Laikipia County: The government has successfully translocated 21 eastern black rhinos from Ol Pejeta Conservancy to Segera Rhino Sanctuary as part of an initiative to promote conservation and alleviate overcrowding at the original site. This move aims to protect the critically endangered species by providing a more secure and ecological habitat.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Rebecca Miano, spearheaded the translocation ceremony at Ol Pejeta. Miano emphasized that the relocation to Segera, an expansive conservancy covering about 50,000 acres, would facilitate a safer environment for the breeding of the rhinos. She stated, "The translocation of 21 black rhinos to Segera conservancy is way beyond a conservation milestone. It's a bold affirmation of Kenya's enduring commitment to securing a future of one of the world's most iconic yet critically endangered species."
Further elaborating on the effort, Miano noted that the process is a significant step towards achieving a 5 percent annual growth in the rhino population. She highlighted Segera's plan to expand its sanctuary from 90 square kilometers to a 250,000-acre mega sanctuary, which will provide a rich ecological habitat conducive to rhino breeding.
The translocation process is anticipated to take around 18 days, with the initial three rhinos already relocated to Segera. Miano remarked on Kenya's role as a home to 80 percent of the eastern black rhino population, which has grown from 384 in 1989 to 1,059 last year. She emphasized the ongoing threats to rhinos, including poaching, habitat loss, and overcrowding in sanctuaries.
Underlining future plans, Miano mentioned the National Black Rhino Action Plan 2022-2026, a policy aimed at ensuring the species' survival and growth to 2,000 individuals by 2037. The translocation from Ol Pejeta, Lewa, and Nakuru sanctuaries, which are operating beyond capacity, is seen as a critical measure to reduce territorial conflicts that contribute to rhino mortality.
She also highlighted the significance of this translocation in pioneering new conservation initiatives in Northern Kenya, traditionally considered a dry land frontier. Miano pointed out that Segera Ranch exemplifies the potential of northern Kenya's rangelands, where private landowners, local communities, and conservation partners are working towards sustainable coexistence with nature.
Jochen Zeits, owner of Segera and founder of the ZEITZ Foundation, expressed that the translocation supports not only rhino population growth but also community benefits through job creation. Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu added that such conservation efforts could enhance tourism in the region and nationwide.
Before the translocation, the rhinos were immobilized through a precise helicopter darting operation by veterinarians from Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). Once relocated, the rhinos will be closely monitored by KWS specialists to help them adjust to their new environment.