Drought in Kenya Kills Wildlife

East Africa endures its worst drought in 40 years – and Kenyan wildlife is bearing the brunt.

 

Parts of Kenya have experienced four consecutive seasons with inadequate rain in the past two years, with dire effects for people and animals, including livestock. 

 

According to the country’s Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage Peninah Malonza, between February and October this year, fourteen species have succumbed to the drought. Amongst them were 205 African elephants (Scientific Name: Loxodonta), 512 wildebeest (Scientific name: Connochaetes), 381 common zebra (Scientific name: Equus quagga), 51 African buffalo (Scientific name: Syncerus caffer) and 12 giraffes (Scientific name: Giraffa). And also 49 rare and endangered Grévy's zebra (Scientific name: Equus grevyi). 

 

The figures released on Friday are likely far from comprehensive, the ministry warned in a report, saying carnivores could have devoured some carcasses. 

 

Although sporadic rainfall has finally started in the region, Kenya’s meteorological department are forecasting below-average rainfall for much of the country for the coming months, raising fears that the threat to Kenya’s wildlife is not over. 

 

Climate change means wildlife is facing new challenges for survival. For sure, longer, more intense droughts threaten foliage, freshwater supplies and wildlife itself. 

 

It is a big worry. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change say a 1.5°C average rise may put 20-30% of species at risk of extinction. If the planet warms by more than 2°C, most ecosystems will struggle. 

 

The world is changing, for better or worse.