Conservation Research
The challenges facing conservation in this era are numerous and complex and requires prompt and well thought out strategies. Our Conservation Research is thus the management arm of the Service that steers all scientific initiatives of conservation. The goal of Conservation Research is to provide science-driven pragmatic solutions to the ever increasing challenges. We plan and implement research initiatives by harnessing and embracing community knowledge through their participation in conservation strategies and incorporating modern technology. Our mission is to reduce the speed in which we lose habitats and biodiversity, slow the rate of species extinction, minimize impact of climate change, manage diseases and mitigate on human-wildlife conflicts.
Our Conservation Research efforts and initiatives are robust and dynamic, based on internationally accepted standards which are applicable for policy, law and regulation making.
The Conservation Research is comprised of trans-disciplinary Scientists under the Directorate of Biodiversity Research and Planning (BRP), which is structured into six key Departments: Veterinary Services and Captive Management; Species Conservation Management; Ecosystems and Landscape Conservation Management; Ecological monitoring, Bioprospecting and Information Management; Biodiversity Planning and Environmental Assessment; Conventions and Research Authorization.
Veterinary Service and Captive Animal Management
Our key responsibility is to undertake disease management and ensure high standards of welfare to both free-ranging and captive animals. The successful blending of the transdiscipline skills of Veterinary, Laboratory techniques, Research and support by security Rangers have given us a leading role in wildlife veterinary practice in East & Central Africa. We provide these skills beyond our borders in the region. Our immobilization and translocation exercises are guided by species specific-protocols which have given us immense success in the anaesthetic management of Elephant, Rhinoceros, Carnivores and herbivores during various interventions. Our diagnostic and forensic laboratories are equipped to offer rapid analysis for disease management and provide evidential support in prosecution of wildlife crime cases.
Species Conservation Management
The department is focused on reducing negative impacts on endangered species and concurrently formulates and implements their population recovery
Conventions and Research Authorization Department
The Department is focused on the Implementation of Multilateral Environment Agreements (MEAs) and related processes that regard wildlife conservation and management for which KWS is the focal point including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals - Bonn Convention (CMS) and its family agreement and MoU, African – Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA), and Ramsar Convention. In addition, the Department integrates Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) resolutions and decisions into conservation and management of wildlife resources and ensures compliance
Ecosystems and Landscape Conservation and Management Department
The department is focused on ensuring we have healthy, functional and sustainable ecosystems that continuously provide services to humanity. Thus, the department is responsible for providing strategic guidance and technical oversight for the Conservation and Management of Forests, National Parks and Reserves. It is also responsible for the development and maintenance of Inventory status of ecosystems, monitoring changes in ecosystems and determination of ecosystems valuation. In addition, the department evaluates the suitable carrying capacity of various wildlife conservation areas and their conservation. We also generate information on early warning disaster management impacts and mitigation and adaptive strategies to climate change in wildlife conservation areas
Ecological Monitoring, Bioprospecting and Information Management
Collection and management of data and information regarding the status of wildlife resources; Developing and maintaining a wildlife management information system and disseminating information to the public; Developing measures necessary to ensure equitable sharing of benefits
Research Guideline Forms
