Worst Drought in 40 Years Causes Mass Wildlife Deaths in Kenya

205 Elephants and Over 40 Endangered Grevy's Zebras Dead
Negative Impact on Tourism Industry Accounting for 10% of GDP

Giraffe carcass that died from drought in Kenya. Photo by AP Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] In Kenya, suffering from the worst drought in 40 years, cases of mass deaths of wildlife continue, with 205 elephants dying over a period of nine months.

On the 4th (local time), major foreign media outlets reported this fact, citing a press conference held the same day by Penina Malonza, Kenya's Minister of Tourism. At the press conference, Minister Malonza revealed that 205 elephants died due to drought in Kenya's wildlife reserves from February to October this year.

According to the Kenya Ministry of Tourism, there were approximately 36,000 elephants in Kenya as of last year. In addition to elephants, during the same period, 512 wildebeests (nu), 381 zebras, 12 giraffes, and 51 buffaloes also lost their lives. More than 40 Grevy's zebras, an endangered species, died within three months. Grevy's zebras are the largest among zebras and are characterized by their dense stripes.

Minister Malonza stated, "Many wild animals, mainly herbivores, have died due to the drought," adding, "They died from food depletion and water shortage." Adult herbivorous elephants require 136 kg of grass and 189 liters of water daily. Considering the possibility that carnivores consumed the carcasses, the actual number of deaths is likely higher. Kenya's rainy seasons are from March to May and November to December each year, but for several years now, the rainfall during these seasons has been insufficient, worsening the drought. At the end of August, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) forecasted that the Horn of Africa region in northeastern Africa would enter its fifth consecutive dry rainy season. The Horn of Africa, suffering from this, includes Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia. Fortunately, sporadic rains have recently begun in East Africa, but meteorological authorities expect below-average rainfall for the coming months.

Meanwhile, Kenya's wildlife habitats are major tourist attractions worldwide, so this situation is also adversely affecting the tourism industry. Kenya's tourism sector accounts for about 10% of the national GDP and employs over 2 million people.

The damage caused by the drought extends not only to wildlife but also to livestock. According to a report by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), from last autumn to this summer, 7 million poultry died in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia, and African residents who depend on livestock for their livelihood are facing a severe survival crisis. Scientists view the worsening and prolonged drought in this region as a result of climate change caused by the continued use of fossil fuels.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.