Human-wildlife conflict cases on the rise – KWS

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has issued an alert on increased human-wildlife conflicts in the areas surrounding national parks and game reserves following the prolonged drought in the country.

KWS says that the prolonged drought has led to animals straying out of the parks in search of pasture and water.

“The ongoing drought situation in the country has resulted in dispersal of wildlife from their traditional habitats in search of pasture and water,” said KWS in a statement.

“This has increased the risk factor of conflict as the wildlife come into contact with the public and human activities resulting to an increase in human wildlife conflicts.”

KWS says that it is evident there has been an increase in reported incidents of conflicts compared to past years with the notable ones being attacks on people, property destruction, livestock predation and crop raiding.

“Cases in point include recent sightings of elephants moving from the Tsavo conservation area to Mwingi Sub-County, while others were reported in Meru, Kilifi and Narok areas,” added KWS.

The service says that it is “doing its best to ensure that both the public and the wildlife co-exist well.”

“Members of public in areas that generally experience high conflicts like Narok, Taita, Laikipia, Kajiado, Meru, Mau, Lamu and around Mt. Kenya region are advised to exercise caution while undertaking their normal duties especially in early mornings and late evenings,” warned KWS.