Wildlife in game parks, water bodies to be affected by Elnino rains

 

The Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI) has moved in to map game parks and water bodies that could be affected by the expected El Nino rains.

The institute has identified Amboseli national parks and water bodies in Rift Valley as some of the natural resources that could face the wrath of the rains.

This came as the institute warned over a possible rise in cases of human-wildlife as animals fled from flooded parks and riparian lands.

This emerged at the end of the three day scientific conference organized by the institute and held at Lake Naivasha Resort drawing local and international participants.

According to the Institute Director Dr Patrick Omondi, mitigation measures to make sure that the rains had minimal effects on the parks were going on.

Omondi was however quick to warn that they expected massive flooding in the Amboseli national park and several lakes within Rift Valley.

“The institute is working closely with KWS in coming up with mitigation measures around the parks and water bodies so that we can reduce the impacts of the rains,” he said.

Omondi termed the scientific conference as a game changer in conservation issues adding that the volumes of data received would come in handy in decision making.

Addressing the press, he added that for year’s wildlife data was scattered making it hard to come up with policies and addressing the challenges facing conservation.

“We have data as old as 50 years but this has not been implemented but the conference will come up with the way forward and assist in science management and policy,” he said.

Omondi added that the wildlife sector was on its way to full recovery following the two year drought that left tens of wild animals dead.

He added that during the period, no rhino died adding that the number of elephants stood at over 36,000 with the old and the young ones affected by the drought.

“Covid-19 saw conservation funds reduced and this was worsened by the drought but we have identified species affected and habitats destroyed with a view of restoring them,” he said.

On his part, Professor George Owiti from University of Nairobi noted an increase in cases of ivory and game meat trade with forensic science coming in handy in dealing with suspects.

“We are working with the national museum in the issue of forensic science which comes in handy in court cases and assisting to prove cases in courts,” he said.   BY KBC NEWS