Protecting endangered species in Africa is crucial for maintaining bio-diversity and preserving the delicate balance of eco-systems.
Africa is known for iconic species such as African elephants, black rhinos, gravy zebra and lions.
In Kenya, these animals over the centuries have encountered numerous threats, including poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflicts.
But recently, owing to stringent laws protecting them, wildlife populations have increased significantly.
During this year’s wildlife environment day event, Lewa conservancy programs and partnership coordinator Mr John Kinoti confirmed wildlife populations have increased due to the measures put in place to protect them.
He attributed the positive trajectory to a combination of research, cut-edge technology and community engagement.
Meru sits intact in undiluted natural beauty, hosting wildlife species including elephants, gravy zebra and black and white rhinos.
Mr. Kinoti noted that the rhino sanctuary at the conservancy offers one of the best rhinos viewing experiences in the world.
“The sanctuary has twenty-four-hour surveillance by officers put in-charge to monitor the well-being of the rhinos.”
“Through this effort and dedication, the rhino’s population is thriving and has increased by 38 percent over a five-year period,” he said.
Additionally, Mr. Kinoti said that efforts to save more endangered wildlife species are also gaining momentum.
“Through the five-year period, measures to protect the animals have been adhered to. The elephant population has increased and so far, Lewa hosts over 400 migratory elephants,” he noted.
Mr Kinoti notified members of the public that the conservancy has monitored elephant numbers and poaching incidences and through this analysis they reduced resource-based conflicts resulting in a 12 percent increase in the elephant population, across Northern Kenya over the last five years.
“The Lewa -Borana landscape is home to 11 percent of global population of the gravy zebra. Lewa wildlife conservancy works with communities who live in close-quarters with these critical endangered species to ensure that they have good pasture and are not poached. Safeguarding these endangered species and the eco-system they inhabit has yielded good numbers of the gravy zebra over the last four years,” the coordinator added.
“Other endangered species are the large carnivores (lions, cheetahs, hyenas and leopards) and 488 registered birds.
Through collaboration with neighboring communities to prevent these species from extinction, Kinoti added, their numbers have increased rapidly.
By Dickson Mwiti
