East Africa Drought: At least 205 elephants, over 400 zebras dead

KENYA — Kenya’s ongoing drought has been attributed to the death of hundreds of elephants, zebras and wildebeests, according to a report released Friday by the country’s Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife.

“The Kenya Wildlife Service Rangers, Community Scouts, and Research Teams counted the deaths of 205 elephants, 512 wildebeests, 381 common zebras, 51 buffalos, 49 Grevy’s zebras, and 12 giraffes in the past nine months,” according to the report obtained by CNN.

The Associated Press reported that parts of Kenya had experienced four consecutive seasons with inadequate rain in the past two years. Its report said that the worst-affected ecosystems are home to some of Kenya’s famous national parks, reserves and conservancies.

“The drought has caused mortality of wildlife ... because of the depletion of food resources as well as water shortages,” tourism minister Peninah Malonza said, according to Reuters.

She said that at least 14 species have been affected by the drought.

According to CNN, Malonza said steps were being taken to save the animals, which included bringing water to water pans and dams.

The report authors called for an immediate census of wildlife by air in Amboseli to get a broader view of the drought’s impact on wild animals there, the AP reported.

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