US donates chopper to facilitate anti poaching

Natural Resources and Tourism Minister Lazaro Nyalandu (L) leads the United States Ambassador to Tanzania, Mark Childress after the minister was presented with a helicopter donated by the Howard Buffet Foundation, a US charity.

The US yesterday donated a helicopter worth over Sh800 millions to Tanzania in its campaign against escalating poaching in the country. Of late there has been rampant illegal ivory trafficking, associated with decline in elephant population.
US government handed over R44 Roven II helicopter that will be used by the game wardens to track poachers at the game parks.
According to Chief Pilot Peter Achmumer the helicopter, built this year, is the best selling type in the world because it is fast, economic since it can continue flying for more than three hours.
Lazaro Nyalandu, Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, said the US and Tanzania, have maintained long historical ties, adding that the chopper, with modern equipment, can be well utilised in fighting against poaching in the country.
“The government of Tanzania will continue to open its arms toward conservation support of these unique resources” he affirm.
The helicopter donation is fulfillment of a promise by Howard Buffet Foundation in support of Tanzania against poaching activities in the area. The US Ambassador Childress Mark donated the helicopter on behalf of the foundation.
The minister said the future of wildlife in Tanzania will depend on security measures put in place to ensure their survival, going hand in hand with ensuring people around the protected areas acquire tangible benefits from wildlife sustainable utilization.
Meanwhile, the US ambassador praised Tanzania’s efforts in combating poaching, saying his country would continue to strengthen bilateral relationship between the two countries.
The current elephant population in Selous- Mikumi and Ruaha-Rungwa ecosystem is 13,084 down from 38,975 in 2009. Likewise, the population of elephants in Ruaha-Rungwe eco system is 20,090 from the number of 35,461 in 2006.

SOURCE: GUARDIAN ON SUNDAY