At the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya, counting animals is not a simple task. The team does it by hand using binoculars, Jeeps, and even planes. Dominic Maringa, who leads conservation at Lewa, says it’s important to know exactly how many animals are there. They check on all kinds of animals, especially those in danger of disappearing forever. This is called a full census. It helps to track the numbers and see how well the animals are doing. For example, elephants are growing in number, even though each pregnancy takes almost two years. In 2014, there were 350 elephants at Lewa. By 2024, that number grew to 450. This careful counting is one way to protect animals.
More Rhinos, More Hope
Rhinos are also doing better at Lewa. This conservancy now has 14 percent of all black rhinos in Kenya. That is a big number for one sanctuary. In the 1980s, many animals like elephants and rhinos were in danger. People were hunting them, and their homes were getting smaller. But now, thanks to better protection, more rhinos are living and having babies. The numbers show real progress. This isn’t just good for the animals; it helps everyone who lives near Lewa too. When animals are healthy, it means tourism can grow. And when tourists visit, it brings more money to the area. So looking after rhinos helps people as well.
Shrinking Homes for Wildlife
Even though animal numbers are going up, there is a new problem. Their homes are getting smaller. This is happening because of two main reasons. One is climate change, which is making the land hotter and drier. The other is human growth. More people are moving into the area and building houses or farms. That takes land away from the animals. So, while their numbers go up, their space goes down. This can lead to more meetings between animals and people, which often causes problems. Elephants may walk into farms, or rhinos may get too close to roads. When this happens, both sides can get hurt. So it’s important to think of new ways to give animals room to move.
Building Wildlife Corridors
One idea that helps is called a wildlife corridor. This is a special piece of land that connects two big nature areas. Animals can walk through it safely, from one place to another. Kenya is now trying to build more of these corridors. They let elephants, rhinos, and other animals move without coming across too many people. Lewa already has some of these corridors and wants to build more. These paths are important because they help animals grow in number. They also help stop fights between animals and people. When animals are not trapped in one area, they stay calmer and healthier. For the people nearby, it also means fewer problems with damaged crops or scared livestock.
Thinking Ahead to Avoid Conflict
Dominic Maringa from Lewa says it’s important to think ahead. If you keep animals in a closed space, they will try to get out. And when they do, they might walk into farms. That can lead to trouble. Some people may try to chase the animals away or even hurt them. That is why Maringa wants more connections between different conservancies. He believes that if you open new wildlife corridors now, you avoid big problems later. This kind of planning takes time, land, and money. But it is better than waiting for problems to happen. It helps everyone—the animals, the farmers, and the people who visit the area.
Nature and People Living Together
The big goal is to help wild animals and humans live side by side. That has never been easy, but it is possible. Animals like elephants and rhinos have lived in Africa for millions of years. They have a right to the land too. People now have to make smart choices. That means protecting animal homes, building safe paths, and teaching others why it matters. When you take a look at places like Lewa, you see that good changes are already happening. But the work is not over. Every year, there are new challenges. Still, the results so far show that change is possible. Animals can survive and grow. People can live nearby without problems. And the land can support both.
Why It Matters to You
You might be far away from Kenya, but this still matters. Animals like rhinos and elephants are part of the world’s history. Losing them would be a big loss for everyone. When they grow in number, it shows what care, planning, and patience can do. This work at Lewa is not just about animals. It also helps local communities, protects the land, and supports tourism. That means more jobs and better lives for people living nearby. In a world where natural spaces are disappearing fast, places like Lewa give hope. They show that with the right actions, both nature and people can share the land.
