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Interview: China's support leads to slump in poaching: Kenyan official

Xinhua, February 6, 2015 Adjust font size:

A Kenyan wildlife official said Friday China's anti-poaching donation to Kenya has intensified the war against illegal poaching and led to the current slump in poaching.

"The equipments, trainings and financial assistance we have received from China has led to the current slump in poaching, " William Kiprono, Acting Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Director General, told Xinhua.

Kiprono said the donation has strengthened the fight against poaching of iconic species including elephants and rhinos, adding that Beijing has offered material and technical support to boost the war against wildlife crimes in Kenya.

"China and several other bilateral allies have contributed immensely to embolden the fight against poaching in the country," the official said.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang during his visit to Kenya in May last year announced a grant worth 500,000 U.S. dollars for the wildlife agency to enable it to acquire anti-poaching gear.

Kiprono reaffirmed China's commitment to help African countries tackle poaching that posed a serious threat to ecosystems and economic growth.

The Chinese Embassy in Nairobi in August 2014 donated equipment worth 20,000 dollars to aid the war against wildlife crimes in Kenya.

The director revealed that equipments donated by China including telescopes and night goggles have boosted anti-poaching efforts.

"We are in a better position now that China has honored its pledge to help the government combat poaching. The menace has recorded a rapid decline in the last quarter," said Kiprono, adding that poaching of elephants and rhinos declined considerably due to intensive surveillance and enforcement of laws.

"In 2014, Kenya lost 164 elephants down from 302 in 2013. We also lost 29 rhinos last year compared to 35 in 2013," Kiprono told Xinhua.

Kenya has the fifth largest population of elephants in the world after South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Tanzania. Likewise, the country has the third largest population of rhinos in the world after South Africa and Namibia. According to Kiprono, Kenya has an estimated population of 35,000 elephants and 1,047 rhinos.

The KWS has rejuvenated the fight against poaching of big mammals through investments in technology, law enforcement and public education.

Kiprono said partnerships with bilateral allies, the private sector and community-based organizations have revitalized the war against poaching in Kenya.

"Poaching is a serious menace that has negative impacts on our ecosystems and livelihoods. Global efforts are needed to eradicate poaching," Kiprono said. Endi