The Kenya Wildlife Service has raised concerns over a spike in rhino territorial fights that threatens to wipe out calves. KWS Director General Erustus Kanga stated that despite interventions leading to an increase in rhino populations, particularly the black rhino, territorial fights are now a major challenge. In 2023, there were over 280 rhino births, and in 2024, more than 260 births were recorded.
Kanga tasked his team to account for over 500 rhino calves, but unfortunately, they could only account for 100. This means that 400 rhino calves could not be accounted for. The DG emphasized the need for measures to ensure each rhino calf grows to maturity. He made these remarks at the Trade Mark Hotel during the African Premiere of the documentary "RHINO for World Rhino."
The documentary, narrated by Tom Hardy, screened in Nairobi on September 26, united rangers, KWS, conservancies, and partners in the conservation effort. The film showcases the hard work and resilience of rangers whose work usually goes unseen. The premiere was organized by Loisaba Conservancy, with sponsorship from various organizations, including Elewana Collection, Borana Conservancy, and Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
Kanga attributed the deaths of rhino calves to territorial fights, common in black rhinos. Male rhinos often kill calves that do not belong to them. He emphasized that no calf should die and every rhino mother must see their calf to maturity. For generations, Kenya has put in place measures to protect the iconic species, particularly after the devastating trophy hunting and poaching of the 1970s and 1980s.
By the late 1980s, fewer than 400 black rhinos remained in Kenya. However, with conservation efforts, by the end of 2025, Kenya's black rhino population had reached 1,147. The country safeguards approximately 78 percent of the world's eastern black rhinos, which remains critically endangered. Kanga emphasized the need for continued vigilance and expanded secure habitats to sustain breeding and reduce competition.
The protection of the species now requires expanding secure habitats, as several established sanctuaries have reached their ecological carrying capacity. An operation to translocate 21 black rhinos to Loisaba Conservancy was launched on January 16, 2024. Since then, nine healthy calves have been born, bringing the population to 30, a 42.9 percent increase since reintroduction.
The goal is to have 2,000 black rhinos by 2037, which requires sustained investment, sound science, and community involvement. Sophie Kinyua, Chairperson of Loisaba Conservancy, called for a shared commitment and long-term investment to ensure the long-term protection of the species. Loisaba Conservancy Chief Executive Officer Tom Silvester lauded Kenya's extraordinary rhino conservation story and emphasized the importance of collaboration in conservation efforts.
Key points
- Hundreds of rhino calves are dying in territorial fights in Kenya.
- Conservation efforts have led to an increase in Kenya's black rhino population to 1,147.
- The goal is to have 2,000 black rhinos in Kenya by 2037.
