Barriers to migration: wildlife and fences in Kenya

Large wild mammals in Africa are under threat because of loss of habitat resulting from agricultural expansion, poaching and barriers that block migration, including fences, roads and railways. Based on their research of this situation in Kenya, Joseph Ogutu and his colleagues propose measures that can have a positive impact on migratory pathways of wildlife: map the migratory routes and identify where the most critical obstructions are located so that these can be removed to allow migration. This will be possible only with the full support and active engagement of local pastoralist communities, who can provide the knowledge needed to develop appropriate land-use plans, as well as targeted action by the national and county governments, who can develop and implement new policies.

Posted on 7 March 2021 in Pastoralism & Natural Resources