By Nyang’au Araka
Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has begun the translocation of black rhinos from Lewa Wildlife Conservancy to the newly established sanctuary at Segera Conservancy in Laikipia County.
The operation, part of the country’s national rhino conservation strategy, aims to secure and expand the black rhino population while enhancing genetic diversity and resilience.
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Of the nine rhinos scheduled for relocation, three were successfully captured, safely transported, and released into their new habitat at Segera.
For years, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy has been instrumental in rhino protection, but the conservancy has exceeded its ecological carrying capacity.
Moving rhinos to Segera helps ease the ecological pressure while allowing populations to thrive in newly secured areas. This effort is central to the Kenya Rhino Range Expansion Programme, which seeks to increase rhino numbers and protected habitats across Laikipia and beyond.
Segera Conservancy, strategically positioned within Laikipia’s wider conservation network, provides an ecologically sound and connected environment for the endangered eastern black rhino.
The translocation not only expands rhino conservation efforts but also bolsters security infrastructure at Segera, benefiting multiple wildlife species through advanced surveillance and anti-poaching measures.
KWS has deployed state-of-the-art monitoring technology, including GPS tracking collars, AI-enabled camera traps, LoRA network systems, and drones, ensuring real-time tracking and rapid response against threats. \
The translocation initiative ultimately aims to establish a breeding population of 21 rhinos at Segera, reinforcing Kenya’s commitment to strengthening conservation through collaboration with partners like the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, the Zeitz Foundation, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, and Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
This landmark move signals Kenya’s ongoing dedication to safeguarding its iconic wildlife and preserving biodiversity for future generations.
