Conservation News: Lewa Conservancy Notched 43 Rhinos Across the Lewa-Borana Landscape in March

7/30/2023

Lewa Conservancy has notched 43 rhinos (21 black and 22 white) and fitted seven LoRa (long range transmitters) across the Lewa-Borana landscape earlier this March. Notching and fitting transmitters is a vital part of rhino conservation, as it allows for better tracking and monitoring of these animals. Ear notching is an adopted and verified system that provides rhinos with markings on specific areas of the ears signifying a unique code (number) to enable positive identification. The ear notching candidates were pre-selected by the Lewa-Borana team based on details regarding their territories and individual attributes such as age, size, ID, and sex. The rhinos selected were 3 years of age and older and independent. This was to reduce the risk associated with the post immobilization separation of calves that are dependent on their mother. The exercise culminated with the birth of a black rhino, bringing the total population of rhinos in the Lewa-Borana landscape to 256.

Thanks to the conservation efforts, dedication and hard work of the professionals involved, the partnership between Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI), Lewa, and Borana Conservancy will ensure a significantly positive impact on the preservation of these endangered species and their habitats.