“Efforts doubled up for crane and wetlands conservation in Kenya ahead of the world environment day”

The International Crane Foundation /Endangered Wildlife Trust is working with Nandi,Trans Nzoia and Uasin Gishu Counties to raise awareness of conserving cranes that continue to dwindle in their numbers over the years .

The International cranes foundation also seeks to create awareness over the conservation of the wetlands that are a natural habitat to the endangered birds.

Cranes have been identified as important birds as they act as indicators of climate change and this is evidenced by their migratory nature which informs farmers on when to plan for their farming activities in Kenya.

“The loss and continuous destruction of wetlands due to human activities has resulted in reduction of the number of cranes in the country since the cranes fully depend on wetlands for their livelihood and nurturing of their offspring. “Said Vivian Kitui, a senior Field officer with the International crane foundation.

Vivian cautions that most of the wetlands have been used for farming activities making it in conducive for cranes to breed, “Most of our farmers are un aware about the environmental importance of wetlands especially in conserving our environment , these wetlands are crucial for biodiversity and more so as a natural habitat for the Crane birds”. Said Vivian.

According to 2019 census, there are approximately 8,000 cranes and about ninety five percent of them are adults while the rest are offsprings,the statistics carried out between 25th February and 11th March in 2019 also indicated close to 20 percent of the total crane population in Kenya are found within Uasingishu County hence the need to educate farmers in the region.

“Farmers are complaining of the destruction of crops caused by cranes on their farms and the International Crane Foundation in partnership with Endangered Wildlife Trust is looking forward on the way of minimizing the huge destruction caused by cranes on crops in order to have a win win situation between livelihood support and conservation of the Cranes. “Stated Vivian

Kitui noted that cranes are approaching breeding season this year and farmers would be required to provide support to the ongoing conservation efforts by the International Crane Foundation/Endangered Wildlife Trust .

By Fenny Oyare

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Editorial Staff

Lead writer at Vipasho Media

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