The state has begun a wildlife census at Ruma National Park to promote sustainable tourism in Homa Bay County.
Ruma is home to a rare species of roan antelope, making it the only park in Kenya where this animal can be found. In addition to roan antelopes, the park hosts various wildlife, including buffalo, giraffe, hyena, both white and black rhinos, and zebra.
The government, through the Wildlife Research and Training Institute, initiated this census to determine the animal populations for tourism enhancement. Currently, there is a lack of precise data on these populations, leading to challenges in management and conservation efforts.
The Wildlife Research and Training Institute is conducting the census in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife and the Kenya Wildlife Service. Research scientist Vasco Nyaga explained that they are capturing data using an airplane, taking photographs and recording sounds, along with GPS mapping of the animals’ locations.
Present during the exercise were Joseph Gathua, a Natural Resources Management Scientist in the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, and Mungumi Chongwa, a senior assistant director at KWS for the Western Conservancy. Nyaga assured journalists that the scientific methods used for data collection are accurate and reliable.
“The use of cameras allows us to verify the numbers we gather. This census is conducted scientifically and accurately,” he stated. Gathua emphasized that the census will help the government develop effective wildlife conservation strategies.
He noted that many wild animals face various threats that could lead to the extinction of some species if not addressed. The census aims to provide information on the distribution of each species in the park, which will help identify those at risk and those that are thriving.
“The goal is to enhance tourism, which is crucial for government revenue. We want to ensure the growth of wildlife populations to boost tourism activities in Homa Bay and across the country,” he said.
Chongwa encouraged local residents to work together with KWS officers to protect wildlife in Ruma National Park, stating that this collaboration will help eliminate poaching and wildfires.
“Poaching was once a serious issue in this park, but we have made progress. I urge residents to support our officers in conserving wildlife here,” Chongwa said. He also encouraged both local and international tourists to visit Ruma National Park to appreciate its biodiversity.
