Coastal villages and pastoralist communities in northeastern Somalia report unidentified helicopters are spraying humans and wildlife with poisonous substances.
Puntland, an area of Somalia once abundant with ostriches, gazelles, and warthogs, has fallen victim to foreign poachers armed with chemicals and helicopters. Though thought to be military helicopters patrolling Somali warships at sea by some, it is unclear who these poachers are or where they come from. Nevertheless, the impacts of their activities are horrifying. The people of the area are instantly terrified by the sound of these incoming helicopters, knowing their destruction and suffering of wildlife, livestock, and the environment accompanies their intrusion.
Online news source, IRIN, reports that people in the Puntland region have witnessed helicopters spraying wildlife and the landscape with an unknown chemical, then scooping up wildlife in nets and flying away. Locals claim livestock die within hours of the spraying and pastures are said to have dried up immediately after. As the helicopters approach wildlife at waterholes, sheer panic causes chaotic stampedes. The deafening noise scares and scatters the people. Many become lost in the bush and some are never found while others are killed by predators. Villagers, nomads, and pastoralist communities have been forced to flee their homes in the wake of the fear brought by these helicopters.
Village elders remember a time when their area was teeming with much-adored wildlife that they sought to protect. Today, it is rare to see any wildlife at all, as these helicopters continue to come on a daily basis. Puntland’s Environment Minister, Abdiqani Yusuf Ade, has asked any forces stationed off the coast to fight off pirates to stop these activities if they are involved.
Local authorities are asking the people of the region to collect visual evidence of these crimes, photos and videos to show the world what is happening. The area’s elders are even considering encouraging their people to shoot at the choppers to discourage their traumatic and destructive acts.
Images via Wikimedia Commons, adapted by author
I am a biologist-turned-writer, with a BSc in wildlife science from Oregon State University. I have been writing about global wildlife conservation issues since 2009. You may know me from my previous role at Bush Warriors or from my ongoing work with Annamiticus, Saving Rhinos, and Project Pangolin. When I'm not blogging, I enjoy loud music, creating art, hula hooping, and being outdoors. Read more of my articles here.
