Kenya Wildlife Service identified the need for national species conservation strategies to ensure special attention is focused on threatened species. The Species Management department is responsible for coordinating the formulation and implementation of species specific national conservation and management strategies. It works closely with members of other KWS Divisions, NGOs, Universities, local communities and other stakeholders.
To ensure proper coordination of these national conservation programmes the department carries out its duties through the following programmes:-
- Rhino Programme
- Elephant Programme
- Other Endangered Species
The main Functions of the department are:
- Coordinate development and reviewing policy on endangered species conservation and management
- Coordinate development of national conservation and management strategies for threatened and nationally important species
- Identifying critical requirements of species that can be targeted for special conservation measures
- Coordinate development of species recovery programs for highly endangered species
- Coordinate development of conservation strategies for migratory and cross-border populations
- Liaising with the IUCN species survival commission on species conservation
- Develop and maintain a database and depository of information on threatened species
- Coordinate wildlife species conservation and management
- Coordinate implementation of the rhino, elephant, other endangered and nationally important species conservation programs
- Coordinate implementation of national conservation and management of species specific conservation strategies
- Develop and maintain a database and information depository of threatened and nationally important species
- Coordinate evaluation of proposals for species introduction, reintroduction and supplementation
- Coordinate programs for species introduction, reintroduction and supplementation
The following strategies have been formulated to aid in management and recovery of species populations:-
# | Name of the Strategy | Strategy Duration | Comments |
|---|
1 | Conservation and Management Strategy for the Black Rhino in Kenya | 2012-2016 | The strategy is being implemented |
2 | Conservation and Management Strategy for the Elephant in Kenya | 2012-2021 | The strategy is being implemented |
3 | National Conservation and management Strategy for Cheetah and Wildogs in Kenya | 2009-2014 | The strategy is being implemented |
4 | National Conservation and management Strategy for Lion & Spotted Hyena in Kenya | 2009-2014 | The strategy is being implemented |
5 | Conservation and Management Strategy for Grevy's Zebra (Equus grevyi) in Kenya | 2007 - 2011 | The previous plan was revised. It is awaiting publication |
6 | National strategy for conservation of sea turtles | 2011-2015 | In implementation phase |
7 | National strategy for conservation of sable antelopes (Hippotragus niger roosevelti) in Kenya | 2013-2017 | In implementation phase |
8 | National strategy for coral reefs | 2014-2018 | In print |
9 | National strategy for conservation of bongo | | Draft in place |
10 | National strategy for conservation of giraffes | | Draft awaiting publication |
11 | National strategy for conservation of roan antelopes | | Draft awaiting publication |
12 | National strategy for conservation of sitatunga | - | Early stages of planning |
13 | National strategy for conservation of red colobus and tana crested mangabey | - | Early stages of planning |
14 | National strategy for conservation of hirola antelopes | - | Awaiting publication |
15 | National strategy for conservation of birds | - | Early stages of planning |
To ensure successful implementation of these national conservation and management strategies, we call upon donor organizations and stakeholders to support implementation of activities under each strategy.
