A delegation led by Prof. WANG Qingfeng, director of Sino-Africa Joint Research Center, paid a visit to Tsavo Conservation Area from July 3rd to July 10th, 2016.

 

At the invitation of the Sino-Africa Joint Research Center and Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), a delegation led by Prof. WANG Qingfeng, director of Sino-Africa Joint Research Center, paid a visit to Tsavo Conservation Area from July 3^rd to July 10^th, 2016 to jointly evaluate the feasibility of the proposal on the supplementation of water for wildlife and local communities within the Tsavo Conservation Areas. Dr. WANG Ding who is secretary general of Chinese National Committee for Man and Biosphere and Professor of Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IHB) was included in this delegation.    

During their visit, the delegation investigated some water resources and suggested the rehabilitation of the existing water pans and boreholes. They also conducted a feasibility assessment of enhancing water provision to wildlife within the Tsavo Ecosystem.The output of the feasibility assessment will lead to development of a program of works to improve water availability to wildlife in the Tsavos.    

Tsavo East and West National Parks are home to over 12,000 elephants. This is the largest population of elephants in Kenya. Elephants are the prime driving force in shaping Tsavo ecosystem but the population has been experiencing fluctuations. The most significant population trend in the recent past has been the dramatic decline, as a result of both a severe drought and heavy poaching pressure. In recent times, lack of water and wallowing points associated with climate change has resulted to increased mortalities of large herbivores especially elephants and buffaloes inside the park. Because of this, the problem of human-wildlife conflicts has continued to increase. To solve the problems, permanent water resources may play significant role in protecting the ecosystem of Tsavo Conservation Areas and the sustainable development of the community.