Community policing stabilises number of elephants and rhinos (Kenya)
Community policing stabilises number of elephants and rhinos (Kenya)
George Murage, The Star
September 27, 2023
The use of community policing and heightened security in the last 15 years
has seen the number of elephants and rhinos stabilise.
Harsh penalties and increased conservation efforts have also contributed to
the numbers, according to the state.
This came as the government identified climate change, decreased habitats
and a rise in cases of human-wildlife conflicts as the major challenges
facing wildlife conservation.
This emerged during the first-ever scientific conference organised by the
Wildlife Research and Training Institute and held at Lake Naivasha Resort.
Addressing participants, Prime CS Musalia Musalia said the country’s
wildlife are under major threats due to poaching for game meat, closure of
wildlife corridors and reduction of habitats.
Elephant and rhino numbers that were under threat a couple of years back
had stabilised, however, due to concerted efforts by stakeholders, he said.
“We should, however, remain vigilant as our wildlife sector, which is a
major contributor to the tourism sector, is facing many challenges,” he
said.
Mudavadi praised WRTI for holding the conference, noting that data is
critical in conservation efforts and with assisting in policy formulation.
He directed the research institute to come up with a National Wildlife
Strategy Report within a month, which would help the government in
decision-making.
WRTI chairman David Nkedianye noted that wildlife population in the country
is on the decline due to the rising challenges in the sector.
He identified some of the challenges as declining habitats due to a rise in
human population and development, which were also displacing the wild
animals.
“The research institute will work with stakeholders in addressing the
issues of data, which plays a crucial role in decision-making and coming up
with policies,” he said.
Tourism CS Peninah Malonza said some of the country’s endangered species
were under threat, adding that the research institute would help come up
with measures to protect them.
“This conference comes at the right time, when we are dealing with the
issues of climate change, and the resolutions will help close the gap
between information collection and policy making,” she said.
WRTI director Dr Patrick Omondi said that for years, wildlife data was
scattered, making it hard to come up with policies and address the
challenges facing conservation.
“We have data as old as 50 years, but this has not been implemented. But
the conference will come up with the way forward and assist in science
management and policy,” he said.