According to a recent report issued by the Kenya Ministry of Tourism & Wildlife, a large amount of African wildlife has perished from the ongoing drought happening throughout the country.
Cabinet Secretary, Hon. Peninah Malonza, Order of Grand Warrior, delivered a press release regarding “The Impacts of the Current Drought on Wildlife in Kenya,” on Nov. 4. The data confirming the deaths of hundreds of animals was collected from eight separate conservation areas, secured by the Kenya Wildlife Service.
“I confirm that different species of wildlife have been affected by the drought with a total of 14 different species of wildlife being affected between February and October 2022,” Malonza said.
The drought has resulted in the total loss of 512 wildebeests, 381 common zebras, 205 elephants, 49 Grevy zebras, 51 buffalo and 12 giraffes. Of all the included areas, the Amboseli, Tsavo and Laikipia-Samburu ecosystems proved to be most severely impacted by the drought. Altogether, these three areas are reported to have lost approximately 510 wildebeests, 381 common zebras, 204 elephants and a significant number of other wildlife.
“Most of the wildlife died in the months of August, September and October, with the months of September and October recording the highest number of wildlife deaths due to the drought,” Malonza said.
As the drought continues, more wildlife is expected to be affected. The rhino population has also suffered due to the current conditions, and more rhinos living in overstocked sanctuaries are seriously at risk, according to the report.
The Kenyan government is currently planning a course of action to try and help conditions for the animals. Some of the steps they’ve outlined include increased water supply for animals located in protected areas, enhanced surveillance of animals located in unprotected areas and calling on multiple resources to minimize effects from the drought.
“My Ministry will work with the National Treasury and the Parliament to allocate Funds to support the next National Wildlife Census in 2024 to establish the impact of the current drought on wildlife populations in all the affected ecosystems,” Malonza said.
