The last national wildlife census recorded 156 elephants at Mwea, more than three times the capacity
Kenya Wildlife Service rangers and veterinarians release elephants from the Mwea National Reserve out of a special transportation containerKenya is moving 50 elephants to a new home after overcrowding in the Mwea National Reserve has seen the creatures stray into nearby human settlements and damage local ecosystems.
The last national wildlife census recorded 156 elephants at Mwea, more than three times the reserve’s capacity. As a result, elephants have strayed into nearby villages, damaging crops, infrastructure and property. During a two-week mission to relocate the animals from the 42 square km Mwea reserve to the more spacious Aberdare National Park, wildlife specialists, travelling in helicopters, sedated elephants with tranquilizer darts, bound their feet and loaded them onto a caged truck for the four-hour drive northwest.
Kenya’s elephant population dropped dramatically a few decades ago because of rampant poaching to supply ivory. But years of conservation efforts have now boosted numbers, with some parks like Mwea National Reserve grappling with overcrowding. “The elephants have really troubled us,” said nearby villager Pauline Njue. “Now we feel relieved, especially because our children could not walk to school early in the morning for fear of running into the elephants.” Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Kenya lawmakers plan impeachment move against deputy president - SABC News - Breaking news, special reports,Calls to Gachagua's spokespeople on Monday seeking comment were not answered.
Read more »
Kenya court refers deputy president's impeachment case to CJ - SABC NewsThe Senate will debate the charges and vote on whether to dismiss him next week.
Read more »
Kenya's Chepngetich smashes women's marathon world record - SABC NewsKenya's Chepngetich smashes women's marathon world record
Read more »
Kenya open to converting Haiti mission to UN Peacekeeping operation - SABC NewsThe 15-member council is due to vote on September 30 on the mandate renewal.
Read more »
Kenya: Ruto, Odinga Allies Unite As Kenya's Deputy President ImpeachedKenya's opposition lawmakers on Tuesday joined forces with the ruling party to vote for the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, just two years into his term.
Read more »
EFF reports Steenhuisen to Ethics Committee - SABC News - Breaking news, special reports, world, business,The EFF lays complaint with Ethics Committee against John Steenhuisen.
Read more »