Drought has killed hundreds of animals in Kenya’s reserves

Posted by David Henning on 9 November 2022

Hundreds of wild animals are dying in Kenya’s reserves, in what is said to be one of the country’s longest and most severe droughts in recent history.

Picture: Kobus Saayman/ Getaway Gallery

According to a report released on 4 November, the Kenya Wildlife Service confirmed the death of 14 different species between February and October 2022.

The drought resulted in the deaths of 512 wildebeest, 381 common zebra, 205 elephants, 48 Grevy’s zebra, 51 buffalo and 12 giraffe.

‘The most affected areas include Amboseli, Tsavo and Laikipia-Samburu ecosystems. Elephants in Amboseli and Laikipia-Samburu regions are worst affected by the drought as the ecosystems have recorded more than 70 elephant deaths,’ the Kenyan Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife commented. ‘The Amboseli ecosystem has lost 510 wildebeests, 358 common zebras, 76 elephants, and 19 buffalos among other species.’

The Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife announced initiatives to mitigate the drought, which include the provision of hay to affected species, water trucking to wildlife areas and enhanced surveillance to reduce human-wildlife conflict.

Additionally, the government is working with conservation partners to provide funding to destock its Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, to prevent any drought-related mortalities of rhinos in their sanctuaries.

These drought-related mortalities are occurring during COP27, which seeks to address the climate crisis where droughts could become more prevalent in East Africa.

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