Leonardo DiCaprio Instagram – Climate change and deforestation have created unprecedented drought conditions in northeastern Kenya. Now in its fifth below-average rainy season, the region has failed to produce enough moisture to replenish its scorched landscape. This severe drought presents an uncertain future for the wildlife species and local communities living in the region.
Critically Endangered species like the Hirola antelope—which are already on the verge of extinction—are threatened now more than ever. Indigenous lead non-profit @hirola_conservation has taken immediate action to help provide access to water for wildlife, livestock, and locals, working to mitigate the loss of life and livelihoods during this prolonged drought. Dried-up vegetation has led to a continued deterioration of wildlife and livestock, causing them to become more susceptible to malnutrition, and opportunistic diseases. Hirola Conservation Program works to also provide high-quality food sources to some of the affected species beyond Hirola—including Grevy’s Zebra, Warthog, Water Buffalo, and Somali Giraffe.
With a rapidly changing climate, these conservationists in northeastern Kenya are dedicated to continuing drought emergency measures until their next reliable rains have fallen.
Photo credit: Hirola Conservation Program | Posted on 02/Jan/2023 07:56:59