In Migori County, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) personnel have embarked on a crucial operation to capture hyenas causing significant distress in the Lichota area of Suna West Sub County. The initiative comes in response to increasing concerns from local residents about the hyenas straying from Lichota Forest and posing a threat to both domestic animals and human safety.
Background of the Situation
Residents of Lichota have been facing growing fear and insecurity due to the presence of hyenas in their vicinity. These wild animals have been preying on domestic animals and have also posed a danger to school-going children. The situation has been exacerbated by the hyenas’ attraction to a nearby cemetery where bodies are buried shallowly, drawing them into the community.
Elphas Wasike, a local resident, has reported that the hyenas have created an atmosphere of fear among the community members. He highlighted that the animals have been drawn to the cemetery due to poorly buried bodies. Wasike has called for the county government to address this issue by implementing stricter burial guidelines and fencing off the cemetery to prevent further attraction of the hyenas.
Community Response and Actions Taken
In response to the growing problem, KWS officials, in collaboration with local residents, have set up traps to capture the stray hyenas. This coordinated effort aims to address the immediate threat posed by the hyenas and restore peace to the affected areas.
Sam Nyaganda, another resident, expressed frustration over the ongoing situation, stating that the hyenas’ nocturnal activities have resulted in significant loss of domestic animals and economic hardship for the community. The residents’ fear is palpable, as they face a nightly threat from the roaming hyenas.
Lichota Assistant Chief Justus Ochieng has acknowledged the community’s appreciation for the intervention by KWS and the county government. He emphasized that the villagers understand the importance of wildlife conservation and have refrained from harming the hyenas. The Assistant Chief expressed gratitude for the KWS’s efforts in addressing the situation and hoped for a resolution that would restore harmony between humans and wildlife.
County Government’s Involvement
Migori County Executive Committee Member for Health Julius Nyerere has reported that the county government has allocated a budget for the fencing of the cemetery. This measure aims to prevent hyenas from accessing the cemetery and mitigate the risk of them entering residential areas. Nyerere also mentioned that an investigation will be launched to address the issue of illegal burials. Some of the bodies preyed upon by the hyenas were reportedly buried without proper burial permits, highlighting a potential public health concern.
Looking Ahead
The efforts by KWS and the local authorities to address the hyena problem in Migori reflect a proactive approach to managing human-wildlife conflicts. The installation of traps and the planned cemetery fencing are essential steps towards safeguarding the community and preventing further incidents.
The situation also underscores the need for stricter regulations and enforcement of burial practices to avoid attracting wildlife. As the investigation into illegal burials progresses, it is hoped that additional measures will be put in place to prevent similar issues in the future.
The ongoing operation by KWS to capture hyenas in Migori represents a critical intervention in a challenging situation. The collaboration between wildlife officials and local residents is a positive development in addressing the immediate threat posed by the hyenas. Moving forward, continued efforts to improve burial practices and enhance community safety will be crucial in achieving long-term solutions and fostering a harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife.
