Findings from the National Wildlife Census (2024–2025) highlighted the critical status of the country's roan antelope population, which stood at only 21 individuals nationally, underscoring the urgent need for sustained monitoring and targeted conservation interventions.
Among the key recommendations of the census were continuous monitoring of endangered species, adoption of modern conservation technologies, and strengthened habitat management to support species recovery.
In response, the Institute, in collaboration with Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), and with support from the Mpesa Foundation and WildLACESCAPES, has intensified drone-assisted monitoring of the species at Ruma National Park to enhance real-time surveillance, habitat assessment, and evidence-based conservation decision-making.
The initiative demonstrates how technology-driven monitoring can support long-term wildlife management and recovery efforts.
Combined with habitat improvement interventions such as forage mowing, provision of mineral supplements, and control of disease vectors including ticks and tsetse flies, the programme has contributed to improved population resilience.