Kenya’s Black Rhino Habitat Expands With New Sanctuary

There’s good news in the world of Africa rhino conservation! Kenya has established a new home for the eastern black rhino, the Segera Conservancy. This is the 18th rhino sanctuary for the country and a significant step forward in the preservation and protection of black rhinos.

Where is the Segera Conservancy?

The Segera Conservancy – spread over 50,000 acres – is located in the Laikipia Plateau, an area that stretches from Mount Kenya to the Great Rift Valley. Its vast open spaces have been the setting for many conservation successes, and this new rhino conservancy is the latest exciting one!

Over the years, the Laikipia Plateau has become a shining light for how wildlife conservation and community upliftment can go hand in hand. And Segera is no exception.

The Zeitz Foundation established the Segera Conservancy with a focus on strengthening rural economies, engaging communities, and contributing to regional and national development. According to the foundation, women’s empowerment is at the forefront of the rhino conservation efforts with female ranger academy graduates and the first female rhino ranger units in Kenya.

The Next Step: Rhino Translocation

The rhino sanctuary in Segera Conservancy has been assessed and made ready to receive rhinos, and the first translocation has taken place.

Through the partnership between the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the Zeitz Foundation, the first of 21 eastern black rhinos have been introduced to the conservancy from the nearby Ol Pejeta Conservancy (the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa and home to the only two surviving northern white rhinos). Lewa Conservancy and Nakuru will also contribute rhinos in the future.

This translocation is the beginning of creating one of the largest connected rhino ranges in the world. Its establishment is also the result of the success of the other 17 black rhino sanctuaries in Kenya – they’re running out of space!

The relocation is part of the country’s plan to grow the black rhino population to 2,000 by the year 2037.

“The translocation is a bold affirmation of Kenya’s enduring commitment to securing a future for one of the world’s most iconic yet critically endangered species. Kenya is home to 80% of the eastern black rhino population, which has grown from 384 in 1989 to 1,059 by the end of 2024,” said Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Rebecca Miano.

How Many Black Rhinos Are Left?

According to the Zeitz Foundation, black rhino populations have declined 96% over the last two decades, which has caused them to be classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Currently, across the 12 African countries where this species still roams, there are an estimated 6,421 individuals left. The International Rhino Foundation states that, thanks to anti-poaching initiatives and the establishment of conservancies, black rhino numbers are beginning to recover from the dismal number of 2,300 in the 1990s.

Kenya has become a stalwart in the realm of rhino conservation. Its black rhino population saw a 150% increase from around 400 in the 1980s, according to the KWS.

Where You Can See Black Rhinos in Kenya

While the Masai Mara often comes to mind when thinking about a Kenya safari, the smaller conservancies can also provide an unforgettable experience (and a more secluded one!).

Sera Community Conservancy is a stronghold for black rhinos and gives you the thrilling opportunity to track this iconic species. Kalama Conservancy is home to the Samburu Five (Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk), as well as elephants, wild dogs, and leopards. You can explore both of these conservancies as well as Mara during a safari in Kenya.

The establishment of a new rhino sanctuary in Kenya is exciting news in the world of conservation, and Discover Africa is excited to see the continued expansion of rhino ranges in the country.