The Kenyan government has introduced an advanced tracking system to monitor black rhinos in the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, part of the Tsavo West Conservation Area, in an effort to bolster conservation and combat poaching.

The initiative, led by Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, employs ear-notching and real-time surveillance technology to track the movements and health of the sanctuary’s 178 black rhinos. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) will oversee the programme, which includes the use of VHF transmitters and long-range network devices, providing hourly updates to enhance anti-poaching measures and animal care.

Key conservation efforts

Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary is home to 90% of the world’s remaining southern black rhinos, making it a critical site for species conservation. Over the past four decades, the sanctuary has grown its rhino population from just three to over 100.

“Kenya is a custodian of 90% of southern black rhinos globally,” said Miano. “Conservation is a responsibility that involves all Kenyans. By sharing information and showcasing these efforts, we encourage greater public participation.”

Erastus Kanga, KWS Director General, highlighted the significance of the tracking technology, which provides data for a year.

“We have tagged the animals using three methods: ear-notching, VHF transmitters and long-range network devices. This allows us to monitor their location and well-being, supporting conservation efforts effectively,” said Kanga.

Costs and public-private collaboration

The tracking programme, which costs approximately KSh4 million (€29 204), is funded by government and supported by KWS partners. During the launch, a tagged rhino was symbolically named "CS Madam Miano" in honour of the Cabinet Secretary’s commitment to wildlife conservation.

The initiative is part of Kenya’s broader Tuza Mali Yako (“Take care of your wealth”) campaign, which calls on the public and private sectors to adopt critically endangered animals and support conservation efforts. “We urge executives in both sectors to adopt animals and contribute to conserving our national heritage,” Kanga stated.

Addressing human-wildlife conflict

Miano also acknowledged the ongoing challenges of human-wildlife conflict, emphasising government’s commitment to compensating affected communities. The recently launched County Wildlife Compensation Committees are tasked with evaluating and processing claims to address this issue.

“Compensation is vital for resolving conflicts,” Miano said. “Our strategy is to ensure prompt compensation with efforts underway to address the backlog of claims.”

Wildlife economy and tourism

The initiative aligns with Kenya’s strategy to strengthen its wildlife economy – a cornerstone of its tourism sector. Miano reiterated government’s focus on increasing wildlife populations and ensuring sustainability, recognising the critical role of Kenya’s iconic species in its cultural and economic identity.

The advanced tracking system and community compensation measures underline Kenya’s commitment to balancing conservation with community needs, supporting the long-term sustainability of its tourism and wildlife sectors.