A fascinating programme is turning former poachers into wildlife guardians in Aberdare National Park, Kenya. Local community members who once committed wildlife crimes now preserve endangered species like the black rhino and mountain bongo in the Aberdare Joint Surveillance Unit (AJSU).
Wilson Gioko leads the AJSU in tirelessly combing the park’s various terrain to battle poaching and illicit logging. With their local knowledge, these scouts travel deep into forests to spot poaching and protect wildlife habitats.
The Kenya Wildlife Service and local NGO Rhino Ark founded the unit in 2010. Integrating ex-poachers into conservation efforts leverages their skills and promotes community-driven wildlife protection.
The sole woman in the unit, Mercy Nyambura, discusses her conversion from poacher to conservationist. From her childhood near Aberdare, she regarded wildlife as competitors for resources. She leads conservation initiatives to inspire younger generations to preserve Kenya’s natural heritage.
Poaching remains a problem despite efforts. Economic pressures and wildlife habitat loss fuel unlawful activity. Electrified fences along the park border have reduced wildlife-human conflicts but require community participation.
The AJSU’s tale shows that past wildlife enemies may become its staunchest protectors with devotion and clever cooperation. AJSU is a model of effective conservation based on local empowerment and environmental stewardship as Kenya fights rising threats to its biodiversity.
