Census in Kenya records more wildlife than expected

Kenya’s heritage of natural beauty and scenic splendour is made infinitely richer by its diverse wildlife.

The country is known throughout the world for its rich biodiversity, spanning air, water and land — a natural wealth that makes it an unrivalled destination for conservation and tourism.

As the world grapples with climate change and human activities that threaten botanical and zoological life and their habitats, Kenya is forging ahead with bold and resolute measures to preserve and promote its ecological wealth.

Kenya has already banned hunting of all wild mammal species since 1977. Only bird hunting is still permitted for foreign hobby hunters. The country earns 1 billion US dollars annually from photographic tourism — trophy hunting would bring in 30 million US dollars if it were permitted.

Against this backdrop, the first nationwide wildlife census was conducted. This national undertaking is a historic opportunity to create an annotated inventory of wildlife resources, in recognition of their importance as a strategic national asset. The report emerging from this noble national effort provides the information needed to guide the future conservation and management of wildlife resources in a way that minimises human-wildlife conflict and promotes sustainable development.

The wildlife count in Kenya has found that the populations of elephants and giraffes living in the country are larger than previously assumed. Experts also surveyed regions where little counting had been done until now.

For months, wildlife counters were out in the field — in bush planes, jeeps, or simply on foot. The largest operation of its kind to date. A total of 100 staff were involved in surveying 30 species across their various ecosystems.

The wildlife census counted a total of 36,169 elephants (12.5% more than in 2014). The giraffe population also stood at 34,240 animals, significantly higher than in 2019, according to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) — bucking the trend seen in many other countries on the continent.

The marine animal count revealed, for example, 63 humpback whales, 2 blue whales, 29 great white sharks, and 11 rays in Kenyan waters. The Kenyan government had commissioned the survey to assess the effectiveness of existing species conservation measures.

However, the report also highlights species of concern. These include in particular various antelope species and subspecies, some of which are found only in Kenya. The Eastern Bongo, for instance, is considered critically endangered with just 150 individuals remaining. Similarly few specimens of the Eastern Sable Antelope have survived..On a more positive note, the Hirola is recovering, also thanks to intensive conservation efforts, with numbers rising back to around 500 animals.

For one species, the count was over particularly quickly. There are exactly two northern white rhinoceroses left in the world. The last two individuals — the female rhinos Najin and Fatu — are under special guard in a protected area in Kenya. With the help of frozen sperm and artificial insemination, attempts are being made to breed them. An effort to save the species from extinction and, one day, to be able to count more of these animals here again.

Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, it was far from a given that the wildlife would continue to be protected. With tourism revenues drying up, the Kenya Wildlife Service received less funding for wildlife conservation. Even though costs were quickly cut in other areas — such as information and public outreach — the Kenyan government ultimately had to step in.

This commitment demonstrates how seriously the government takes the preservation of wildlife populations, says the responsible minister Najib Balala. «It was so important that the salaries for the game wardens continued to be paid. This decision brought us a great deal of recognition – not only in Kenya, but internationally. That is why we can now say that we set a good example for the entire world.«

Wildlife counts in Kenya had until now not taken place systematically and mostly only in certain parts of the country, especially national parks. “We counted in regions where no counting had been done before”, said the scientific director of the census, Patrick Omondi. This had made it possible to find elephants and giraffes that had not previously been recorded, Omondi stated.