Human activities such as illegal logging, sand harvesting and encroachment into wildlife habitats remain among the leading threats to wildlife conservation and are accelerating the extinction of several animal species across the country, conservation stakeholders have warned.
Speaking after an animal headcount exercise organized by the Athi-Kapiti Wildlife Conservancies Association, stakeholders expressed concern over the increasing destruction of wildlife habitats, particularly through illegal sand harvesting and logging activities.
The conservationists noted that illegal sand harvesting within wildlife conservancies has emerged as a major challenge, contributing to the death of many animals and the degradation of critical ecosystems.
They alleged that some armed sand harvesters operating at night within conservancies have been attacking wildlife and disrupting natural habitats, further endangering vulnerable species.
The stakeholders called on sand harvesters and communities living near conservancies to play a leading role in protecting wildlife and preserving the country’s natural heritage for future generations.
Led by Dr. David Kasanga, a stakeholder in the Athi-Kapiti Community Conservation initiative, the conservationists warned that populations of key wildlife species, including lions, cheetahs, wildebeests and kongonis, have continued to decline due to increased human interference in conservation areas.
According to Dr. Kasanga, destructive human activities have also led to a significant reduction in prey animals, leaving predators struggling to find adequate food within their natural habitats.
He observed that the continued destruction of ecosystems is disrupting the delicate balance that supports wildlife survival and biodiversity.
“The loss of prey animals and destruction of habitats is creating an incomplete ecosystem that threatens the survival of many species,” he said.
Dr. Kasanga warned that unless urgent and decisive measures are taken to curb illegal activities within conservancies, Kenya risks losing some of its most treasured wildlife species.
Conservationists are now calling for stronger enforcement of environmental laws, enhanced community participation in wildlife protection and increased awareness on the importance of preserving natural ecosystems.
They emphasized that safeguarding wildlife is not only vital for biodiversity but also for tourism, livelihoods and the country’s environmental sustainability.
The warning comes amid growing concerns over human-wildlife conflict and increasing pressure on conservation areas from human activities, which continue to threaten Kenya’s rich wildlife heritage.
