Project Blog

It’s not every day our work is attended by such high ranking government official, but it is a welcome indication of the importance the Niger government place on the conservation of their giraffe, and this visit is extremely welcome.  After a formal introduction to the team, the Minister and his entourage are given a brief by JP and Philippe, then a convoy of vehicles sets off into the bush, complete with a cameraman from the Niger national television station.  

There is always a degree of tension during giraffe capture, but we really couldn’t afford a slip up today - thankfully M. Baco was not to be disappointed.  The capture and collaring went perfectly and he and his staff appeared extremely please by the day’s proceedings.  Additionally they were given a warm welcome on their return to camp by seemingly the entire population of Kannare, with their drummers, before heading off again for Niamey.     

Our next ‘guest’ then arrives and we are joined in the afternoon by journalist Francis Curta from AFP and the head of Niger’s Air France office, who has been very supportive of ASGN/JP’s work.

For JP’s PhD it has been decided to only target female giraffe.  The individuals are not be too old, pregnant or with too young a calf.  So the search for suitable candidates is not always as straight forward as simply darting the first giraffe we stumble across.  The search this evening was extremely long, dusty and hot, but just as the light was fading Kimba finds us a perfect candidate and our guests are treated to a rarely seen giraffe collaring experience.  The dart hits home and the giraffe takes-off with us in hot pursuit.  The team is primed and Francis’ video was running (again, we hope to have clips available soon).   The terrain is incredibly dry but somehow the giraffe leads us to a river (the first we’ve seen) and thankfully shows us the easiest crossing point allowing us to follow, if somewhat precariously.  And then the capture is made, and the collar fitted before she regains her feet, and gives us another even more impressive demonstration of bucking and pronking while the collar sits perfectly in place. 

Just time enough, as the sun sets, and with more giraffe looking on, for a number of filmed interviews by Francis in 3 languages, German (HO), French (JP) and Australian (Julian).  

Six giraffe captured and back on their feet, four collars fitted and four more to go; we’re half way.  Things are looking good again, though there is always plenty to do...