Why The Rhino Can Breathe Easy In Kenya Again

Many reasons have contributed to the Rhinoceros species finding itself on the endangered species list. However, Rhino poaching is the primary cause of rhino population decline on the African continent.

Kenya’s Laikipia conservatory is one of the most critical wildlife areas in the country. They have the most significant diversity of wild species in the region. While this is a source of pride to a country, it is also a scourge. Poachers frequented the area, killing rhinos to supply the illegal but lucrative rhino horn trade.

Laikipia is also home to the greatest number of endangered wildlife, including rhinos. This sanctuary is also home to the Rothschild giraffes, African wild dogs, and Jackson’s hartebeest. The dramatic reduction of the rhino population is the most visible of all of the above.

This magnificent beast is now on the approach of extinction unless there is immediate action. In perspective, the black rhino population in the 1970s was over 20,000; by the 1980s, numbers plunged to the 200s to indiscriminate poaching. Rhino horns are in high demand throughout Asia for use in traditional Chinese remedies and talismans. Because the market is willing to pay a high price for these horns, poaching is encouraged.

The abundance of weaponry originating in neighbouring Somalia in the Laikipia region has aggravated the problem. Poachers can obtain more sophisticated firearms and ammunition for their poaching activities on the black market.

Kenyan Government Intervenes

By the 1990s, the government had realized that the remaining rhino population was in jeopardy of extinction. They were small and spread out too thinly to procreate properly. To conserve and safeguard the remaining population of rhinos, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and partner conservationists in Kenya agreed on severe rhino protection.

The Association of Private Land Rhino Sanctuaries (APLRS) was created under the auspices of Kenya Wild Life Service. They were to spearhead the security of this majestic beast in highly protected private lands in Laikipia as a result of this.

Relief At Last

The rhinos in Kenya can now breathe a sigh of relief since these sanctuaries’ efforts have ensured their safety for the time being. In Laikipia, there are now seven-member sanctuaries.

The Ol Jogi game Reserve, Big Life Foundation, Borana Conservancy, Solio Game Reserve, II Ngwesi Group Ranch, and Ol Pejeta Conservancy are among them. The black rhino, which was critically endangered, is one of the rhinos found in these sanctuaries.

It’s due to these efforts it is now rapidly increasing due to conservation. Indeed, from a low of four in 2009, there are currently well over a hundred. Fatu and Najin, the two last living female northern white rhinos on the earth, may be found at the Ol Pejeta reserve.

Sudan, the last remaining male white rhino, died in March at the age of 45 years. Northern white rhinos are a subspecies of white rhino that ranged freely over Uganda, Sudan, Chad, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The volunteer program at these sanctuaries is unrivalled, combining luxury accommodations with practical methods to aid rhinos in Kenya and abroad. They’re also accepting contributions from donors who want to help save rhinos in Kenya. Even after people have left the sanctuaries and returned home, these volunteer initiatives have been critical in keeping the rhino struggle alive.

In these conservation efforts, the government, technology, and funders have all played important roles. The increasing presence of rhino security personnel has been of great help. Also tracker dogs, rhino-tracking equipment, informer programs, and planes providing security patrols along the rhino sanctuaries is preventing poachers.

The rhinos may now relax and enjoy the APLRS’s protection. The staff systematically provides biological management, maximum development, and genetic diversity to assure the rhino’s survival.