Kenyan ranger's innovative approach sees poaching plummet
Edward Ndiritu heads up the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy's anti-poaching unit in central Kenya; and he’s spearheaded a community-centred approach to conservation that has seen poaching rates plummet. Since joining as a rhino monitor in 1996, Ndiritu has witnessed Kenya's black rhino population dwindle from 20,000 in 1970 to fewer than 300.
Ndiritu's strategy focuses on community engagement, recognising that local support is crucial for effective conservation. Lewa now provides agricultural training, medical facilities, and business support for rural women, incentivising locals to report potential poaching activities.
The conservancy has also embraced technology, utilising cameras, sensors, and a Domain Awareness System to predict and prevent poaching attempts. This multifaceted approach has proved successful, with no rhinos killed by poachers in Lewa since 2020.
Ndiritu emphasises that conservation is "all about people", prioritising ranger welfare alongside wildlife protection. His innovative methods earned him the inaugural Wildlife Ranger Award from Tusk in 2015.
Despite ongoing challenges, including sophisticated poaching networks and funding issues, Ndiritu remains optimistic about wildlife conservation's future in Lewa and beyond.
Source: National Geographic
