poaching incidents detailed below.

Poaching Reports for 2002

• Namibia—One elephant calf was poached in Khorixas on February 11. Source: Namibian Police Protected Resources Unit. Cited in a Unit report.
• Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)—Villagers along the Adama-Bili road in northern DRC reported that all elephants within 150 km of the border with Central African Republic (CAR) have been eliminated by CAR-based poaching gangs, which have killed 500–1000 elephants in the last three years. In mid-March 2002, villagers reported seeing two camel caravans, led by northern Sudanese poaching gangs, in Banangi, CAR, heading south to Gwane and Ango, DRC, and poaching along the way. Poaching gangs arrive every year at the end of the dry season. They sell elephant meat locally and take the ivory back. Source: Karl Amman. Cited in Report to Save the Elephants, March 28, 2002.
• Zimbabwe—Seven elephants were killed by poachers during March 2002. Cited in The Harare Herald, April 29, 2002.
• Kenya—Ten elephants were poached on March 28 in Tsavo East National Park. The tusks were hacked off and buried one kilometer away. The poachers were tracked down by the Kenya Wildlife Service, and one was killed. The tusks were recovered. The deceased poacher carried documents that indicated he had come from Somalia. Source: Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). Cited in a KWS press release on April 18, 2002.
• Kenya Five elephants were poached between February 18 and April 18 in the Samburu district. The tusks were recovered by the Kenya Wildlife Service. The poachers were local residents. Source: Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). Cited in a KWS press release, April 18, 2002.
• Zimbabwe—In April, one elephant was killed by poachers at a lodge in Chewore. They were reportedly using a stolen vehicle. Source: Zimbabwe Police. Cited in The Harare Herald, April 29, 2002.
• Kenya—On April 28, four elephant poachers were killed in an exchange of gunfire with game rangers at Tsavo East National Park. Source: Kenya Wildlife Service. Cited in a SAPA-AFP press report, April 28, 2002.
• Zimbabwe—Between August 1, 2001, and May 23, 2002, five elephants were poached in the Save Valley Conservancy. Numerous ranches in the Conservancy are now "no-go" areas, for which no information is obtainable. The five elephants should therefore be regarded as the minimum. Source: Save Valley Conservancy. Cited in Crime Statistics Update.