Not a single rhino was poached in the East African nation in 2020 – something that hasn’t happened since 1999.
Nairobi, Kenya (18 February 2021) – Kenya Wildlife Services have reported that for the first time in twenty-one years, not a single rhino was poached in Kenya.
“For the first time in 21 years, Kenya Wildlife Services reported zero poaching of rhinos in the year 2020. Rhino poaching has reduced from a high of 59 cases in 2013 when poaching was at its peak to zero poaching in 2020. The last time this feat was achieved was in 1999,” Director-General Brigadier (Rtd) John Waweru explained in a statement.
The decrease is attributed to travel restrictions in 2020, but also close cooperation with the local communities, anti-poaching efforts, rangers, and conservation efforts.
“The heart of this breakthrough is intelligence-led operations by the KWS anti-poaching team and improved collaboration between law enforcement agencies and local communities who are at the front line of anti-poaching efforts.”
KWS said during the COVID-19 pandemic period; there were increased threats of poaching as the authority recorded an increase in bushmeat poaching and associated crimes.
Kenya also recorded the lowest number of elephants poached in 2020, Waweru said, adding: “Elephant poaching has also reduced from a high of 384 cases in 2012 when poaching was at its peak to a record low of 11 in 2020, the lowest ever in KWS history.”
This is really good news in the fight against poaching in Africa!
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