KWS Director of Wildlife and Community Service Charles Musyoki represented KWS Director General Professor Erastus Kanga during the launch.
In his statement, Kanga highlighted Kenya’s success in rhino conservation, noting that the rhino population has grown from just 384 individuals in 1987 to an impressive 2,102 by the close of 2024.
KWS staff undertake ear-notching of a rhino in the Maasai Mara/JANET MUCHUNKU /KWS
The Kenya Wildlife Service has embarked on a significant conservation effort in the Maasai Mara Conservancy by ear-notching and fitting transmitters on 17 endangered black rhinos.
This initiative is being conducted in collaboration with several key partners, including the Maasai Mara Conservancy, Wildlife Research Training Institute (WRTI) and 51 Degrees.
Others are The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Safari Collection, Asian Wildlife Foundation, The Footprint Foundation, and the Maasai Mara National Reserve led by Chief Warden Stephen Minis.
During the first day, the KWS veterinary team, alongside Maasai Mara Conservancy staff worked tirelessly under the harsh heat and rugged terrain of the Mara to undertake the exercise.
The primary focus of the 10-day initiative, according to the officials, is to ensure minimal stress to the rhinos during the procedure.
"With the support of trained professionals, pilots, and drivers, the team has demonstrated remarkable dedication to the cause, following the three guiding principles of discipline, safety, and teamwork," KWS said.KWS Director of Wildlife and Community Service Charles Musyoki represented KWS Director General Professor Erastus Kanga during the launch.
In his statement, Kanga highlighted Kenya’s success in rhino conservation, noting that the rhino population has grown from just 384 individuals in 1987 to an impressive 2,102 by the close of 2024.
“Kenya’s rhino population is a testament to our commitment to preserving these iconic species across national parks, national reserves, private conservancies and community conservancies,” he said.
This journey, he said, has not been without its challenges especially that of managing a cross-border rhino population.
He revealed that Maasai mara black rhinos have shown a promising increase from just 14 individuals in 1987 to 54 individuals and 2 successful births in 2024 and no mortalities.
Individual ID-based monitoring through ear notching and transmitters have been identified as one of the most reliable methods for accurately updating population estimates.
“We are embracing technologies to enhance our monitoring capabilities and ensure the security of our rhinos,” Kanga said.The Director General stated that 13 out of 20 rhinos were successfully ear-notched and fitted with transmitters within the Mara ecosystem.
He stated that this effort is aligned with the KWS 2024-2028 strategic plan which envisions “Thriving wildlife and healthy habitats for all and forever”.
The entire KWS team, along with local stakeholders, expressed gratitude to Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu for their unwavering support in the execution of this crucial conservation activity.