Wildlife
Conservationists have raised concern over the dwindling number of wild animals, saying wildlife conservation efforts on endangered species, should be intensified in efforts to preserve biodiversity.
They said despite Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) conservation efforts, wild animals, especially elephants, snakes and hyenas population continue to dwindle by the day, due to poaching and encroachment to their habitats. Led by Justus Nyamu, the Director, Elephant Neighbouring Centre, a grassroots collaborative and participatory research organization that enhances conservation capacity of communities, they emphasized the critical need to safeguard endangered species through increased sensitization by all stakeholders.
They cited the elephant’s decline in national parks and game reserves with numbers from 170,000 in the 1980’s to 36,000 to date, thus calling for urgency of conservation measures. “These examples prompt action on campaign and awareness. Other animals facing extinction are hyenas, snakes among several others which are important in the ecosystem,” Nyamu said.
He was speaking, yesterday, during the flagging-off of a campaign walk from Thika to neighbouring Ethiopia through Meru County. Nyamu noted that the campaign, which began on July 29th, aims at spreading awareness across more than ten counties and extending up to Addis Ababa in Ethiopia.
He acknowledged the government efforts in wildlife conservation, citing the implementation of various strategies, including the anti-poaching efforts, protection of national parks and reserves, community involvement, and international cooperation. Additionally, Nyamu said a compensation scheme has been established for damages caused by wildlife, encouraging public cooperation and reporting.
As part of the campaign, Nyamu called on the public to engage in actions that support wildlife conservation, such as planting trees and safeguarding water sources. These efforts are crucial for creating sustainable environments for wildlife.
The government has also set a target to increase the elephant population by five (5) per cent annually in the coming years, demonstrating a strong commitment to reversing the decline in wildlife numbers and ensuring the protection of endangered species.
On the hyena menace that has been affecting residents of Thika, Juja and Malaa areas, the conservationist said the government has done enough to secure the livelihoods of the local residents by relocating more than 300 hyenas to their habitats.
He said the measures have helped in reducing the frequent attacks on people and livestock. “The government cannot relocate all the hyenas, but at least a lot has been done. We ask the residents to always report when they come across these animals, so that they can be conserved,” Nyamu said.