Kenya Embarks On Its Biggest Rhino Relocation Project
Kenya has embarked on its largest ever operation to relocate 21 critically endangered black rhinos from its crowded national parks to the private Loisaba Conservancy, in central Kenya. The project aims to provide more roaming space for the rhinos to hopefully breed. Loisaba used to have a healthy black rhino population, but they were wiped out 50 years ago.
Kenya has seen success in reviving its black rhino population from under 300 in the mid-1980s to nearly 1,000 currently, but more space is needed. The mix of male and female rhinos being moved will travel for hundreds of kilometres by truck.
Relocating rhinos is risky - a 2018 attempt saw all 11 transferred rhinos die, mostly from stress-related causes. With just 6,487 wild rhinos left globally, Kenya is aiming to grow its population to 2,000 - the ideal number for available habitat.
The country has moved over 150 rhinos in the last decade as part of conservation efforts. While risky, this largest-ever operation is seen as essential for the survival and hoped-for breeding of this critically endangered species in Kenya.
Source: AP News