NAIROBI, March 11 (Xinhua) -- Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) on Tuesday launched a wildlife restocking initiative to introduce new species at a coastal biodiversity hotspot.
The reintroduction of majestic species at Shimba Hills National Reserve, located in Kwale County on the south coast of Kenya, will address challenges posed by low faunal diversity and boost coastal tourism profile and nationwide wildlife conservation efforts, KWS said in a statement issued in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital.
According to the statement, the reintroduced species will be sourced from neighboring areas, including 100 common zebras, 20 Maasai giraffes, 50 impalas, 50 topis, 100 buffaloes, 30 elands, 50 Coke's hartebeests, and 10 white rhinos.
By increasing species diversity, the project will enhance ecological balance, creating a more vibrant and dynamic environment. This in turn will make the reserve more attractive to tourists, improving visitor experience, KWS said.
The reintroduction of new species in the reserve will ease pressure on dispersal areas, besides addressing the underutilization of grass forage linked to the low density of herbivores, it noted.
Shimba Hills National Reserve is part of the Eastern Arc Mountain and the Coastal Forests biodiversity hotspot, home to various species, including rare sable antelope, African elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and a unique array of birds, amphibians and reptiles.
The agency added that the wildlife restocking project marked a critical milestone in national efforts to secure a resilient future for threatened species.
