The Kenya Wildlife Service has launched the ranger-based Management Information System programme for routine collection of wildlife conservation status data.

The programme was launched on Monday at the Rhino Base, Tsavo East National Park and will provide key indicators to enhance wildlife conservation through effective decision making processes.

KWS authorities said that the introduction of MIST among the rangers will help in collecting accurate information on wildlife status which will in turn be used by KWS to make effective decisions. In the programme, rangers will be required to use Global Positioning System and standardised field data during regular patrols. They will also be required to mark positions using GPS and record their observations on data sheets which will later be download into the MIST system.

KWS assistant director in charge of ecological monitoring Samuel Andanje said, “the system is embedded in the Geographical Information System software which makes it quick and easy to see the distribution and trends of the subjects that are being monitored”. Andanje added that KWS had already carried out pilot tests of the programme in other regions of the country and confirmed its viability. KWS director Julius Kipng’etich said the new programme will assist in getting the exact status of wildlife in all conservation areas.

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