NAIROBI, March 10 (Swara) – The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), in collaboration with the Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI) and Lewa Borana Wildlife Conservancy, are carrying out rhino ear-notching and wireless transmitter fitting at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Meru County. The exercise is spearheaded by KWS Veterinary and Capture team led by Isaac Lekolool.
KWS said in a press release that 40 rhinos, both black and white, will be ear-notched in the conservancy. Ten black rhinos will be fitted with LoRa transmitters. Ear-notching is carried out after every two to three years in all rhino sanctuaries to ensure that at least 60 per cent of all rhinos are uniquely identifiable.
Rhino ear-notching and transmitter fitting is an essential aspect of rhino conservation. It enables rhino monitors to easily track and identify this endangered species in the field via Earth Ranger software for enhanced security surveillance and protection.
During the exercise, various samples are collected for laboratory analysis, rhino DNA profiling and research on various aspects of rhino conservation.
Currently, Kenya holds the third largest rhino population in the world at 1,890 individuals (966 Black rhinos, 922 Southern white rhinos and two Northern white rhinos), with Lewa being home to over 200 rhinos, approximately 13 per cent of the national population as of December 2022.
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is an important rhino area with a vibrant habitat for black and white rhinos.
