Kenya Wildlife Service Translocates 50 Elephants to Larger Park Due to Overpopulation
The Kenya Wildlife Service has translocated 50 elephants from the Mwea Ecosystem to Aberdare National Park
This is because the elephant population has recently flourished from its maximum capacity of 50 to 156
The move is also meant to protect wildlife and foster harmonious coexistence with humans
Don't miss out! Join Tuko.co.ke Sports News channel on WhatsApp now!
Kenya has translocated 50 elephants from the Mwea Ecosystem to Aberdare National Park to mitigate human-wildlife conflict.
Kenya Wildlife Service Translocates 50 Elephants to Larger Park Due to Overpopulation
Source: Facebook
This is because the elephant population has recently flourished from its maximum capacity of 50 to a staggering 156, overwhelming the ecosystem.
According to Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, Hon Rebecca Miano, the initiative is also meant to manage Mwea's growing elephant population.
The CS emphasized that the government-funded project is part of a broader strategy to protect wildlife and foster harmonious coexistence with humans.
Family groups of elephants are being moved together, and select elephants have been fitted with GPS collars to monitor their movements over the next two years using the Earth Ranger system.
Miano also reassured the local community that their compensation claims for damages caused by wildlife are currently under review.
The Human-Wildlife Conflict Compensation Committee's move demonstrates the government's commitment to addressing the concerns of affected residents.
Dr Erustus Kanga, Director General of KWS, praised the efforts of the 54-member team involved in the translocation.
They include veterinarians, drivers, pilots, and species and communications officers.
He also acknowledged the invaluable contributions of partners like Save the Elephants, whose support has been critical to the project's success.
Furthermore, he commended the local community and leaders for their active involvement, which he believes will significantly reduce conflict and improve livelihoods in the area.
The elephant translocation marks a key step in ensuring the long-term survival of wildlife in Kenya while balancing the needs of local communities.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
