The suspected poisoning deaths of 18 elephants in the Amboseli ecosystem just outside the national park are a major crisis that calls for comprehensive measures by the government, and especially the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). These incidents raise important questions that need answers for clarity. However, this will only be possible through carrying out thorough investigations.
The many elephant deaths within a single month are alarming, and the KWS must do everything to avert a repeat here and elsewhere and enhance wildlife conservation. This has sparked a major national concern as the deaths have been reported in the area neighbouring the Amboseli National Park, which is one of the country’s premier tourist attractions. It is, therefore, quite encouraging that a multi-agency team comprising KWS rangers, Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) detectives and National Intelligence Service (NIS) officers has already arrested two people suspected of involvement in the poisoning of the animals between June 24 and July 25 in Kajiado County.
The high elephant death toll in the Amboseli-Kimana ecosystem has been initially linked to suspected cyanide poisoning even though further investigation continues.
An analysis of the samples collected from the carcasses detected traces of the deadly chemical in the elephants’ digestive systems. This area has multiple large farms, some of which border the wildlife migratory corridors. Though the traces of cyanide found in the samples have been linked to farming activities, some conservationists and locals are sceptical about this explanation. KWS says experts are closely tracking the remaining vulnerable wildlife to prevent further losses.
This should be done quickly, but the KWS must also tighten its surveillance and monitoring to protect wildlife. Investigations should be intensified and the culprits identified and punished as a deterrent. These animals are vital as part of Kenya’s heritage and in promoting tourism, a major economic asset and source of revenue, including foreign exchange.
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