Severe Drought In Kenya

Wild animals in Kenya constantly face threats. Illegal hunting and loss of habitat are usual issues, however at the moment there is another hazard threatening them: drought.

Two year drought

For the past two years drought has been causing an issue throughout Kenya. According to an impacts report produced by Kenya’s Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage many animal deaths have been linked to the drought; 205 elephants, 512 wildebeests, 381 common zebras, 51 buffalos, 49 Grevy’s zebras, and 12 giraffes in the past 9 months alone.

Different species affected

In total 14 different species of wildlife have been affected. It is not just an issue of water shortage but depletion of food too. The worst months have been September and October.

It was noted that so far the rhino population has not been seriously affected. However, there are fears that could change. Measures are being taken to try and limit drought related issues.