Human-wildlife conflict is a growing problem in Kenya today, and it has a huge negative impact on both human and wildlife populations. It happens when there is close interaction between wild animals and human beings, which leads to injury, death, predation and transmission of diseases. In February 2019, Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) issued a notice to the public that the dry spell being experienced in most parts of the country was displacing wildlife from their traditional habitats in search of pasture and water. This had increased conflict as the wildlife came into contact with the public and human activities. They said that as the dry spell progressed, the risk of human wildlife conflict was expected to increase until the country received the long rains. Areas that have experienced increased incidence of human wildlife conflict were in Narok, Taita Taveta, Laikipia, Kajiado, Meru, Mau, Marsabit, Lamu and the Mt. Kenya region. We can assume that such warnings will become more frequent in coming years.

We're joined by Susanna Maingi, a research scientist and wildlife ecologist with expertise in human-wildlife conflict, antipoaching and conservation outreach, to discuss the increasing cases of human-wildlife conflict in Kenya. Press play!

Resources

KENYA'S ORIGINAL SIN: Root causes of rising human-wildlife conflicts

Characteristics of Human-Wildlife Conflicts in Kenya: Examples of Tsavo and Maasai Mara Regions

77 people killed in human-wildlife conflicts in 2018: Balala

Alert on Increased Incidence of Human - Wildlife Conflict

Collapse of Wildlife migratory corridors as 100 mapped areas threatened

KWS says SGR affecting wildlife movement in Tsavo

Human-wildlife payment claims hit Sh15bn in last 5 years: PS

Human-Wildlife Conflicts and compensation for losses in Kenya

Why wildlife is critical for human existence

Human–Wildlife Conflict and Coexistence

Illegal Hunting and the Bushmeat Trade in Savanna Africa