By OUR CORRESPONDENT
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), in partnership with key conservation stakeholders, on Saturday started the translocation of rhinos from Lewa Wildlife Conservancy to the newly established rhino sanctuary at Segera Conservancy in Laikipia County.
This milestone marks a significant step forward in Kenya’s ongoing efforts to secure and expand its rhino populations.
Three of the nine rhinos scheduled for relocation were successfully captured at Lewa, safely transported, and released into their new home at Segera Conservancy.
The operation is part of Kenya’s national rhino conservation strategy, which manages rhinos as a “meta-population”—a connected network of individuals distributed across multiple protected habitats to enhance genetic diversity and population resilience.
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, which is currently operating beyond its ecological carrying capacity, has played a critical role in rhino conservation. Relocating some rhinos to Segera will ease pressure on Lewa’s ecosystem while enabling population growth in a new, secure area.
This effort forms part of the long-term Rhino Range Expansion Programme, which aims to increase both rhino numbers and habitat availability across Laikipia and other regions.
Strategically located, Segera Conservancy offers a secure and ecologically suitable environment for eastern black rhinos. It also serves as a vital linkage to surrounding conservancies, enhancing landscape connectivity.
The translocation has further strengthened security infrastructure at Segera, benefiting not only rhinos but also other wildlife through improved surveillance and anti-poaching measures.
To safeguard the relocated rhinos, KWS has deployed GPS tracking collars, trained security personnel, and cutting-edge surveillance tools including drones and camera traps. These measures will enable real-time monitoring and rapid response to any emerging threats.
This translocation is part of a broader initiative to move a total of 21 rhinos to Segera Conservancy, reaffirming Kenya’s commitment to rhino conservation through collaborative, science-based approaches. The success of this operation is made possible through the support and partnership of the Zeitz Foundation, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, and Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
