North-eastern Kenya continues to experience its worst drought in 40 years

In Garissa County, East Kenya, our colleague Dr Abdullahi Ali Hussein is fighting against the effects of the drought. Many wild animals, especially those dependent on grass, are dying due to the severely dry conditions. Giraffes, hirola antelope, desert warthogs, Beisa oryx, Grevy’s zebras, buffalo and coastal topi are all badly affected. They’re having to travel much further to find water and the vegetation is poor. Shortages of food and water mean they’re much more susceptible to malnutrition and disease.

Livestock are suffering too, forcing locals to venture into areas normally left for wildlife to find enough pasture for their animals to survive, putting even more pressure on wild animals. And sadly, poaching is increasing as local people have to find their own ways to survive the drought themselves. Poachers trade bushmeat with locals for items like sugar and powdered milk, to sell in neighbouring Somalia. The situation’s extremely fragile and volatile – for wildlife, livestock and all the people living in the region.

Read more here: Update: Emergency appeal to help animals in Kenya affected by drought (ptes.org)