By Kimani Mwangi
Nation Media Group
Kenya is experiencing a sharp decline in several key wildlife populations, particularly within its rangeland ecosystems.
The latest national wildlife census, conducted between June 2024 and August 2025, revealed sustained pressure on multiple species, with some recording steep population drops over the four-year period, as detailed in the Economic Survey 2026.
The hirola antelope, one of the world’s most endangered species, declined further, with only 245 individuals remaining. The lion population also decreased to 2,512, reflecting a broader pattern of stagnation and loss across the ecosystem. “Various wildlife species within the rangeland areas experienced declining population numbers during the review period,” the survey stated.
