Survey by air June 1997, counted 18 individuals, estimated maximum 24. Monitoring confirmed that a young adult male (Channel 2) and an adult female (F4) were poached in March and November 1997 resp. Three rhino calves were born August 1997 to Feb 1998. The first named ?Congo' was broadcast on national TV. March-April 1998 intensive survey of southern sector. 24 individual rhinos found, including a calf born March 1998. Less new poaching activity. May 1998 independent rhino survey, saw 22 individuals, including one new not seen in April. Also a group of 3 known rhinos not seen in May were observed in June.
During Oct 1996-April 1997 civil war. Garamba was on the route for fleeing Force Arm?e zairoise, and by Jan 1997 was used as a base by mercenaries fighting for ex-President Mobutu. The Liberation forces arived mid-Feb 1997. During these upheavals, 90% of the park's equipment for law enforcement was lost or destroyed. Joint anti-poaching and monitoring efforts gradually resumed from March 1997. June 1997 aerial survey of southern sector of park, which is main rhino and elephant area. 18 individual rhinos were counted, estimated maximum number was 24. Poaching activities quite evident, with 49 camps seen, mostly on the edge of the rhino sector, and 10 groups of poachers seen.
