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National Wildlife Census

Comprehensive wildlife population data from Kenya's national census surveys conducted across all major ecosystems since 2005.

2005-2024

Census Years

150+

Species Monitored

47

Counties Covered

1,000+

Survey Locations

Census Methodology & Coverage

Aerial Surveys

Systematic aerial transects using GPS-guided aircraft for large mammal population estimation.

  • • Fixed-wing aircraft surveys
  • • Helicopter block counts
  • • GPS transect navigation
  • • Digital data recording
Primary Method
Ground Surveys

On-foot transect surveys for detailed species counts and habitat assessment in accessible areas.

  • • Line transect sampling
  • • Distance sampling protocols
  • • GPS track recording
  • • Habitat data collection
Ground Truth
Camera Trapping

Motion-activated cameras for nocturnal and cryptic species population monitoring.

  • • 24-hour monitoring
  • • Individual identification
  • • Behavioral observations
  • • Occupancy modeling
Specialized
Remote Sensing

Satellite imagery and drone surveys for habitat mapping and landscape-scale monitoring.

  • • Habitat classification
  • • Change detection analysis
  • • Vegetation monitoring
  • • Water body mapping
Landscape
Community Monitoring

Local community participation in wildlife monitoring and data collection programs.

  • • Community scouts training
  • • Mobile data collection
  • • Traditional knowledge
  • • Conflict data reporting
Community
Aquatic Surveys

Specialized surveys for aquatic and semi-aquatic species in lakes, rivers, and wetlands.

  • • Boat-based transects
  • • Waterbird counts
  • • Hippo population surveys
  • • Wetland habitat assessment
Aquatic

Priority Species Monitoring

Critically Endangered
  • • Black Rhinoceros
  • • Northern White Rhinoceros
  • • Hirola Antelope
  • • Rüppell's Vulture
Endangered
  • • African Wild Dog
  • • Grevy's Zebra
  • • African Elephant
  • • Cheetah
Vulnerable
  • • Lion
  • • White Rhinoceros
  • • Leopard
  • • Giraffe
Key Large Mammals
  • • African Buffalo
  • • Hippopotamus
  • • Plains Zebra
  • • Various Antelope Species
Migratory Species
  • • Wildebeest Migration
  • • Elephant Populations
  • • Seasonal Bird Migrants
  • • Marine Turtle Species
Ecosystem Indicators
  • • Predator-Prey Ratios
  • • Herbivore Densities
  • • Waterbird Populations
  • • Forest Species

Census Data Access

Access comprehensive wildlife census data including population estimates, trend analyses, and spatial distribution maps.

Latest Census

2024
National Wildlife Census
Key Findings:
  • • 36,280 Elephants counted
  • • 1,739 Black Rhinos recorded
  • • 3,020 White Rhinos counted
  • • 2,589 Grevy's Zebras observed
Coverage:
  • • 58 protected areas
  • • 32 conservancies
  • • 15 ranches