Kenya's Elephant Population Grown Twofold In Last Three Decades

Aug 22, 2020 by apost team

Kenya reported a 15 percent increase of its elephant populations from 2014 to 2017. Elephants, which are among the "Big Five game" animals, are a valuable resource in attracting tourists to Kenya. Unfortunately, elephant tusks are also a big attraction to animal poachers and smugglers. Deliberate efforts by the Kenyan government to go the extra mile to safeguard elephants from poaching are quite commendable.

The significant reduction in the poaching of elephants in Kenya in the last two decades is attributed to government policies and elephant protection strategies. Elephant conservation efforts in Kenya have seen the collaboration of crucial entities. Protection of elephants against poachers has involved the government of Kenya, the tourism ministry, the general public, and the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).

There are more than twice as many elephants as there were in 1989. Data from the KWS indicates that while in 1989 there were 16,000 elephants in Kenya, by 2018, the population stood at 34,800. The significant rise in elephant population can be attributed to the government's concerted efforts to increase consciousness about the plight of elephants.

A notable approach is the holding of World Elephant Day in August each year in Kenya. In 2020, the day was held in Amboseli National Park. The issues affecting elephants addressed during the Elephants' day include loss of their natural territory, human-wildlife conflict, and the risk of being poached.

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As Reuters reports, the Kenya tourism minister, Najib Balala, has set in motion the Magical Kenya Elephant Naming campaign, which aims to lobby for funds for the protection of elephants. The annual campaign involves the naming of elephants in Swahili. The money raised will be used to promote the well being of the armed rangers who keep an eye on the elephants.

The guards' role has proven quite significant in realizing the 100 percent rise in elephant numbers in the last twenty years. What is especially noteworthy is that in 2020, a total of 170 elephants have been born at Amboseli National Park in Kenya, according to NPR. The young ones and their parents will need improved protective measures for their survival.

Fighting against poaching in Kenya has been strongly supported by the president of Kenya. The president, Uhuru Kenyatta, has taken the war against poaching a notch higher.

The president has spearheaded the burning of elephant tusks and rhino horns recovered from poachers, sending a strong message to poachers on the government's position on poaching. Additionally, steeper fines and lengthy lock-ups behind bars of those found guilty of poaching boost the war against poaching in Kenya, according to NPR.

The availability of the data showing the elephant numbers over the years is also an added feather in Kenya's cap. It would not be easy to follow the population progression of elephants in a country without readily available data. The collection of the data and continuously updating it is a step in the right direction for KWS.

The data serves the purpose of awareness on whether any conservation efforts made are bearing fruit. The information further helps to determine the capacity of the habitat to support the increased elephant numbers.

From a broader perspective, Africa boasted of a total population of elephants of 1.3 million in 1970, according to National Geographic. Fifty years later, only half a million elephants are alive, 30,000 of whom live in their natural territory.

The rapid decline in elephant numbers is due to the rise in demand for elephant tusks and rhino horns in Asia. The figures suggest a strong need for countries in Africa to take serious measures to reduce the poaching of elephants. It has been done in Kenya, so it can also be replicated elsewhere.

Other countries in Africa should use Kenya as a role model to replicate their wildlife conservation efforts. Elephants are an essential part of the attraction the world has for Africa as a tourist destination. It is, therefore, important for African countries to step up their efforts in elephant conservation. Spread awareness and pass this along! And let us know what you think about this great news.