Lake Edward Hippos Decimated-United Nations Asked to Intervene

Conservationists urge United Nations to end the Hippo slaughter on Lake Edward by rebel factions. Approximately 25 hippos and 3 elephants have been killed at Vitshumbi, a small fishing village on the southern shores of Lake Edward, says Robert Muir of the Frankfurt Zoological Society, who is working in the region.

Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo (PRWEB) January 21, 2007 -- Approximately 25 hippos and 3 elephants have been killed at Vitshumbi, a small fishing village on the southern shores of Lake Edward, in the last few days conservationists say. This is an area where the last aerial census of the park estimated 30 hippos to exist. Robert Muir of the Frankfurt Zoological Society said, "The prognosis does not look good and it may well be too late to save the last few hippos that remain. However, we must try."

The hippo population, which once stood at around 30,000, is today probably less than 300, and has resulted in the hippo being listed on the World Conservation Union (IUCN) Red List of Endangered Species.

Conservationists are asking the United Nations to remove rebel groups from the southern shores of Lake Edward. The problem of armed bandits and rebel groups around the southern shores of Lake Edward are a threat to local security and are responsible for decimating the hippo population, Muir said.

After the UN peacekeeping force (MONUC) forced demobilization and disarmament, many of the rebels and bandits took their paychecks and returned to their villages, only to pick up new weapons a few weeks later and head back out to the bush. "It is vital that the UN now act in all urgency to remove these rogue elements before there is nothing left to save," Muir urged.

ICCN rangers cannot carry out their legal mandate to patrol in the area and protect the wildlife due to the presence of these armed groups. In the absence of respect for a recognized government authority, the result is near anarchy, and conservation groups have asked MONUC to help bring the situation back under proper control.

GON /IMARI

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