Kenya Launches National Wildlife Census to Guide Conservation Strategies

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The Kenyan government has initiated a comprehensive wildlife census aimed at informing conservation and management strategies across the country. Launched by Tourism and Wildlife CS Alfred Mutua at Narok airstrip on June 19, the year-long exercise seeks to assess the status of Kenya’s diverse ecosystems, which support over 35,000 species of animals and plants.
Despite ongoing declines in wildlife populations, Mutua emphasized the census as a pivotal step towards sustainable wildlife management. He highlighted the importance of conducting such surveys every three years to align with ecological cycles and support evidence-based decision-making outlined in the National Wildlife Strategy 2030.
The initiative, budgeted at Sh302 million and supported by the Tourism Promotion Fund, will cover key areas including the Masai Mara ecosystem, Amboseli/Magadi, Nairobi Athi-Kapiti landscape, and various national parks. Methods employed range from aerial and ground counts to advanced technologies like satellite imagery and drone surveys, ensuring precision in data collection.
The census follows the 2021 survey, which provided baseline figures crucial for species recovery plans and conservation strategies. It underscores the role of accurate wildlife data in shaping policy, allocating resources, and mitigating emerging threats such as climate change and human-wildlife conflict.
Through community engagement and rigorous scientific methodologies, the Wildlife Research and Training Institute aims to equip future conservationists with the necessary tools to safeguard Kenya’s natural heritage.