Synergy Issues for Rhinoceros Conservation and Protection in Kenya

Abstract

Abstract—The rhinoceros is endangered species in Kenya. Due to rampant poaching, the population of the black rhinoceros decreased from about 20,000 in the 1970s to about 300 in the early 1990s. Since then, its population increased to about 745 in 2018. From 2011 to 2015, however, about 160 rhinoceros were poached in Kenya. This paper examines the current status of rhinoceros protection and discusses how the protection regime can be improved in the future. We argue that inter-agency collaboration and public engagement are key to dismantle poaching cartels. These ideas can also facilitate the implementation of Kenya’s Rhinoceros Action Plan. This paper explores collaboration opportunities at Lake Nakuru National Park by examining wildlife law enforcement as well as the investigation and prosecution of rhinoceros crimes. Here local communities are key stakeholders as they can help identify poachers and provide testimonies in courts. Inter-agency partnership through sharing of information and intelligence among law enforcement agencies, investigators, and prosecutors could promote both human and wildlife justice. Wildlife crimes involving endangered species could be prosecuted at the Environment and Land Court to expedite wildlife crime litigation. In the future, county environment courts may be established to better handle specialized prosecution of environment and wildlife crimes. Index Terms—Endangered species, Lake Nakuru, poaching, rhino horn, wildlife conservation, wildlife crime