Kenya initiates rhinoceros ear-notching effort to enhance conservation
Kenya has initiated an ear-notching program for rhinoceroses aimed at enhancing conservation efforts. This exercise is designed to help track and monitor the rhino population more effectively, contributing to the protection of these endangered species.
TroibNews 
On Wednesday, Kenya initiated a rhinoceros ear-notching and transmitter fitting exercise aimed at enhancing the conservation efforts for this iconic species.
Rebecca Miano, cabinet secretary of the Ministry for Tourism and Wildlife, announced that this initiative will involve ear-notching and the installation of transmitters on 20 to 25 rhinoceroses in the Tsavo West Intensive Protection Zone, thereby improving both traceability and protection for the endangered animals.
"This exercise demonstrates our unwavering dedication to safeguarding one of the planet's most iconic and endangered species, the African black rhinoceros," Miano stated during the event at Tsavo West National Park, which is situated approximately 250 km southeast of Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.
She explained that ear-notching involves inscribing unique markings on the ears of rhinoceroses, providing a permanent identification method that facilitates monitoring of their health and behavior.
Miano also emphasized that the transmitters will yield essential data regarding the movements of rhinoceroses, which is critical for informed conservation strategies and effective management of their populations.
Erustus Kanga, the director general of the state-owned Kenya Wildlife Service, noted that the national rhinoceros population currently numbers 1,977, comprising 1,004 black rhinoceroses and 971 southern white rhinoceroses, along with two remaining northern white rhinoceroses.
He highlighted that the initiative will utilize advanced technology, including GPS-enabled tracking devices, which will enable near real-time monitoring, thereby enhancing conservation efforts.
"Accurate and reliable data is the backbone of effective conservation strategies. This exercise will standardize monitoring and improve our ability to protect rhinoceros across vast, challenging terrains like the Tsavo West IPZ," Kanga asserted.
Alejandro Jose Martinez contributed to this report for TROIB News
Rebecca Miano, cabinet secretary of the Ministry for Tourism and Wildlife, announced that this initiative will involve ear-notching and the installation of transmitters on 20 to 25 rhinoceroses in the Tsavo West Intensive Protection Zone, thereby improving both traceability and protection for the endangered animals.
"This exercise demonstrates our unwavering dedication to safeguarding one of the planet's most iconic and endangered species, the African black rhinoceros," Miano stated during the event at Tsavo West National Park, which is situated approximately 250 km southeast of Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.
She explained that ear-notching involves inscribing unique markings on the ears of rhinoceroses, providing a permanent identification method that facilitates monitoring of their health and behavior.
Miano also emphasized that the transmitters will yield essential data regarding the movements of rhinoceroses, which is critical for informed conservation strategies and effective management of their populations.
Erustus Kanga, the director general of the state-owned Kenya Wildlife Service, noted that the national rhinoceros population currently numbers 1,977, comprising 1,004 black rhinoceroses and 971 southern white rhinoceroses, along with two remaining northern white rhinoceroses.
He highlighted that the initiative will utilize advanced technology, including GPS-enabled tracking devices, which will enable near real-time monitoring, thereby enhancing conservation efforts.
"Accurate and reliable data is the backbone of effective conservation strategies. This exercise will standardize monitoring and improve our ability to protect rhinoceros across vast, challenging terrains like the Tsavo West IPZ," Kanga asserted.
Alejandro Jose Martinez contributed to this report for TROIB News
