Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI) flagged off ten caravans on Monday to carry out an eight-day wildlife census across the expansive Tsavo ecosystem to assess population trends in the park, which has been grappling with climate change-driven drought.
The exercise, organised by WRTI and which is a collaborative effort between the institute, Kenya Wildlife Service and other key partners, aims to assess the population of key species and address challenges such as habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and the impact of climate change on biodiversity.
Speaking at Taita Hills Resort and Spa during the flagging-off exercise, WRTI Director Dr.
Patrick Omondi said the census is vital for evaluating wildlife population trends and informing conservation strategies.