Phase two of wildlife census set to kick off

A bloat of hippos lies on the shores of Lake Naivasha where cases of human-wildlife conflict have been on the rise mainly involving foot-fishermen. [Antony Gitonga, Standard]

The second phase of the national wildlife census will kick off next week with researchers targeting closed game reserves and water bodies.

According to the Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI) which is leading in the exercise, the census will involve an aerial survey.

It comes in the wake of the recent drought and flooding which killed and displaced hundreds of wild animals in various parts of the country.

The last national census was conducted in 2021 where over 30 species of mammals, birds, and marine species were counted in various ecosystems across the country.

The Institute Director Dr Patrick Omondi termed the ongoing national wildlife census as successful, with the first phase coming to an end.

He said the census had already been conducted in Maasai Mara, the Athi-Kapiti ecosystem, and the Amboseli to establish the current status of wildlife populations and their distribution.

"We have been working with other government agencies like Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and we successfully conducted the first phase as we seek to establish the current status of wildlife," he said.

Mr Omondi noted that the country's wildlife landscapes were currently facing multiple challenges, including poaching and increasing human and livestock populations.

"In the second phase we shall be moving to Nakuru, Naivasha and other closed ecosystems like Solai, and data obtained will help in decision-making in wildlife conservation," he said.

Speaking in Naivasha ahead of the exercise, the director noted that the challenges had resulted in serious habitat loss and wildlife mortalities during the 2022 drought.

WRTI Deputy Director of Research, Dr David Ndereeh, said the census aim was to provide accurate data on wildlife populations, distribution, and the health of the ecosystem.

"The Institute will employ a new platform, the Earth-ranger, which seeks to enhance patrols and offer real-time monitoring during the exercise," said Dr Ndereeh.