The Wildlife Research and Training Institute has identified Amboseli National Park and Lakes in Rift Valley as some of the natural resources that could be adversely be affected by El Nino rains.
The institute while issuing an alert warned of flooding in the park that is home to thousands of wild animals and the lakes which border hundreds of homes and farms.
This came as the institute warned over a likely rise in cases of human-wildlife conflict as animals fled from flooded parks and riparian lands.
This emerged at the end of the three-day scientific conference organised by the institute and held at Lake Naivasha Resort drawing local and international participants.
According to the Institute Director Dr Patrick Omondi, mitigation measures to make sure that the rains had minimal effects on the parks were going on.
Omondi was however quick to warn that they expected massive flooding in the Amboseli national park and several lakes within Rift Valley.
“The institute is working closely with KWS in coming up with mitigation measures around the parks and water bodies so that we can reduce the impacts of the rains,” he said.
Omondi termed the scientific conference a game changer in conservation issues, adding that the volumes of data received would aid in decision-making
Addressing the press, he added that for years, wildlife data was scattered, making it hard to come up with policies and address the challenges facing conservation.
“We have data as old as 50 years but this has not been implemented but the conference will come up with the way forward and assist in science management and policy,” he said.
Omondi said the wildlife sector was on its way to full recovery following the long drought that left thousands of wild animals dead
He added that during the period, no rhino had died, adding that the number of elephants stood at more than 36,000, with the old and young ones affected by the drought
“Covid-19 saw conservation funds reduced and this was worsened by the drought but we have identified species affected and habitats destroyed with a view of restoring them,” he said.
Professor George Owiti from the University of Nairobi noted an increase in cases of ivory and game meat trade with forensic science helping to identify suspects.
“We are working with the National Museum of Kenya in forensic science that helps prove cases in court,” he said.