Friday, September 16, 2011

Mizano Black Back Killers Fined $20

In June 2011, Mizano the only black back in Habiyanja family of mountain gorillas was speared to death by three poachers who had encroached into Bwindi impenetrable forest national park. The three poachers Amos Kazongo, Fideli Begumisa and Ronald Byamugisha were immediately arrested after the incident and their traps confiscated by authorities. Gorilla safari

This month the three poachers were tried and found guilty by a court in Kanungu District where the the crime took place. However due to what conservationists have called an ignorance by the judicial system about the importance of mountain gorillas to Uganda' s economy, the judge surprising fined each of the poachers only Shs. 50,000 which is approximately just under $20. The court ruling like the crime has sparked anger among conservationists.

The spokesperson of the Uganda Wildlife Authority - UWA noted that the judge was not aware of the importance and the danger of extinction faced by the mountain gorillas. With only about 790 mountain gorillas found in the World they have been listed as critical endangered.

Mountain gorilla safari packages can be done in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park as well as in Mgahinga mountain gorilla national park. Gorilla safari in Rwanda can only be done in Parc Des Volcanoes which is the most accessible national park for gorilla trekking among the three Countries in which gorillas can be found.

If you are interested in mountain gorilla trekking visit www.gorillatrekkinguganda.com

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