Tourism CS launches National Wildlife Census 2024

The Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife Dr. Alfred Mutua has launched the National Wildlife Census 2024 in Narok County.

While reading his speech during the launch at Airstrip Narok County the CS said this significant event marks a milestone in the ongoing commitment to the conservation and sustainable management of wildlife heritage.

He noted that the comprehensive wildlife data obtained from wildlife censuses will provide current data and information to support development of Counties spatial plans as well as protected areas and ecosystems management plans.

The CS also added that the data has been used to identify important wildlife areas and therefore establish community conservancies, for example, in Narok, Garissa and other Northern counties.

CS Mutua said during the 2021 wildlife census, 343,380km2 which is equivalent to 59 percent of Kenya’s land mass was covered whereby over 30 species of mammals, birds and marine species were counted in various ecosystems during the census.

“Some of the iconic species counted were elephants 36,280, black rhino 897, white rhino 842, lions 2,589, hyenas 5,189, Cheetahs 1,160, wild dogs 865 amongst others.” The CS added.

The director of Wildlife Research and Training Institute, Dr. Patrick Omondi said the exercise is conducted after every three years and ecologically it is required because of the behavior of animals particularly the Elephants.

Dr. Omondi said the Institute is mandated to conduct comprehensive wildlife censuses, adding that it is a culmination of meticulous planning, extensive research, and collaboration with various stakeholders.

Further he said that the institute has developed rigorous scientific methodologies to conduct the wildlife census to ensure that they gather reliable data on wildlife populations, their distribution, and their habitats.

“By employing advanced technologies such as satellite imagery, GPS tracking, and drone surveys, we aim to achieve a level of precision and detail that is unprecedented” added Dr. Omondi

On his part, the Governor Patrick Ntutu stressed that wildlife census plays a critical role in decision making; knowing the numbers of animals, knowing the animal’s habitat and behavior.

The Director General, Kenya Wildlife Service, Dr. Erustus Kanga applauded the county government leadership of Narok for the great work they have done so far by the passing of the Mara Management plan saying it has contributed positively towards the conservation of wildlife.

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