Extinction to overcrowding: Booming black rhino numbers a welcome headache for Kenya

By Andrew Wasike

NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) - A few decades ago, Kenya's black rhinos faced imminent extinction, with only 240 remaining in 1984.

Today, the population stands at a remarkable 966, marking one of the most remarkable recoveries in conservation history.

In the sprawling expanse of Nairobi National Park, a team of Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) rangers embarked on a mission critical to the preservation of Kenya's black rhinoceros population.

Armed with binoculars, radio telemetry equipment, and an intimate knowledge of the park's terrain, these guardians of wildlife set out to track the elusive rhinos that roam the national park, the only one in the world nestled within a bustling capital city.

They were accompanied by a team of journalists and conservationists keen to document and support their vital efforts in preserving Kenya's iconic wildlife.

Once the rhinos were located, the next phase of the operation began -- sedation and immobilization.

Using tranquilizer darts fired from a safe distance, the rangers carefully administered the sedative drugs to the rhinos, ensuring that the dosage was precise and effective.

As the tranquilizers took effect, the rhinos gradually became drowsy and docile, allowing the rangers to approach them safely.

"Our next step is to transport these magnificent creatures to Loisaba Conservancy, which lies approximately 287 kilometers (178 miles) from Nairobi. It’s a 58,000-acre wildlife conservancy," said Ranger James Sempei, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the rhinos' well-being throughout the journey.

"We will be joined by veterinarians and other specialists who will accompany us every step of the way, ensuring that the rhinos remain healthy and comfortable during the transit," he added.

The tranquilized rhinos were gently loaded onto specially designed transport vehicles, ready for their journey to their new home.

With the utmost care and attention, the rangers and veterinary teams oversaw the loading process, ensuring that the rhinos were comfortable and secure for the duration of the trip.

- Solitary animals

Through stringent security measures and robust anti-poaching initiatives, Kenya has managed to turn the tide against the illegal wildlife trade, ensuring the safety and well-being of these endangered creatures.

But with such success comes new challenges, and the burgeoning numbers of black rhinos have led to concerns about overcrowding in their sanctuaries, as rhinos are solitary animals and space is needed.

In response to these challenges, Kenya's Tourism and Wildlife Minister Alfred Mutua led an initiative to translocate 21 black rhinos -- 11 females and 10 males -- from Nairobi National Park, Ol Pejeta Conservancy and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy to the expansive new Loisaba Wildlife Conservancy.

“Our focus is on rhino range expansion to decongest populations and ensure sustainable growth,” Mutua said.

“They are solitary animals. The government, through my ministry, is committed to providing resources for rhino conservation,” he added.

Erustus Kanga, director general of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), said the translocation is a commitment to the protection, conservation and expansion of Kenya's black rhino population.

“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.

- Community support and need for more space

Tom Lalampaa, a renowned African wildlife expert and award-winning CEO of the Northern Rangelands Trust, hails from the West Gate Community Conservancy in Samburu, northern Kenya and knows firsthand the importance of community efforts in conservation.

In an interview with Anadolu, he emphasized that the remarkable resurgence of rhinos in Kenya owes much to community initiatives.

“In 2015, Sera Community Conservancy introduced 10 black rhinos, and the population is doing very well. It’s growing, and they are now hosting a population of 21 black rhinos in the hands of local communities and they have never lost a single rhino to poaching,” Lalampaa said.

“This sends a very strong message that the local communities are willing and ready to partner with the government in ensuring the resurgence of the black rhino population,” he said.

He said that as custodians of their natural heritage, communities are indispensable allies in the ongoing efforts to ensure the survival and thriving of Kenya's black rhino population.

He emphasized the need for more community conservancies, particularly at a time when rhinos require additional space due to the population boom across Kenya.

Lalampaa noted that communities are accustomed to coexisting with wildlife, making them ideal stewards of conservation efforts.

With many existing black rhino conservancies nearing their ecological carrying capacity, the establishment of more community-led initiatives is essential for the continued survival and well-being of these iconic species.

“We have very few black rhino sanctuaries in Kenya, and a majority of them are reaching their ecological carrying capacity, so there is a need to create more space, more land for black rhino recovery, and the communities are showing goodwill to support the recovery,” Lalampaa said.

- Successful translocation

The historic translocation operation has also been lauded by other experts in the field of conservation.

"This translocation showcases our unwavering commitment to securing the future of these iconic animals," Dominic Maringa, the head of conservation and wildlife at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, said in a statement.

"It underscores the collaborative approach to safeguarding Kenya's natural heritage," Maringa added.

Samuel Mutisya, the head of research and species conservation at Ol Pejeta Conservancy, noted that with Kenya's existing black rhino sanctuaries reaching their limits, translocation was necessary to create new breeding grounds and expand the species' range.

"We at Ol Pejeta are incredibly proud to be a source population," said Mutisya.

"Having exceeded our carrying capacity, we look forward to seeing these rhinos flourish at their new home."

The triumph of the 2024 translocation has been lauded as a testament to lessons learned from past missteps by the Kenyan government.

In 2018, tragedy struck when eight rhinos perished from salt poisoning during a translocation from Nairobi and Nakuru National Parks to Tsavo East National Park.

The Kenyan government swiftly halted further moves, investigated the cause, punished the responsible parties and implemented stricter protocols for future translocations, prioritizing animal well-being from then on.

Experts say the translocation marks a new chapter for black rhino conservation in Kenya, offering hope for the future of these majestic animals.