ELEPHANTS ON THE RISE IN KENYA

KENYA'S ELEPHANT POPULATION RECOVERING

Elephant populations are on the rise in Kenya, thanks to successful anti-poaching measures, stronger park security, and a ban on the illegal ivory trade.

A survey conducted by the Kenya Wildlife Service estimates that the elephant population has grown over 4% in the last three years. In Tsavo National Park, the second largest national park in Africa, elephant populations increased from 10,397 to 11,696, representing about one third of Kenya’s total elephant population.

Elephant populations have been gradually recovering over the past 20 years. In 1974 Kenya’s elephant population was estimated at 35,000 animals. By 1988 it had dropped to 5,000, due mostly to ivory poaching. A global ban on ivory trade was effected in 1989, and today Kenya’s elephant population is estimated at 30,000.

The elephant survey is conducted every three years, since elephants give birth every four years. The census involved 11 light aircraft and about 70 conservationists and volunteers who covered Tsavo West National Park and the outlying areas of Tsavo East, Mkomazi in Tanzania, Chyullu Hills and private ranges in Taita Taveta. A jumbo-sized shoutout to everyone involved.

Sources, resources, and discourses:

Daily Nation – article
PR-inside.com - article
International Herald Tribune – article
Wikimedia Commons - photo