Latest news with #KenyaWildlifeService
Time of India
15 hours ago
- Time of India
Everything about Masai Mara, Africa's famous national park where Ranbir Kapoor proposed to Alia Bhatt
Ever wondered what was so special about Masai Mara that Ranbir Kapoor proposed to Alia Bhatt here? Well, Masai Mara is the soul of Africa, where golden sands are in contrast to the vast blue skies, creating a magical spectacle. It's a paradise for wildlife lovers and also happens to be Alia Bhatt's fav destination. Let's explore more about the place: Location Masai Mara is located in the southern part of Kenya along the Great Rift Valley area. It is some 224 km from the capital, Nairobi, and borders the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. Both of these parks are part of the world's oldest ecosystem. This national reserve is located in a semi-arid area and is surrounded by Acacia trees. History of the land It is also the only reserve that is directly managed by the Masai tribe, unlike the other reserves and national parks that are managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service. The place got its name in honour of the Maa people who occupy the land on which the reserve is present. This reserve in Kenya is one of the premium protected areas in the whole of Africa. In 1961, it was established as a wildlife sanctuary; then, in 1974, it was declared a national reserve; and in 1976, more land was added to it. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo The Maa people described the land as 'Mara' in their local language, which means 'spotted' when seen from afar. A wildlife paradise This reserve offers shelter to the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and black rhinos. You can easily spot the Big Five here, as this place has an ideal climate throughout most of the year. You can also spot the Big Nine African animals, along with 400 bird species ,most of them are migratory birds and one can also see 60 species of raptors here. Home to the Big Five This is one of the world's premier locations to spot Africa's king of the jungle, the lion. This species will definitely leave you awestruck with its strength, speed, and reputation. The African elephant can also be easily spotted here but has been threatened by poachers for its ivory tusks. In Mara, the population of elephants has grown over the years. There's a great population of the majestic leopards here too, but they are not as easy to spot and are listed as vulnerable due to their loss of habitat and human encroachment. You can go on the Masai Mara safari to spot these animals. The Cape buffalo and black or white rhino are also part of the Big Five. Whether it be white or black rhino, they are difficult to spot during the safari. The Cape buffalo is one of the most dangerous animals, and they are mostly found in herds of 100 or more. The Great Migration The biggest mammal trek in the world, where over 1.5 million wildebeest, 400,000 zebra, 12,000 eland, and 300,000 Grant's and Thomson's gazelles trek from Serengeti to Masai Mara. This sight is like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity ,everyone should witness it once in their life. It is considered that they start their trek in July and August and start arriving in Masai Mara around the same time, and around October, they start to leave. But nature does not live according to our timetable, so it's difficult to predict when you'll be able to witness it. They are basically trekking in search of greener, mineral-rich pastures and water. These herds are not safe from predatory animals, as while crossing the Mara River, crocodiles are waiting for them in the water, and in Masai Mara, these herds are threatened by the big cats as well. Masai Mara offers the best African safari experience with a wide variety of animals, like the Big Five or the migratory species that come into Masai Mara during the Great Migration. You can also get involved in authentic cultural activities with the Maasai people. This is the perfect spot for all the wildlife lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and a romantic getaway for lovers- you might not know, but you might be the next one getting proposed to on this beautiful land! (Image Credits: Canva)
Euronews
14-07-2025
- Euronews
German customs officials find 1,500 tarantulas hidden in cake boxes
Customs officials in Germany released photos on Monday from a seizure of roughly 1,500 young tarantulas found inside plastic containers that had been hidden in chocolate sponge cake boxes shipped to an airport in the west of the country. Customs officials found the shipment at Cologne Bonn airport in a package that had arrived from Vietnam, tipped off by a "noticeable smell" that didn't resemble the expected aroma of the seven kilograms of the confectionery treats, Cologne customs office spokesman Jens Ahland said. "My colleagues at the airport are regularly surprised by the contents of prohibited packages from all over the world, but the fact that they found around 1,500 small plastic containers containing young tarantulas in this package left even the most experienced among them speechless," Ahland said in a statement. Ahland hailed an "extraordinary seizure," but one that "saddens us to see what some people do to animals purely for profit." Many of the eight-legged creatures didn't survive the trip, in a suspected violation of German animal-welfare rules, while survivors were given to the care of an expert handler, the office said. Reached by phone, Ahland said that the estimated value of the shipment was being assessed. Criminal proceedings are underway against the intended recipient in the Sauerland region, east of the airport, in part for alleged violations of failure to pay the proper import duties and make the proper customs declarations, the office said. The tarantulas were discovered about three weeks ago, but the customs office only made the images public on Monday. Insect smuggling into Europe for profit is not unusual. In May, two teens were sentenced by a Kenyan court after being found with 5,000 ants in their guesthouse. The court sentenced them to either a fine of $7,700 (€6,775) or the option of serving 12 months in prison. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) said that case represented "a shift in trafficking trends — from iconic large mammals to lesser-known yet ecologically critical species."
