Mutua expresses concern over decline in wildlife numbers

 

Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua has raised an alarm over declining numbers of wildlife in the country attributable to adverse effects of climate change and human-wildlife conflict.

According to Mutua, the only species that seems to have survived the decline is the elephant, whose population has been on the rise in recent years.

This, he says, coincides with an increase in cases of human-wildlife conflict, predominantly occurring around national parks and game reserves throughout the country.

Data from the Wildlife Training and Research Institute (WRTI) indicate the recent drought has inflicted significant casualties among the animal population and has been exacerbated by the illegal trade in game meat.

Following a visit to the institute in Naivasha, Mutua stressed the critical role of wildlife in the country’s tourism sector, which draws nearly 2 million visitors annually.

He challenged the institute to conduct a study to identify the causes behind the decline in the number of wildlife in the country.

“Over 68 percent of our wildlife lives outside national parks, and we have observed a decline in their numbers, which is a cause for concern,” he said.

While addressing the institute’s staff, Mutua also expressed concern over the rising cases of deaths and losses attributed to conflict with wild animals.

“In the coming days, we will be launching a mobile unit to educate the public on how to coexist with wild animals and respect their territories,” Mutua revealed.

He welcomed the planned construction of a modern laboratory at the institute, with a budget of 268 million shillings, saying the facility would support research efforts.

“The government will support the construction of this modern laboratory in phases as we continue to grow the tourism sector by attracting more visitors,” he said.

David Nkedianye, Chairman of WRTI, expressed commitment to making the institution a top-notch facility in the region for wildlife research. He said plans are underway for the construction of a multi-million-dollar laboratory, which would be invaluable in addressing complex issues related to wildlife research.

Dr. Patrick Omondi, the Director of the Wildlife Training and Research Institute (WRTI), expressed gratitude to the Tourism Promotion Fund for its support in addressing the country’s wildlife needs amidst emerging challenges.  BY KBC NEWS