NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 26 — Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) rangers attached to the Problem Animal Control Unit have captured a stray leopard in Kajiado following a spate of attacks resulting in the loss of livestock.
The wildlife management agency said Monday the cat had been causing havoc in villages within Kajiado’s Oloompaluani sub-location.
It said the leopard will undergo examination before reintroduction into the wild.
“After its capture, the leopard was skillfully transported to the veterinary clinic at KWS headquarters for a thorough examination to assess its physical condition and physiological needs,” KWS announced.
The agency appealed to members of the public to promptly notify its teams of sightings of wildlife to support its commitment to promoting harmonious coexistence with communities.
“In the spirit of #TunzaMaliYako, we urge the public to promptly report any wildlife sightings in human settlement areas via our Toll-Free Number 0800 597 000, WhatsApp 0726 610509 or to the nearest KWS station for immediate intervention,” KWS stated.
The incident comes at a time of heightened vigilance in areas bordering national parks amid a surge in attacks.
Growing cat population
Earlier in the month, the government launched a probe into the rise in hyena attacks amid indications of population growth.
Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua said preliminary investigations had revealed a notable increase in the hyena population within Nairobi’s Juja area and the Nairobi National Park.
Mutua, who spoke while on a public engagement in Kilifi on February 7, attributed the projected population growth to the dry spell witnessed in the country before the onset of El Nino rains in 2023.
Amid scarcity in water and pasture, the scavengers capitalised on the death of other animals, Mutua said.
He also blamed rising attacks on humans on the increased proximity of hyenas to human settlements leading to a rise in confrontations.
“We must understand that these animals are simply adapting to their environment. While it is our duty to conserve and protect our wildlife, we also need to take precautions to ensure the safety of our citizens,” said the CS.