The Tanzanian authorities are currently conducting a manhunt for the poachers responsible for the death of a British pilot, according to media sources.
The Tanzanian authorities are currently conducting a manhunt for the poachers responsible for the death of a British pilot, according to media sources.
The pilot, Roger Gower, was tracking the poachers on Friday in the Maswa Game Reserve when his helicopter was fired upon from the ground, according to the natural resources minister, Jumanne Maghembe.
The mission was a joint effort by the Friedkin Conservation Fund and the Tanzanian government in response to what some have termed “industrialized poaching”.
"The government has launched a manhunt to find those responsible for this attack," Maghembe told reporters.
Dan Friedkin, the Chairman of the Friedkin Conservation Fund expressed his grief regarding the death of Mr. Gower.
"This tragic event again highlights the appalling risk and cost of protecting Tanzania's wildlife," Mr. Friedkin said in a statement.
Speaking to Reuters, Mr. Maghembe's deputy at the ministry, Ramo Makani, that five suspects had been arrested since Gower's death and that the operation is still underway for the remaining suspects.