Covid-19 pandemic threatens wildlife in Kenya

Text by: Charlotte Simonart

The Kenyan government has closed national parks along with airspace to help stop the spread of the virus. But with the drop in the number of tourists, the fund to ensure the protection of wildlife also decreases and poachers could benefit.

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From our correspondent in Nairobi,

" Everything that has a horn is threatened today ". This is the statement of environmentalists who call for help. Tourism stalled, it is the funds for the protection of wildlife that are dwindling. Poachers know this and intend to profit from it.

Especially since certain endangered species such as rhinos require close protection 24 hours a day. A strategy that is slowly bearing fruit with the timid increase in their population in recent years. But efforts that could be undermined in a few months because the guard teams could be reduced, warn officials.

To combat poaching, Kenya has so far involved local populations in protecting wildlife by providing them with employment in remote areas.

► Read also: The only female white giraffe in the world was killed in Kenya by poachers

But these jobs are now under threat and locals could therefore become accomplices of poachers to earn a few shillings, or even feed themselves on protected animals to survive.

Environmental specialists are therefore expecting massive attacks on wildlife throughout East Africa in the coming months.

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• Coronavirus
• Kenya
• Wildlife
• Animal health

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