Conservationist have fitted the world’s only white giraffe with a tracking device.
The male giraffe was until recently one of the three giraffes with a rare genetic trait.
A white female and her calf were killed by poachers back march 2020
KWS Senior Scientist Eastern Conservation Area who was part of the exercise said collaring will ensure real time monitoring of the animal.
“I am happy to be part of this collaring exercise that will ensure real time monitoring in time and space as part of National Giraffe Strategy implementation,” said Bundotich.
GPS trackers were also fitted on five endangered Hirola antelope in a move that seeks to conserve the world’s most endangered antelope.
The collars which send a GPS position twice daily to the Sanctuary management team and this will enable rangers to remotely monitor the wildlife.
The white appearance is due to a condition called leucism which causes skin cells to have no pigmentation
The GPS tracking device was placed on one of its horns on 8 November and will give hourly updates of its location.
The board of Ishaqbini Hirola Community Conservancy, where the giraffe lives, had requested the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to fit the giraffe with the tracking device.
Giraffe conservation has taken a big step forward with the world’s tallest mammals receiving enhanced protection from unregulated trade.
Giraffe numbers in Africa have fallen by 40% in the past 30 years, in what is being called a “silent extinction”.
The mammals are largely targeted for bush meat but body parts are also used to make products including jewellery, bracelets and purses, the proposal stated.
Further GPS trackers were also fitted on five endangered Hirola antelope in a move that seeks to conserve the world’s most endangered antelope.
