Saving the Black Rhino: Aberdare Deploys AI to Deter Hyena Threat

• Spotted hyenas are preying on endangered black rhino calves in the Aberdare National Park, threatening efforts to grow the population
• Rhino Ark has partnered with KWS and global tech experts to deploy AI-powered detection systems and build protective fencing around the sanctuary
• The new tech-driven sanctuary project aims to support Kenya's goal of reaching 2,000 black rhinos by 2037, in line with KWS’s national recovery plan

TUKO.co.ke journalist Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya

In the lush expanse of Aberdare National Park, conservationists are in a race against time to save Kenya’s endangered black rhinos from an unlikely predator: hyenas.

Spotted hyenas have increasingly become a threat to the rhino population in the Aberdare Conservancy, where they have been targeting and killing vulnerable black rhino calves.

The attacks have significantly slowed efforts to increase the rhino population in the protected area, prompting urgent interventions.

Fence and community manager at Rhino Ark, Adam Mwangi, revealed that the organisation is now employing a twin intervention strategy, combining technology and physical barriers, to protect the rhinos.

Speaking at the site where a perimeter fence is being erected, Mwangi explained that the conservation team has introduced an artificial intelligence-based hyena detection system to monitor and respond to predator presence in real time.

“The detection system will be installed at all six corridors linking the sanctuary to the broader Aberdare ecosystem,” said Mwangi. “Once it spots a hyena, it sends out an alert and triggers an ultrasonic beam designed to deter the animal.”

To reinforce security, Rhino Ark has also constructed a 19-kilometre fence around the rhino sanctuary, creating an Intensive Protection Zone (IPZ) where rhinos can be closely monitored and safeguarded.

Mwangi noted that the AI system is trained to detect the distinct shape and sounds of a hyena, enabling early intervention before attacks occur.

“With this collaboration between KWS and Rhino Ark, we aim to protect a key part of Kenya’s heritage, the black rhino, one of Africa’s Big Five,” Mwangi added.

Rhino Ark Director Jonathan Somen emphasised the broader ecological importance of rhinos, describing their dwindling numbers as a critical concern for biodiversity.

He said the organisation is scaling up its conservation activities in the Aberdare forest, including afforestation and integrating local communities into wildlife protection efforts.

The project is also supported by Austrian technology firm IT-Revolutions. CEO David Salzgeber said his team had invested considerable time in developing and donating the AI technology to Rhino Ark to ensure timely and effective intervention.

As part of the broader plan, Rhino Ark is introducing a black rhino sanctuary within Aberdare to provide a safe haven where the species can thrive without threats from predators or poachers.

So far, over 400 kilometres of electric fencing has been erected across the Aberdare Conservancy to reduce human-wildlife conflict, which has historically led to poaching, crop destruction, and even attacks on schoolchildren.

“With this intervention, animals can safely remain in their natural habitat, and communities can live without fear. It creates a peaceful coexistence between wildlife and people,” said Mwangi.

According to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Black Rhino Recovery and Action Plan (2022–2026), the goal is to achieve a minimum of 2,000 black rhinos by 2037, with a sustained average annual net growth rate of 5%.

Kenya’s National Wildlife Census 2021 recorded 938 black rhinos, and by the end of 2023, the population had grown modestly to 1,004.

14-year-old girl Killed by lion in Rongai

In a related story previously covered by TUKO.co.ke, a 14-year-old girl, Peace Mwende, tragically lost her life after being mauled by a lioness in Ongata Rongai, Kajiado County.

The lioness is believed to have escaped from Nairobi National Park, breaching a makeshift barrier and entering a residential area.

By the time KWS rangers arrived, the victim’s body was discovered near Mbagathi River, showing clear signs of a wild animal attack.

Source: TUKO.co.ke