This archive report was first published on 6 August 2020.
Published on August 6, 2020, the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife unveiled a recovery action plan for lions and spotted hyenas in a bid to attain viable populations and a healthy ecosystem.
The plan, launched at the Maasai Mara National Reserve, aims to address the threats faced by the two carnivores in a holistic and collaborative manner, according to Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala.
"This recovery plan is a long-term vision for sustaining viable populations of lions and spotted hyenas in healthy ecosystems as a world heritage valued by Kenyans," Balala said.
Kenya's lion population is estimated at 2,489, while the spotted hyena is listed as 'vulnerable' and the lion as 'endangered' under the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, 2013.
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) identifies lions and spotted hyenas as Kenya's most iconic yet threatened predators due to increased human population and encroachment, leading to human-wildlife conflict.
Other reasons for the decline of the spotted hyena and lion include land use changes, climate change, habitat loss and fragmentation, poaching, and illegal wildlife trade.
Lions and spotted hyenas play crucial ecological roles within their ecosystems, and their widespread decline poses hurdles to maintaining a balance ecosystem in the future.
