Tsavo conservation gains at risk as USAID project halted

Rangers work to push a one of the rhinos that were relocated to to the new Tsavo rhino sanctuary last week from the Nairobi National Park. [File, Standard]

Across the savannahs of Tsavo, elephants still roam and grasslands stretch to the horizon. But the lifeline that has kept this ecosystem alive has been abruptly cut.

Taita Taveta Wildlife Conservancies Association’s hard-won gains are under threat after a Sh271.5 million ($2.1 million) USAID-backed project was halted two and a half years into its five-year lifespan. Local conservancies are now scrambling for funding and partnerships to prevent progress from slipping away.