Human-wildlife clash spurs poaching, illicit trade in game meat
A herd of elephants invade a farm. Panic has gripped Sagalla in Voi, Taita Taveta County, after more than 200 elephants invaded the area. PHOTO | FILE | NATION MEDIA GROUP
Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) blamed for failing to contain wildlife within the park, adding that poverty has driven many young men to poaching.
Some residents have lost their lives and others suffered serious injuries due to attacks by the animals, mostly elephants.
The injuries and deaths from wildlife attacks often occur outside protected areas in human settlements.
Villages have become vulnerable to attacks by elephants, lions, leopards, hyenas and buffaloes, and residents are increasingly resentful and hostile towards the animals.
Every day, Davis Mwachia sees tourist vans driving along the Voi-Taveta road towards Tsavo West National Park to view wildlife.
But the animals that make tourists happy are enemies to many locals who live next to the vast Tsavo ecosystem in Taita-Taveta County.
