Kenya plans to protect seven more wildlife corridors in law
Three of the wildlife corridors identified in Laikipia and Samburu are now protected in law, and seven more are next, a conservation official told a meeting in Nanyuki. Wildlife PS Museiya said shrinking routes threaten wildlife and increase conflict with communities.
Kenya plans to give legal protection to seven more wildlife corridors. Three routes have already been formally recognised, The Star reported. More than 10 corridors have been identified in Laikipia and Samburu. They allow elephants and other wildlife to move between habitats. Ben Okita, director of the Wyss Academy for Nature East Africa Hub, spoke at a three-day conservation meeting in Nanyuki, Laikipia. He said the next phase would secure the remaining corridors through law and policy. "Out of these 10 that we identified, we have managed to secure three into law," he said. The other seven have been prioritised. Wildlife PS Silvia Museiya said the government had raised the issue of shrinking corridors with President William Ruto and his council of advisers. She warned that the trend threatens wildlife populations and increases conflict with communities. Settlements, farms and industries are expanding into traditional wildlife areas. The Nairobi National Park-Athi-Kapiti corridor is under pressure from urban growth. Nairobi National Park, set up in 1946, is now largely surrounded by settlements, industries and farms. Museiya said Kenya needs stronger local and cross-border cooperation, especially with Tanzania. The aim is to protect elephant routes between Amboseli and Mkomazi national parks. She said the corridors…
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