Giraffe Treated By Vets After Poacher Attack

The veterinary team at the Uganda Conservation Foundation (UCF), in partnership with rangers at the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), have helped curb the devastating effects of these indiscriminate traps in Murchison Falls National Park.

Mike Keigwin, head of the UCF, says that animals such as the endangered Rothschild giraffe are still at risk.

He said: “Since the UWA anti-poaching programme, there are only be 3-4 cases per year of giraffes being caught by snares in the Delta area of Murchison - previously it was 2-3 per month.

“However, in other areas, where rangers are less able to sustain patrol coverage, giraffes are often caught, and we are sometimes too late to save them.”

There are 130 armed rangers patrolling Murchison Falls who are leading the fight against poaching.

And while the Rothschild Giraffe is the under serious threat from extinction, the population in Uganda is the largest in the world - meaning its protection is vital to the survival of the species.

Keigwin says that it is important to raise awareness of poaching and the vital work of rangers.

He said: “The rangers are very brave – countering armed gangs and doing their best with limited resources.

“This sort of footage helps to motivate people and that can only help the survival of elephants, lions, and of course the Rothschild Giraffe.”