The project will enhance rhino monitoring and security patrols at Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya. The Conservancy is home to 159 Critically Endangered Eastern Black rhino - the largest sub-population in the world. Protecting these rhinos is resource intensive and dangerous work.
Rhino patrols are carried out on foot and rangers cover over 10km every day. Each individual black rhino must be spotted every day. Rangers risk their lives searching for the rhino in thick bush - the preferred habitat of the rhino and many other dangerous animals. The rangers are also vulnerable to potential encounters with poachers.
The project involves the purchase of a drone and training of at least two rangers on Ol Pejeta. It will enable the teams on the ground to cover more area, significantly increase visibility, and reduce the risk to rangers. Overall, it will enable more efficient and effective anti-poaching and monitoring efforts - directly supporting the protection of the growing black rhino population. We are grateful for the support of John and Shea Stephens and Kendrone for making this project happen.
Ol Pejeta's longer term ambition is to train more rangers in drone operations and purchase additional drones to support anti-poaching and wildlife monitoring. It is also anticipated that the use of drones be extended to general wildlife monitoring and human wildlife conflict management. Such use of technology will increase the efficiency and effectiveness of operations - supporting conservation efforts and thriving populations of wildlife.
