The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and its partners have successfully translocated 21 eastern black rhinos to Loisaba Conservancy.
This initiative aims to establish a sustainable breeding population in a nation that currently boasts 17 sanctuaries where the species has made a remarkable recovery from the brink of extinction several decades ago.
Loisaba, situated in Laikipia County, received the 21 rhinos from Nairobi National Park, Ol Pejeta, and Lewa conservancies during an 18-day operation led by proficient capture and veterinary experts from KWS and collaborating organizations.
The execution of this translocation was made feasible through the generous support of various partners, including The Nature Conservancy, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Space for Giants, Elewana Collection, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Lewa Conservancy, and the invaluable contribution of our conservation-minded communities.
In the 1970s, Kenya was home to 20,000 black rhinos, but rampant poaching for their horns, which were sought after as decorative dagger handles in Arabia and for medicinal purposes in the Far East, decimated their population.
By the establishment of KWS in 1989, rhino numbers had plummeted to below 400. Since then, Kenya’s eastern black rhinos have staged a remarkable recovery, with an estimated 1,004 individuals thriving today.
Regarding black rhinoceros populations, Kenya currently holds the third position globally after South Africa and Namibia.
The country serves as a stronghold for the eastern sub-species, harboring approximately 80% of the world’s surviving population.
Concurrently, the southern white rhinos in Kenya have flourished, with their numbers increasing from 50 individuals imported from South Africa in the 1980s and 1990s to the current population of 971 individuals.
Kenya plays a pivotal role in the conservation efforts aimed at saving the northern white rhino from extinction, as the country hosts the last two remaining females of this species globally.
Collaboration with the global community through the BioRescue project, a consortium of local and international experts, is underway, with thirty embryos developed and awaiting implantation into southern white rhino surrogate females.
The reintroduction of these 21 rhinos to Loisaba, a landscape devoid of these majestic creatures for half a century, marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s rhino conservation strategy.
The preservation of this keystone species hinges on creating more habitat space and fostering partnerships with communities and like-minded organizations to facilitate population recovery.
Tom Silvester, CEO of Loisaba Conservancy, expressed his excitement at being part of the rhinos’ return to a landscape they had vacated for five decades.
He acknowledged the crucial role played by the KWS veterinary team and the entire translocation team in ensuring the successful reintroduction of this iconic species, affirming a commitment to collaborating with conservationists who share similar values to bolster rhino numbers in Kenya.
Dr. Erustus Kanga, Director General of the Kenya Wildlife Service, expressed his elation at being involved in this significant endeavor to secure additional habitat for this cornerstone species.
He highlighted the challenges faced by rhinos in sanctuaries, such as territorial conflicts due to limited space, which have hampered growth rates and reproductive success.
The successful translocation exercise celebration today brings together eminent Kenyan government officials, led by Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua, Ministry Principal Secretaries, the Governor of Laikipia County, Laikipia community members, and wildlife enthusiasts from around the globe.
