Kenya Wildlife Service, Kenya Rhino Range Expansion and San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance are marking 18 months of work to expand habitat for Kenya’s rhinos. In Tsavo, the expanded sanctuary now covers approximately 3,200 square kilometers and gives the black rhino population approximately 30 times more space. More than fourteen partners in Central Kenya have signed agreements to work toward opening their properties to expanding rhino populations. The partnership is also supporting habitat restoration in Naibunga Community Conservancy.
Creating Space in Tsavo
The expanded Tsavo West Rhino Sanctuary became Africa’s largest rhino sanctuary of its kind when its final fence dropped in September. Kenya Rhino Range Expansion has supported the wider effort, including ear notching nearly 70% of the 200 rhinos in Tsavo West, alongside investments in ranger mobility, monitoring, communications and infrastructure.
Larger landscapes allow for natural dispersal and improved genetic resilience, while strengthening protection for the wider ecosystem and wildlife that share the habitat.
Dr. Nadine Lamberski, Chief Conservation Science and Wildlife Health Officer at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, said:
“Expanding their range goes beyond giving rhinos more room to grow. It is about safeguarding the ecological processes that sustain life across their native habitat. As an indicator species critical to biodiversity and ecosystem balance, the health of black rhino populations reflects the health of the grasslands and woodlands that countless species depend on.”
Future Rhino Landscapes
In Central Kenya, more than fourteen partners have signed agreements committing to work toward opening their properties to expanding rhino populations. Together, these landscapes have the potential to create significant new space for rhinos while strengthening connectivity across one of Kenya’s most important wildlife areas.
In Naibunga Community Conservancy, Kenya Rhino Range Expansion is working with the community to restore and enhance the landscape through removing invasive plant species. Any consideration of rhino conservation as part of future land-use options will use an inclusive and participatory F-PIC process.
Space for People and Rhinos
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s early funding helped Kenya Rhino Range Expansion establish its team, technical capacity and partnerships. The initiative works alongside organizations and people managing Kenya’s landscapes, helping identify opportunities, convene partners, provide technical expertise and direct funding toward projects that can unlock additional habitat.
Jamie Gaymer, CEO at Kenya Rhino Range Expansion, said:
“What we are ultimately trying to create is space. Space for rhinos to grow, but also space for nature-based businesses, tourism and employment to grow alongside them. If we can get that right, expanding rhino populations becomes part of a much bigger story about healthy landscapes and the people whose futures are connected to them.”