LeMonde
13-06-2025
- LeMonde
In Kenya, two young Belgians sentenced for attempting to illegally export around 5,000 ants
David L. and Seppe L., two Belgian teenagers from Mol in the province of Antwerp, became internationally known on April 5: Kenyan police from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, accompanied by inspectors from the Kenya Wildlife Service, discovered about 5,000 ants stored in syringes and test tubes in their hotel room in Naivasha, Northwest of Nairobi. The two friends, ages 19 and 18, claimed at the time that they were unaware that capturing these insects was illegal under Kenyan law and that they were simply pursuing a "hobby." This version has since been widely challenged following investigations by the Belgian press. Appearing before a magistrate on charges of "biopiracy" in mid-April, the two Belgians cited their "stupidity" and "naivety." Appearing in court alongside a Vietnamese and a Kenyan national, they were let off with a relatively light sentence and each was fined €6,800 on May 7, before being allowed to return to Belgium the following day. Highly sought after by enthusiasts Kenyan law imposes fines of up to €140,000, and even prison sentences, for trafficking in species that could disrupt the ecosystem. Penalties can be even harsher elsewhere. An Italian man and his son were fined €188,000 in Sri Lanka for attempting to export various insects in 2024, while in 2019, a Japanese butterfly and cockroach enthusiast was sentenced to two years in prison in Ecuador.
The Citizen
10-06-2025
- Science
- The Citizen
SA is in the forefront of saving rhinos from poaching
Our scientists and game rangers have pioneered the technique of dehorning rhinos to make them less attractive targets for poachers. Side profile of a rhinoceros that has been dehorned to prevent poaching. Picture: iStock While it is commendable that Kenyan efforts to conserve rhino are gaining momentum, we need to disabuse Dr Dominic Mijele from the Kenya Wildlife Service that his country is 'number one in the world' when it comes to translocating rhinos. No, doc. You need to look further south to find the real experts: South Africa, after all, started the concept with the iconic 'Operation Rhino' in the 1960s, which saw around 4 000 rhino relocated from reserves in KwaZulu-Natal to other African countries where they were threatened with extinction because of hunting. Now, as worldwide poaching and the demand for rhino horn ratchets up, South Africa is still in the forefront of the fight to save these iconic animals. ALSO READ: Rhino whisperer fights poaching with drone campaign Our scientists and game rangers have pioneered the technique of dehorning rhinos to make them less attractive targets for poachers. A seven-year study in one of our major conservation areas has shown that dehorning resulting in a nearly 80% reduction in the poaching of the animals. It was also scientists from Wits University's radiation and health physics unit who came up with the idea of injecting radioactive material into live rhino horns to make them easier to detect at borders. Sounds like world-leading to us… NOW READ: 'Relentless threat to wildlife': Here's how many rhinos were poached in SA in 2025 so far
Associated Press
28-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Kenya Wildlife Service and the Zeitz Foundation Initiate Historic Rhino Translocation to Segera Conservancy
The initiative aims to create one of the largest rhino sanctuaries globally, protecting endangered species while delivering sustainable community benefits. SEGERA, KENYA, May 28, 2025 / / -- Kenya's Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano today presided over the launch of a groundbreaking rhino translocation exercise at the Segera Conservancy in Central Kenya. The project, a collaborative effort between the ZEITZ Foundation and the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), will see 21 critically endangered eastern black rhinos moved to the 50,000-acre conservancy, marking a significant milestone in Kenya's wildlife conservation efforts. More than a relocation effort, this is a visionary model for regeneration. It forms part of a broader plan to establish what will ultimately become one of the largest rhino sanctuaries in the world by connecting Segera to other conservation areas in the region. Kenya is home to about 80 percent of the world's remaining eastern black rhinos. As of 2024, Kenya had 1,977 rhinos, made up of 1,004 eastern black rhinos, 971 southern white rhinos, and two critically endangered northern white rhinos. Jochen Zeitz the founder of the ZEITZ Foundation and Segera says, 'We are so excited to be welcoming endangered Black Rhinos back to Segera. By giving these rhinos an expansive new home, we not only expect to see numbers increase significantly in coming years, but it also benefits communities while enhancing the biodiversity and landscapes of Central Kenya.' said Zeitz. Restoring the Land, Empowering the People Like all other projects by the ZEITZ Foundation, the translocation is expected to deliver tangible and sustainable benefits for land, wildlife, and rural communities. The establishment of Segera