MICHIRU NATURE SANCTUARY ON THE VERGE OF EXTINCTION

                             
                 

                    Michiru sign post

By Lonjezo Jamu       

Countless attempts and projects being implemented by various stakeholders addressing the issue of deforestation in Malawi seem to be futile as the issue continues to blossom in different woodlands.

Michiru nature sanctuary is one of the woodland in Malawi where deforestation is at its best, the on going deforestation at the sanctuary is posing a serious threat to the health and life span of wildlife and as well as disturbing vital affairs at the sanctuary like tourism. Hence, calling for a serious intervention.

Kondwani Wikisi Assistant Park and Wildlife Officer at Michiru nature sanctuary has expressed his worry over the extinction of wildlife if deforestation continues.

“I am very worried that if deforestation continues at this sanctuary then for sure all the remaining species of wild animals will come to extinct and this is a serious issue that requires every Malawian to exercise his or her role”, said Wikisi.

Trees Play a major role in the existence of wildlife in their respective habitats as well as contributing to the issue of climate change perhaps, it is an issue to be treated with maximum  attention.

“Trees are very important to the life of wild animals since they act as shed and shelter to some animals while other trees bear fruits and animals feed on these fruits so when trees are being cut it means animals starve others free and die in the process”, said Wikisi  the Assistant Park and Wildlife Officer.

Concurring with Wikisi on the importance of trees to wildlife  George Kalambo Environmental Officer, he has stressed that trees play a vital role in the existence of wildlife.

“The fertility of forest or game reserves depend on the presence of trees, when leaves fall on the ground and decomposes they act as organic manure so grass together with some trees flourishes on this fertile land and animals find food and shelter so when trees are being cut down then land becomes barren and no glass or tree grows hence animals die”, said Kalambo.

Deforestation at Michiru nature Sanctuary

Deforestation is also affecting the climate of the area called micro climate which makes the area to receive less rain hence less trees in the sanctuary.

“The sanctuary is receiving less rains because of changes in micro climate which is the case due to rampant deforestation”, said GladysMozen  messenger at Michiru nature sanctuary.

Deforestation has also led to the drying up of water streams due to loss of support from trees, soil erosion  hence posing a serious threat to wildlife.

Michiru nature sanctuary is the major sanctuary as compared to the rest of the sanctuaries in Malawi since it has unique features like presence of hyena curves; these are beautiful stones which were laid on top of each other and hyenas hide in these curves at night, Michiru summit is another feature, this is a highest point where people hike and are able to see different views like Mulanje mountain, picnic site is also found at the sanctuary and this is where people flock to for picnics.

With the on going deforestation the sanctuary is on the verge of extinction as the population of species is decreasing as compared to the past where animals like warthogs, creep singers, common dippers were many but currently they are no more.

“In the past the sanctuary had different species as compared to the current situation, for instance animals like warthogs were many now there is a threat that more species will become extinct as people have started hunting monkeys which is a terrible thing”, says Bizwick Gama the Game ranger.

Monkeys playing at Michiru Sanctuary

The malpractice is said to be growing at a rapid pace due to the practices of people around the woodland probably these people claim that they indulge in the malpractice due to poverty, ignorance and lack of ownership of the sanctuary.

“I sell charcoal in order to support my large family as you can see that things are very expensive so I rely on this sanctuary to meet my dairy needs “, said one of the villagers.

Addressing the issue of deforestation, Wikisi, says, his office is conducting different activities to make sure that people are not cutting down trees in order to protect the wild animals and the environment as well , some of the activities include; patrolling the sanctuary, community sensitization on the effects of deforestation, tree planting campaign, educating people on the importance of wildlife among others.

“We are exercising different efforts in order to end this malpractice , for instance we invite chiefs, students at this sanctuary since it is an environmental education centre so we try to disseminate information pertaining to wildlife conservation, we do community mobilization on the effects of deforestation we also have programs like resource utilization whereby people surrounding the sanctuary are allowed to access mushrooms and thatch grass for free in order to foster the spirit of ownership” said Wikisi.

Meanwhile, the chief of suya village where the sanctuary is found, Loudon Suya said that as a chief he is in quest to educate his people on the effects of deforestation and he is working hand in hand with the staff of Michiru, as a matter of fact some rules and regulations have been imposed, community involvement is also there to foster the spirit of ownership among the villagers.


Even though we claim that wildlife attract tourist and boosting Malawi’s economy, but stillmore, trees are being cut down wantonly how then will Malawi’s economy be on track? If the source of income itself is being tampered with, the so called wildlife is becoming extinct and Michiru nature sanctuary is on fire, how about the other sanctuaries, are they in good shape?