From survival to expansion: Kenya faces new challenge as rhino numbers grow
With Kenya's black rhino population reaching 1,147, conservation efforts are now shifting to creating space for the species to expand.
NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 27— Kenya's black rhino population has reached 1,147 by the end of 2025, prompting conservation experts to shift focus from preventing losses to creating more secure habitat for the species to expand. This comes as the country works to maintain the gains made in protecting the rhinos from poaching and illegal wildlife trade.
Professor Erustus Kanga, Director General of Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), highlighted the growing territorial competition among rhinos as a critical challenge, urging continued investment and partnerships to expand land available for rhino conservation. The success in rebuilding the rhino population is a dramatic turnaround for a species severely depleted by poaching in the 1970s and 1980s.
Kenya now aims to sustain this growth, with a new recovery plan expected to be launched by December 2025. The establishment of a new rhino population at Loisaba Conservancy, following the translocation of 21 black rhinos from other parks, serves as a clear example of Kenya's shifting conservation strategy. Conservation leaders, rangers, and veterinary experts attended the film premiere of RHINO, which showcased the daily risks and efforts of Kenyan rangers in protecting the rhinos.
The film's director, Tom Martienssen, emphasized the importance of capturing the people behind Kenya's conservation achievements. He called for greater investment in Kenya's storytelling capacity to ensure conservation stories are told by those living and working in the country.
Written by urgent.news from Capital FM Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
