The file photo shows a black rhino at Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Laikipia County, Kenya, Feb. 4, 2023. (Xinhua/Han Xu)
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has said it plans to translocate 21 female and male black rhinoceros to Loisaba Conservancy, located about 190 km north of the national capital of Nairobi, before the end of January to boost the population of the iconic species.
NAIROBI, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) said on Friday that it plans to translocate 21 female and male black rhinoceros to Loisaba Conservancy, located about 190 km north of the national capital of Nairobi, before the end of January to boost the population of the iconic species.
Erastus Kanga, director general of the KWS, said the black rhinoceros will be coming from Nairobi National Park, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.
"This strategic action of having 21 rhinos in Loisaba Conservancy aligns with our vision to establish viable habitats, fostering optimal conditions for rhinos to thrive," Kanga said in a statement.
He added that the black rhinoceros were on the brink of extinction three decades ago, but since then, the numbers have climbed so rapidly that they are overcrowding their sanctuaries.
The file photo shows a black rhino with an injured eye at Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Laikipia County, Kenya, Feb. 4, 2023. (Xinhua/Han Xu)
According to the KWS, the current population of the black rhinoceros stands at about 966, up from 240 in 1984 as a result of enhanced security against poachers.
Tom Silvester, chief executive officer of Loisaba Conservancy, said the key to success in increasing Kenya's black rhinoceros population has been safeguarding the species in protected areas.
Silvester noted that black rhinoceros are solitary animals; without enough room to disperse, they cannot be encouraged to breed. ■
