Chapter 4: ENDANGERED SPECIES IN KENYA

 Grevy's Zebra                                                                                        

The long-legged, endangered Grevy’s zebra is distinguished by its unique stripes, which are as distinctive as human fingerprints. Grevy’s also are taller, have larger ears, and have narrower stripes than plains zebras. They are the largest of the zebra species.

Grevy’s zebras have undergone one of the most substantial reductions of range of any African mammal. Habitat loss in an already restricted range is a serious threat to the Grevy’s survival. They have to compete for resources with other grazers, as well as cattle and livestock. Due to overgrazing and competition for water, Grevy’s juveniles have a low survival rate. 

The Black Rhino

Black rhinos are the smaller of the two African rhino species. 

Populations of black rhino declined dramatically in the 20th century at the hands of European hunters and settlers. The black rhino is still considered critically endangered, and a lot of work remains to bring the numbers up to even a fraction of what it once was and to ensure that it stays there. Wildlife crime like poaching and black-market trafficking of rhino horn continues to plague the species and threaten its recovery.

Lesser Kudu

Both the greater kudu and its close cousin, the lesser kudu, have stripes and spots on the body, and most have a chevron of white hair between the eyes. 

Their numbers are affected by humans hunting them for their meat, hides, and horns. Their horns have long been prized in Africa for use as musical instruments, honey containers, and symbolic ritual objects. Kudu habitats are being destroyed as people are taking over their habitats for charcoal burning and farming.

Thomson’s Gazelle

These small gazelles, named for researcher Joseph Thomson, have light-brown coats with dark stripes running down their sides, a white patch on their rumps extending underneath the tail, and ridged horns that curve backward. 

Thomson’s gazelles are victims of hunting. They are often found on ranches and farmlands after many animals have left, feeding on the short grasses exposed by cattle. Here, they are an easy target and are often shot or snared for food.  The Thomson’s gazelle’s habitat is decreasing as human populations grow and agriculture, settlements, and roads expand.

Hirola/Hunter’s Antelope

  Hirolas are antelopes belonging to the family Bovidae (hoofed mammals) that includes buffalo, cattle, goats, and sheep among others. 

The hirola population has declined in the last four decades due to diseases and loss of habitat. Other factors including, predation and competition with livestock have continued to suppress the recovery of hirola.

Here are some of the responses we received from our Instagram about the endangered species: 

@rewireyourmindsetstrategy -

" I would have to say elephants, zebras and giraffes"

@zainab_akadir -

"Black Rhino in Kenya."

@aisha_bagha -

"Northern white rhino"

@_real_rizwana -

"Polar bears north America"