/ 2 August 1999

350kg OF POACHED IVORY SEIZED

KENYAN authorities have impounded 350kg of poached elephant ivory, the largest seizure in a decade in Kenya, the Kenya Wildlife Service said on Friday. The agency, which is responsible for the protection of wildlife, said the fresh ivory had been buried in a field with corn planted on top in an attempt to conceal it. The site is near Maralal, about 300km north of the capital, Nairobi. Two people were arrested in connection with the haul, the wildlife service said. The statement said the ivory comes from at least 23 elephants, among them 10 bulls. The smaller tusks indicated females and young bulls were killed.