Conservationists are sounding the alarm about shrinking wildlife corridors in Kenya. They warn that if we don’t act quickly, we could lose not just animals, but also the vital income from wildlife tourism that supports many communities.
During World Wildlife Day celebrations on March 3, members of the Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT) discussed the steps needed to protect these corridors. They highlighted that while conservation efforts over the past twenty years have helped many species bounce back, problems like climate change and human encroachment continue to threaten their habitats.
Wildlife corridors are essential strips of land that connect fragmented habitats. They allow animals to move freely and help reduce conflicts between wildlife and people. Dominic Maringa, the Head of Conservation and Wildlife at Lewa Conservancy, emphasized the importance of these corridors for maintaining healthy wildlife populations.
Lewa Conservancy, located about 260 kilometers north of Nairobi, has been expanding its land to link the Mount Kenya forest with the northern rangelands. This area is critical for many species, including 14% of Kenya’s remaining black rhinos, as well as lions and zebras.
As part of the World Wildlife Day activities, rangers and aerial survey teams were conducting a wildlife census to determine population trends. Maringa noted that this effort is crucial for keeping track of endangered species. Thanks to ongoing conservation work, Lewa’s elephant population has increased from 350 in 2014 to over 450 in 2024. Black and white rhinos have also seen significant growth, which attracts many tourists.
However, Maringa stressed the need for stronger habitat protection. He pointed out that while seeing more elephants and buffalo may seem like a good sign, it raises questions about the future. As habitats become more strained due to increased human activity and climate change, planning ahead is essential.
Data from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) reveals a remarkable rise in key species. Elephant numbers have soared from around 16,000 in the late 1980s to nearly 37,000 by 2024. Black rhinos have also made a comeback, growing from fewer than 400 in the 1990s to over 1,000 today. The critically endangered Grevy’s zebra population is now over 2,000, and lion numbers are around 2,600.
Yet, these successes face challenges. Kenya’s human population has more than doubled, growing from 22 million in 1989 to over 55 million projected by 2025. This rapid growth puts more pressure on wildlife and their habitats, making conservation efforts more critical than ever.
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Source linkNorth Rangelands TrustKWS, World Wildlife Day, World Wildlife Day Celebration
