Recent Wildfires At Tsavo National Park Destroy Over 99,000 Acres Of Vegetation (Photos)

In a span of two months, four infernos have consumed vegetation at the Tsavo Conservation which houses both Tsavo East and Tsavo West National parks.

In a report by a local blog, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has disclosed that close to 99,000 acres of vegetation have been destroyed in the recent wildfires.

For instance, the magnitude of the infernos is reported to be so severe that animals might starve due to the destruction of the vegetation.

Read: Another Fire Breaks Out In Tsavo East National Park In A Span Of One Week

Speaking to a local blog, a research scientist, John Kabue who also serves as the landscaper at Tsavo revealed that the infernos began after the end of the rainy season where plants had sprouted thus acted as fuel to the fires.

Kabue further intimated that the next rains are expected in October hence the ecology in the parks would be hugely affected. He, however, advocated for better mechanism in addressing such issues in the future such as prompt management systems and equipment to put out the fire immediately.

“Large herbivores and carnivores can run to safety in the event of the fire, however, the biggest casualties are smaller animals like tortoise, snakes, rodents and birds. Reclaiming the land is not easy, because so much life has been disrupted with nearly 100,000 acres of vegetation destroyed,” said Kabue.

Read Also: Three Sets of Fire Consume Hundreds Of Acres In Tsavo Less Than A Month After Another Incident

The most recent inferno happened less than three days ago at the Tsavo East National Park making it the fourth to have ravaged the park in a span of two months.

Prior to that, a huge fire was witnessed on July 23, 2020, which razed the Tsavo National Park consuming hundreds of acres.

Through a statement, Kenya Wildlife Service said that three sets of fire had been reported, with one having been contained.

Read Also: Questions As Two More Bodies Found At Tsavo West National Park

“Three sets of fire have been reported In Tsavo Conservation Area; the first one in the Taita ranches adjacent to Tsavo East National Park. This was put off before encroaching into the park. Efforts are ongoing to put off the second one in the southern part of Tsavo West National park. The third fire broke out in Kikunduku part of Chyulu National park at 7.30 last evening and is also being fought by our teams,” read the statement from KWS.

Tsavo East National Park is one of the oldest and largest parks in Kenya at 13,747 square kilometres while the Tsavo West National Park is located in the Coastal region of Kenya and covers an area of 9,065 square kilometres.