Militia massacres rangers, 13 endangered okapi at Congo wildlife reserve
mongabay.comJune 29, 2012
Okapi
The attack was led by Mai Mai Simba rebels, according to the Okapi Conservation Project, which runs Okapi Wildlife Reserve. The militia destroyed buildings and equipment at the facility, which is shared by the Institute in the Congo for Conservation of Nature (ICCN) and the Okapi Conservation Project. Computers, phones, medical supplies, food, and other gear were stolen.
The dead include two ICCN rangers, the wife of one of the rangers, an immigration worker, and 2 residents of Epulu, the town where the attack took place.
 John Lukas with an okapi at the OCP’s research and breeding station in Epulu DRC. |
The rebels killed 13 "ambassador" okapi, which were used by the group to raise local awareness about the species and their forest home. One okapi was injured.
Lukas said the attack was retaliation for recent efforts to stop elephant poaching and mining in the reserve.
 |
Lukas said the attack was not entirely unexpected.
"Since March of this year ICCN and its partners in Epulu have been requesting assistance as it was clear there was intent of a retaliatory action from these rebels. The lack of response to these pleas has now resulted in a terrible loss of life."
The Okapi Conservation Project has launched an emergency appeal to raise funds to rebuild the facilities and resume anti-poaching patrols.
"All of our thoughts are with the people of Epulu and the families that lost loved ones. We thank our friends for their concern during this tragic time and know that with your support the Okapi Conservation Project and ICCN will again be working together to safeguard the forest home of the okapi."
Related articles
Saving Africa's 'unicorn', the okapi
(9/2/2012) The giraffe is one of Africa's most recognizable animals, but its shy and elusive forest cousin, the okapi, was so little known that until just over a century ago the western world believed it was a mythical beast, an African unicorn. Today, a shroud of mystery still envelops the okapi, an animal that looks like a cross between a zebra, a donkey, and a giraffe. But what is known is cause for concern. Its habitat, long protected by its remoteness, was the site of horrific civil strife, with disease, famine, and conflict claiming untold numbers of Congolese over the past decade. Now, as a semblance of peace has settled over Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the okapi's prospects have further dimmed, for its home is increasingly seen as a rich source of timber, minerals, and meat to help the war-torn country rebuild.
