The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has begun an ear-notching operation targeting more than 100 endangered black rhinos in Tsavo West National Park.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday, November 18, the 15-day exercise is expected to be the largest ear-notching undertaking in Kenya’s conservation history.
During the operation, the rhinos will be fitted with Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN) eartags and Very High Frequency (VHF) transmitters to improve tracking, enhance security, and strengthen data collection.
KWS Rolls Out Ear-Notching Programme for Endangered Black Rhinos. Photo: Courtesy.
KWS noted that the effort is being carried out in partnership with conservation groups under the Kenya Rhino Range Expansion (KRRE) initiative at the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary in Tsavo West.
The operation is being spearheaded by Dr. Isaac Lekolool, the Senior Assistant Director, showcasing KWS’s expanding technical expertise and logistical capacity in conducting large-scale wildlife interventions.
The initiative reinforces the agency’s commitment to science-driven conservation and long-term species recovery.
KWS considers the exercise a key component of its broader strategy to restore black rhino populations through sustainable, data-informed management approaches.
In footage shared by the agency, one of the rhinos is shown being tagged and marked with paint on its back to ensure it is easily identifiable and not tagged more than once.
