Tsavo National Park is home to the largest and most endangered population of Grevy’s zebra. This zebra is easy to identify because of its narrow stripes and white belly, which make it different from other zebra species.
In Tsavo, Grevy’s zebras live in areas with a mix of grassland and forest, which provide both food and shelter. They are very hardy animals and can survive in dry conditions, making them well-suited to Tsavo’s environment.
Their ability to survive in harsh conditions is a result of many years of adaptation. For such tough animals, dry and challenging environments can actually be an advantage, as they face less competition for resources.
However, even these hardy creatures have been tested in recent years. Prolonged droughts have made life difficult for Grevy’s zebras, reducing food and water sources. The drought of last year, which followed several dry years, was especially hard on them and has been well documented by conservation groups.
The Tsavo Conservation Area has the largest elephant population in the region and possibly in all of Africa. About 40 percent of Kenya’s elephants live here. It is also home to more than 18 percent of the rare and endangered black rhinos, most of which are found in the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary within Tsavo National Park.
The elephant population is slowly increasing at a rate of about 4 to 5 percent each year, despite the ongoing threat of poaching. Although poaching is illegal, cases of illegal wildlife trade have been reported, with 2011 being the worst year in recent times. The area also protects other rare species, such as the critically endangered Hirola and the endangered Grevy’s zebra. Strong efforts are being made to improve conservation for these species.
The Tsavo Conservation Area is one of the most visited in Kenya, with many visitors going to Tsavo East National Park, Tsavo West National Park, and Amboseli National Park.
