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Grand species and sweeping landscapes
Kenya is famous for its striking landscapes and exciting wildlife. It’s home to the Great Rift Valley, a geologically active rift that stretches the entire length of the country. With sharp mountains and shimmering lakes, it’s a beautiful part of Kenya’s landscape, which exemplifies the unique nature of this biodiverse country.
It’s no surprise that Kenya attracts over a million tourists a year; many heading out on safari to catch a glimpse of the ‘big five’ – elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard – as well as other charismatic megafauna such as giraffe, zebra and African wild dog.
Less well known to the public is the unique nature found within Kenya’s coastal waters. Black corals, mangroves and seagrass are just some of the beautiful – but crucial – marine species found around Kenya.
Much of the country’s economy is driven by natural resources, including wildlife tourism, but unfortunately, Kenya’s nature is facing many challenges. Habitat loss, poaching, pollution and climate change all threaten the future of Kenyan wildlife and need to be addressed urgently.
What wildlife is in Kenya?
From big to small, world-famous to unknown, the diversity of Kenya’s wildlife is huge. Hailed one of the world’s ten mega-biodiverse nations, Kenya is home to over 35,000 plant and animal species. Kenyan habitats range from vast rangelands and grasslands to lowland and mountain forest mountains, to arid lands, croplands and marine and inland waters.
Despite its rich biodiversity, many of Kenya’s species are threatened with extinction. Kenya is home to the last of the Northern white rhino population and is also home to the black rhino. The East African oryx, Grévy’s zebra and African elephant are just a handful of the species also listed as endangered and are a priority for species conservation in this country.
While Kenya’s terrestrial conservancies and national parks often tend to take centre stage for wildlife protection, the country also provides crucial habitat for marine species. Five species of sea turtles have been documented as occurring within Kenyan waters, which also provide important nurseries and habitats for dolphins among other species.
Northern white rhino. © Andy Troy / Wirestock
Northern white rhino.
Fauna & Flora’s work in Kenya
Fauna & Flora has been supporting nature conservation in Kenya since our foundation in 1903. Exactly a century later, we opened an office in Nairobi and established a formal country programme, which focuses on supporting local partners to protect key habitats and species. Fauna & Flora has played a crucial role in establishing a number of wildlife conservancies in northern Kenya that protect wildlife while also supporting sustainable local livelihoods.
Beyond our terrestrial conservation programme, we support the efforts of coastal communities to secure greater involvement in the management of their marine resources – protecting nature, while helping people.
© Stephanie O'Donnell
Women in conservation tech programme workshop ran by WILDLABS / Fauna & Flora / OPC in Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya.
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