As mentioned above, KWS has recently developed a
new Conservation and Management Strategy for the Black Rhino, which
will guide the management of the species on a national level from
2007-2011. The primary goal of this strategy is to achieve a
minimum viable metapopulation of 700 individuals in Kenya, of which
150 will be free ranging. In recognition of the importance of the
MMNR in this regard, the new strategy contains a number of specific
actions to be implemented by both KWS and MMNR management during
its five-year implementation period. These actions include: a study
on factors negatively affecting rhino numbers and distribution (see
Action 1.4); an analysis of existing information on mortality
trends in relation to predators; the creation of a joint
Mara-Serengeti monitoring system (see Action 1.3 below); and the
posting of a dedicated ecologist posted to the area with expertise
on species conservation and data analysis. This final action is of
primary importance if the new KWS strategy is to be successfully
implemented in the MMNR, and MMNR management will therefore liaise
with the KWS Deputy Director Biodiversity Research and Monitoring
Division and Head, Human Capital regarding the deployment of a KWS
Ecologist to the MMNR, as indicated in the new
strategy.
