Kenya Hosts 3rd International Wild Equid Conservation Conference in Nanyuki
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The 3rd International Wild Equid Conservation Conference officially kicked off today at the Aberdare Prestige and Royal Cottages in Laikipia County, bringing together conservation experts, researchers, and policymakers from 22 countries.
Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Director General Prof. Erustus Kanga, who presided over the opening ceremony, highlighted the growing threats facing wild equids—including climate change, habitat loss, infrastructure expansion, livestock competition, poaching, and emerging diseases.
“The future of wild equids, from Africa’s zebras to Central Asia’s wild asses, depends on our ability to align policies and actions at a global scale. We must forge partnerships that ensure future generations inherit a world where these majestic species continue to roam freely,” Prof. Kanga stated.
As part of Kenya’s commitment to conservation, the KWS Strategic Plan 2024–2028 prioritizes habitat protection, policy enforcement, and global collaboration to safeguard endangered species. However, beyond government action, community-based conservation remains a vital pillar of Kenya’s success.
Kenya has pioneered a model of community conservancies that empowers local populations as wildlife stewards. Over 50 community conservancies in northern Kenya manage vast rangelands, benefiting more than 700,000 people while protecting species such as the Grevy’s zebra, a rare and endangered wild equid.
The conference aims to strengthen global cooperation, promote scientific research, and develop sustainable strategies for wild equid conservation. With pressing environmental challenges, conservationists stress the need for long-term solutions that balance ecological preservation with local livelihoods.
The conference will run for several days, featuring expert panels, field excursions, and policy discussions aimed at shaping the future of wild equid conservation worldwide
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