Environment and Natural Resources Cabinet Secretary Prof Judy Wakhungu. Her ministry plans to launch an exercise aimed at determining the exact number of giant wild animals. (Photo- Zipo.co.ke)]
The government of Kenya has authorized the Kenya Wildlife Service to launch an aerial survey in game reserves with the aim to determine the exact number of giant wild animals including among others: elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and Zebras. This exercise targets the northern conservation area that covers Garissa, Isiolo, Marsabit, Samburu, Laikipia and Meru Counties. Speaking at the Shaba game reserve in Isiolo County during the official launch of the survey, the Environment and Natural Resources Cabinet Secretary Prof Judy Wakhungu said that it was time Kenyans realized the importance of game-human coexistence.“Apart from establishing the animal population, the census would also help to ascertain human-wildlife conflict pressure points, drought effects on wild species, and elephant poaching levels,” said Wakhungu.The CS further said that poaching cases in the country have reduced by up to 80 percent since the enactment of Wildlife Conservation and Management Act of 2013 which has the highest penalties in the world.“Given the fact that other aerial counts that the government has conducted the aerial survey in other areas such as Tsavo and Amboseli, the department anticipates either an increase or maintaining the number of targeted animals that form part of our national heritage. The CS who was accompanied by the Principal Secretary for Natural Resources Margaret Mwakima, KWS acting director Julius Kimani and a host of leaders from the five targeted Counties said that the 10 day exercise will also allow the government to establish the corridors that wild animals prefer and where to map human settlements so that the communities can benefit from wildlife conservation.