By Our Reporter
Narok County in conjunction with Tanzania government have launched a 30-day joint cross-border operation to up the protection of the endangered 101 rhinos located in the Masai Mara and Serengeti Game Reserves.
Speaking during the launch at Keekorok Lodge in the world-famous Masai Mara Game Reserve, Narok Governor Samuel Tunai said the operation which involves rangers from the two sides shall be mandated to locate and ear-notch them to ease monitoring.
“Apart from the Cheetahs, Leopards whose numbers are dwindling, rhinos unlike humans move freely from Mara to Serengeti and vice versa. They do not need any visa and that is a great thing and that is why we want to monitor them within the two ecosystems,” noted Governor Tunai.
He said Kenyan side has a total of 53 rhinos while the Tanzanian side has 58 bringing the number to 101.
Governor Tunai who was accompanied by Tourism and Wildlife County Executive Committee (CEC) member Koila Kantet said the two countries enjoy cordial relationship.
On his part the Tourism CEC, Mr Kantet said 28 wildlife rangers from both sides; 16 from Tanzania and 12 from Narok shall be taking part in the exercise.