This archive report was first published on 6 August 2020.
On Thursday, 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.
Speaking during the launch at the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala noted that the recovery plan addresses threats faced by the two carnivores in a holistic and collaborative manner.
"This aims for the long-term vision of sustaining viable populations of lions and spotted hyenas in healthy ecosystems as a world heritage valued by Kenyans," he said.
Kenya's lion population is estimated at 2,489, and the widespread decline of the spotted hyena, now listed as 'vulnerable', and the lion, classified as 'endangered' under the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, 2013, pose hurdles to maintaining a balance ecosystem in the future.
The recovery plan aims to address threats such as human population growth, encroachment, land use changes, climate change, habitat loss and fragmentation, poaching, and illegal wildlife trade.
Lions and spotted hyenas are top predators who play crucial ecological roles within their ecosystems.
