By Karanja Njoroge
The number of flamingos at Lake Nakuru has reduced by 50 per cent in the last five months due to the ongoing drought.
Latest census figures show the number of flamingos at the Lake reduced from 1.5 million five months ago to less than 500,000.
The drastic reduction of the birds is attributed to destruction of the Mau Forest and other catchments, which has led drying of rivers flowing into the lake. Prolonged drought has also been blamed for the decline.
An environmental researcher at the park Evalyne Silale said the drought meant there was not enough water and food for the birds resulting to the decline.
Speaking to farmers who toured the lake from Bureti, the researcher warned flamingos would completely disappear in the next three years if conditions remain the same.
Sarova Lion Hill had sponsored the farmers’ trip to see effects of forests destruction.
Undergoing training
Hundreds of pelicans, which had inhabited the park at the mouth of River Njoro, have also migrated after the river dried up.
At the park, another group of teachers from districts surrounding Mau has been undergoing training facilitated by Wildlife Clubs of Kenya and African Fund for Endangered Wildlife.
The teachers are learning importance of imparting the value of conservation in youth and ways of including such lessons in the curriculum.
They were drawn from Molo, Kericho, Konoin, Bureti, Narok, Kuresoi and Njoro districts.
