Alarm Over Kenya’s 21 Remaining Roan Antelopes as Conservationists Deploy Drones

Kenya, May 29, 2026 - Kenya has intensified efforts to save the critically endangered roan antelope after the latest National Wildlife Census revealed that only 21 individuals remain in the country.

According to the Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI), findings from the 2024–2025 National Wildlife Census exposed the fragile status of the species, prompting urgent conservation measures at Ruma National Park, the last remaining stronghold of the rare antelope in Kenya.

“Findings from the National Wildlife Census (2024–2025) highlighted the critical status of the country’s roan antelope population, which stood at only 21 individuals nationally, underscoring the urgent need for sustained monitoring and targeted conservation interventions,” WRTI said in a statement.

The census, conducted jointly by wildlife agencies and conservation stakeholders, recommended continuous monitoring of endangered species, adoption of modern conservation technologies, and strengthened habitat management to support the recovery of threatened wildlife populations.

In response, WRTI, in collaboration with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), has expanded drone-assisted monitoring of the species at Ruma National Park with support from the Mpesa Foundation and the WildLACESCAPES programme.

The institute said the use of drones is improving real-time surveillance, habitat assessment, and evidence-based conservation decision-making.

“The initiative demonstrates how technology-driven monitoring can support long-term wildlife management and recovery efforts,” WRTI said.

Conservationists warn that the roan antelope, one of Africa’s rarest large antelope species, has faced mounting threats over the years, including habitat degradation, disease outbreaks, poaching, and low breeding rates.