The Athi-Kapiti ecosystem has been mapped out as a critical ecology for the Nairobi National Park and the Kitengela-Athi-Kaputiei ecosystem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI), the ecosystem provides the only connectivity for the two ecological regions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This came as the research institute embarked on a three-day aerial census in the region as part of the ongoing efforts to protect one of the country’s most important ecological regions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
WRTI Director Patrick Omondi said the exercise will cover 6,510 square kilometers of the ecosystem that borders Nairobi National Park to the north.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr Omondi termed the exercise as important in biodiversity monitoring saying that information obtained would be essential in wildlife conservation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe census will offer a comprehensive overview of the biodiversity within the Athi-Kapiti ecosystem and the information is essential for tracking changes in wildlife populations and assessing the health of the ecosystem,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
WRTI Director said that accurate data on wildlife populations and their habitats would inform conservation strategies and policy decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He explained that this would enable authorities to identify critical areas for protection, design effective wildlife corridors, and allocate resources where they are most needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIn habitat management, understanding the distribution and movement patterns of species aids in managing habitats more effectively,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr Omondi identified human-wildlife coexistence as an emerging issue which had seen migration corridors across parts of the country closed and pasture land reduced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said that as human populations expanded and encroached on wildlife habitats, conflicts between humans and wildlife had intensified across the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He assured that WRTI had developed rigorous scientific methodologies to conduct the census and these would ensure that they gather reliable data on wildlife populations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
WRTI Deputy Director of Research David Ndereeh said the census was aimed at providing accurate data on wildlife populations, distribution, and the health of the ecosystem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe Institute will employ a new platform, the Earth-ranger, which seeks to enhance patrols and offer real -time monitoring during the exercise,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr Ndeereh emphasised that understanding the distribution and movement patterns of wildlife is key to better habitat management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cA team of WRTI researchers, data analysts, and pilots will work together to ensure comprehensive coverage of the Amboseli and Magadi regions,\u201d he said<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAdvanced technologies such as GPS tracking and drone imaging will also be utilized to enhance data accuracy,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By<\/strong> Antony Gitonga<\/p>\n\n\n\n Credit<\/strong> THE STANDARD<\/p>\n\n\n\n