The state has started undertaking the wild animal census at Ruma National Park to enhance sustainable tourism in Homa Bay county.
Ruma has a rare roan antelope species which makes it the only park with the wild animal in Kenya.
Besides the roan antelopes, the park has other wild animals such as buffalo, giraffe, hyena, white and black rhinos and zebra among others.
The government through the Wildlife Research and Training Institute, began undertaking the census to know their population for tourism promotion.
The government does not have accurate data on their numbers something which causes inefficiency in management and conservation of the wild animals.
The research institute is undertaking the census in support of the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, and the Kenya Wildlife Service.
Wildlife Research and Training Institute’s research scientist Vasco Nyaga said they are capturing the animals on both the left and right sides using an aeroplane.
“Collection of data involves the use of current technology such as taking photographs and recording audios of the animals. There is a use of the GPS for mapping the location of the wild animals,” Nyaga said.
Present were the Natural Resources Management Scientist in the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife Joseph Gathua and KWS senior assistant director in charge of Western Conservancy Mungumi Chongwa.
Speaking to journalists during the exercise at Ruma National Park offices, Nyaga said the scientific method they are using in capturing the data is accurate and will give accurate result.
“The use of cameras to capture the animals enables us to verify the numbers we got. The census is done scientifically and accurately,” he said.
Gathua said the census will enable the government come up with proper strategies for conserving wildlife.
He argued that wild animals face a number of pressures which may lead to extinction of some species if not protected.
The exercise involves the information on special distribution of each animal species in the park.
“The census is going to enable us to know which species are facing extinction and the ones which have multiplied. This will inform the appropriate action to take on conservation,” Gathua said.
He said the principle aim is to boost tourism.
“Tourism is significant in revenue earning for the government. We want the wild animals to multiply to enhance tourism activities not only in Homa Bay but the country as a whole,” he said.
Chongwa urged residents to collaborate with KWS officers in conserving wildlife in Ruma National Park.
He said this will eradicate cases of poaching and wild fires in the park completely.
“Poaching used to be a serious problem in this park but we have managed it. But I still urge residents to collaborate with our officers in conserving wildlife in this park,” Chongwa said.
He urged residents to embrace domestic tourism.
“I encourage both foreign and domestic tourists to come to Ruma National Park. Let locals tour the park and enjoy the biodiversity we have,” he said.
