NAIROBI, Nov. 21 (Xinhua) -- Kenya on Wednesday launched a recovery plan for giraffes amid dwindling numbers linked to poaching, habitat loss, diseases and climatic shocks.
Najib Balala, cabinet secretary for tourism and wildlife said the first ever restoration masterplan for giraffes covering 2018-2022 will enhance protection of these iconic mammals that are a major source of tourist attraction.
"We have an obligation to protect giraffes whose numbers have reduced from 80,000 in the 1970s to the current 28,500. Stronger laws are required to root out bush meat trade that is to blame for a decline in the number of these mammals," said Balala.
He said the government will channel additional resources to boost conservation of giraffes similar to other iconic land mammals like elephants and rhinos.
Kenya hosts 36 percent of giraffe population in Africa and plans are afoot to declare it an endangered species given the magnitude of threats linked to human activities and natural calamities.
Balala said that a robust advocacy campaign targeting communities and land owners will be carried out to help preserve the natural habitats for giraffes.
Kenya's inaugural giraffe recovery action plan roots for research, greater community engagement and robust information sharing among key stakeholders to halt decline of their population.
Charles Musyoki, acting director general of Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) said that a national taskforce has already been constituted to look at policy, financing and legal interventions required to promote conservation of giraffes.
"The country is already providing leadership on giraffe conservation across Africa but we must strengthen surveillance of these mammals in free range and protected areas by engaging communities and law enforcement agencies," said Musyoki.
Enhanced conservation of Kenya's three giraffe sub-species is key to maintain ecosystems balance in the wild while broadening revenue streams for local communities through tourism.
Philip Muruthi, senior scientist at Nairobi-based African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) said that a recovery of giraffe population in Kenya will unleash ecological, social and economic benefits to the country.