Rhino Sanctuary will serve as a linchpin in Kenya's Rhino Range Expansion plan, with Segera Conservancy being the central geographic connection between other rhino sanctuaries. As community involvement remains central to the project's success, areas around Segera will benefit through employment, capacity building and increased conservation economies. The project also offers unique learning experiences for schools and communities on wildlife conservation and related opportunities. Enhanced Security and Ecological Monitoring The translocation process is expected to take approximately 18-21 days, during which the rhinos will be kept under close observation by KWS specialists to help them adapt to their new home. Enhanced security measures will protect not only the rhinos but also the broader biodiversity of the area and local communities around the conservancy. Organizers have emphasized that existing land rights and boundaries will be respected and remain unaffected by the rhino translocation. Advanced ecological monitoring will also ensure sustainable habitat management and help mitigate Human Wildlife Conflict. A Living Legacy of the 4Cs Segera's role in this rewilding milestone reflects a long-term vision seeded by Jochen Zeitz, founder of the ZEITZ Foundation. In 2009, the Foundation developed The Long Run—a global community of nature-based businesses committed to achieving the highest levels of sustainability through a holistic balance of the 4Cs: Conservation, Community, Culture, and Commerce. Now an independent charity, The Long Run supports some of the world's most forward-thinking conservation and tourism initiatives, safeguarding over 21 million acres globally. As a founding Long Run Destination, Segera exemplifies this philosophy through efforts like wildlife conservation, women's empowerment, habitat restoration, and community development. In turn, this rhino relocation is more than a conservation success—but part of a larger story where tourism, nature, and local communities work in harmony to shape a sustainable future. A Tourism Model That Regenerates Aside from being a vital hub for the relocation project, Segera is also an award-winning eco-tourism destination where every guest stay directly supports the ecosystem and the communities who protect it. As a pioneer in regenerative tourism, Segera offers travelers a luxury safari experience grounded in purpose. Visitors are invited to take part in guided rewilding walks, learn about the 4C Philosophy, meet rangers and researchers, and explore how tourism revenue fuels long-term ecological and community resilience. Today, guests will also now have the rare opportunity to witness the return of critically endangered eastern black rhinos to their ancestral lands. ABOUT SEGERA Located in the heart of Laikipia, Kenya, Segera is a 50,000-acre wildlife conservancy and award-winning eco-tourism destination. As a hub for conservation, art, and culture, Segera blends luxury with purpose, offering guests transformative travel experiences that support wildlife protection, community empowerment, and the regeneration of East Africa's landscapes. ABOUT THE ZEITZ FOUNDATION Founded by Jochen Zeitz in 2008, the ZEITZ foundation promotes an innovative approach to sustainable ecosystem management which aims to achieve sustainability through a balance of Conservation, Community, Culture and Commerce (the 4Cs). Its vision is of an ecosphere – our planet and all of its life-sustaining regions – maintained in the healthiest possible state, with the major contribution to that health coming from people making sustainable choices. The ZEITZ foundation's mission is to create and support ecologically and socially responsible projects to achieve long-lasting impact and sustainability through the 4Cs, delivering tangible and sustainable benefits for land, wildlife and rural communities. Founded by the ZEITZ foundation in 2009, The Long Run is a membership organisation of nature-based tourism businesses that are committed to driving sustainability through the same holistic 4C philosophy. Now safeguarding over 21 million acres of nature in 22 different countries, touching the lives of 750,000 people and protecting over 30,000 plant and animal species, The Long Run has become the largest organisation of its kind worldwide. ABOUT THE KENYA WILDLIFE SERVICE The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is a state corporation mandated to conserve and manage Kenya's wildlife, and to enforce relevant Wildlife Conservation and Management Act (WCMA, 2013) laws for the Kenyan people and the world. There are a plethora of challenges facing wildlife and biodiversity conservation in Kenya, such as climate change, habitat degradation and loss, forest depletion, tourism market volatility, changing land use, human-wildlife conflict brought on by population growth, and wildlife crime. KWS manages about 8 per cent of the total landmass of the country, which comprises 23 National Parks, 28 National Reserves and 4 National Sanctuaries. Also, under KWS management are 4 Marine National Parks and 6 Marine Rachel Roth Imagine PR [email protected] Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
