By Patson Baraire

CONSERVATIONISTS have called for tough measures against poachers suspected to have killed a black back male gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park recently.

The move, they said, would deter others from carrying on the vice.

Mizaano (playful), who was the only young male in his Habiyanja group, died of injuries sustained after being trapped.

The Police, together with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) officials, have arrested three suspects.

South western regional Police spokesman Victor Nahabwe identified the suspects as Fidel Begumisa, Amos Kazongo and Roland Byamugisha, all residents of Mpungu.

Gladys Kalema Zikusoka, a veterinary doctor, said the killing of Mizaano was a setback to the group formation of gorillas in the park.

“It will take time for the group to recover,” she said.

UWA spokesperson Lillian Nsubuga said Mizaano was in line to succeed Makara, the reigning silver back in the Habiyanja group.