NAIROBI, Nov 14 - Kenya on Wednesday began vaccinating rhinos and deploying radio collars to boost conservation of the iconic species.
Rebecca Mian, Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, said that under the initiative, 20 to 25 rhinos in the Tsavo West Intensive Protection Zone (IPZ) will be fitted with ear tags and radios to increase traceability and protection of the endangered species.
"This exercise demonstrates our unwavering commitment to protecting one of the planet's most iconic and endangered species, the African black rhino," Mian said during the exercise in Tsavo West National Park, located about 250 km southeast of the Kenyan capital Nairobi.
She added that the process of carving rhino ears, which involves inscribing unique tags into the ears of rhinos, is a permanent method of identification that helps in monitoring the health and behaviour of these animals.
The Kenyan official noted that the mounted radios will provide vital data on rhino movements, which are essential for making informed conservation and management decisions.
Erustus Kanga, director-general of the state-run Kenya Wildlife Service, said the national rhino population stands at 1,977. Kanga said this number includes 1,004 black rhinos and 971 southern white rhinos, along with the two remaining northern white rhinos.
He noted that the initiative will use state-of-the-art technology, including tracking devices equipped with global positioning systems that will enable near real-time tracking, which will improve conservation outcomes.
"Accurate and reliable data are the foundation of effective conservation strategies. This action will standardise monitoring and improve our ability to protect rhinos in large and challenging areas such as the Tsavo West IPZ," Kanga added.
Xinhua/ gnews - RoZ
PHOTO - Xinhua/Charles Onyango, Sheikh Maina
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