There’s no doubt in our minds that you are aware of the problem we face today of many of our wildlife becoming endangered, threatened, or vulnerable. Ultimately, if nothing is done, these species will then become extinct – never to be seen again.
✅VULNERABLE STATUS:
A species which has been classified as vulnerable is one which faces the threat of becoming extinct. They are still at the point where if something is done to help and change their status, they can prevent the species of becoming extinct.
✅ENDANGERED STATUS:
If a species has been defined as being endangered, this means that the species has passed being a vulnerable one and now if nothing is done and serious laws are not put into place to conserve and protect the species, they will ultimately not survive and the species will become extinct. A few examples of the last-resort efforts put into place to save an endangered species are things such as serious laws, putting aside land to relocate the species, as well as implementing breeding programs.
✅BLACK RHINO & WHITE RHINO:
Black rhinos are actually grey in color and are distinguished from white rhinos by their pointed, prehensile upper lip, whereas white rhinos have square lips. Black rhino calves usually follow their mother – whereas white rhino calves often trot along in front. Black rhinos are largely solitary and are browsers rather than grazers – hence their hooked lip. Black rhinos are classified as Critically Endangered, as they have been decimated by poaching for their horn. The most recent numbers estimate less than 5000 in 2010, however, numbers are likely to have decreased further since then, despite valiant conservation efforts.
It is sad that, after successful conservation efforts increased their numbers dramatically in the 1960’s, once again, white rhino has become one of the most endangered animals in Africa. This is due to illegal poaching to satisfy the increased demand for their horn by Asian markets.
BEST PLACES TO SEE RHINOS IN EAST AFRICA:
✔Ol Pejeta Conservancy– East Africa’s largest black rhino sanctuary.
✔Nairobi National Park.
✔Tsavo West National Park– Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary.
✔Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya.
✔Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya.
✔Meru National Park, Kenya.
✔Il Ngwesi Group Ranch.
✔Solio Game Reserve
✔Borana Wildlife Conservancy
✔Ruma National Park
✔The Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania.
✔Serengeti National Park, Tanzania.
✅ROTHSCHILD’S GIRAFFE:
There are nine subspecies of giraffe, each confined to specific regions of Africa. The Rothschild’s giraffe is now listed as one of the most endangered animals in Africa – in 2010 there were thought to be less than 670 individuals. It is found in western Kenya and eastern Uganda and it has broader dividing white lines than the reticulated giraffe and no spotting below the knees.
BEST PLACES TO SEE ROTHSCHILD’S GIRAFFES IN EAST AFRICA:
✔Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya.
✔Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda.
✔Kidepo Vally National Park, Uganda
✔Lake Mburi National Park, Uganda.
✅MOUNTAIN GORILLA:
Although mountain gorillas are still considered one of the most endangered animals in Africa, the good news is that their numbers are actually on the increase. An encounter with mountain gorillas should be on everyone’s bucket list. Although it is an expensive trip, believe me, it is worth every dollar! You will never forget the hour you spend with these gentle giants. It is your tourist dollars that are helping to protect and conserve the mountain gorillas and their forests – another reason to visit!
BEST PLACES TO SEE MOUNTAIN GORILLAS IN EAST AFRICA:
✔Bwindi National Park, Uganda.
✔Mgahinga National Park, Uganda
✔Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.
✅AFRICAN WILD DOG:
Wild dogs Sightings on safari are often by luck, as the dogs cover huge distances in search of prey, and it is only when they are denning (usually the dry season months) that they remain in the same place for a few weeks.
BEST PLACES TO SEE AFRICAN WILD DOG:
✔Loisaba Conservancy, Kenya.
✔Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania.
✔Ruaha National Park, Tanzania
✅HOODED VULTURE
The hooded vulture is now one of the most endangered species in Africa – recently upgraded to Critically Endangered. They are easy to distinguish from other vultures by their small size and thin hooked bill.
BEST PLACES TO SEE HOODED VULTURES IN EAST AFRICA:
✔Olare Motorogi Conservancy, Masai Mara Kenya.
CHIMPANZEE:
When you look into the eyes of a wild chimpanzee, it is easy to understand that this is man’s closest relative – we share 98% of the same genes. Their behavior is distinctively human-like too. Tracking chimpanzees in the wild is one of the most exciting safari activities – it really does feel like you are in the middle of your very own wildlife documentary. Chimpanzees are classified as one of the most endangered animals in Africa – the biggest threat to their survival is habitat loss and an increasing demand for bushmeat.
BEST PLACES TO SEE CHIMPANZEES IN EAST AFRICA:
✔Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya.
✔Gombe National Park, Tanzania.
✔Mahale Mountains National Park, Tanzania
✔Kibale National Park, Uganda.
✔Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda.
✔Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda
✅OTHER ENDANGERED SPECIES IN KENYA:
✔Grevy’s Zebra – Samburu National Reserve, Kenya.
✔Lesser Kudu
✔Thomson’s Gazelle
✔Hirola/Hunter’s Antelope
✅OTHER ENDAGERED SPECIES IN TANZANIA:
✔African white-bellied Pangolin
✔Lesser Kudu
✔Thomson’s Gazelle.
