East Africa’s only Pelican sanctuary is at the mercies of Kenya’s power lines
East Africa’s only Pelican sanctuary is at the mercies of Kenya’s power lines. Lake Elementaita is the only remaining place where pelicans can survive. But once again, we have prioritized developments over their survival.
The Power lines network passing over Lake Elementaita
Urbanization has been rapid in areas such as the ones surrounding conservation areas. Hence the need for electricity and other amenities. This need is what has lead to the construction and passing of electricity networks over wildlife areas.
NEMA has guidelines set to protect such developments in favor of the environment, but they still being ignored by these power companies. Moratorium issued in 2015 by NEMA prohibits such developments.
Nature loses again despite there being laws to protect it. Clearly showing us that action and will by all of us to safeguard our environment is vital.
These lines are prone to cause death to the migrating birds, greatly affecting pelicans as well as flamingoes.
Lake Elementaita
It’s one of the salty lakes in the Great Rift Valley, found in Nakuru County. You can always enjoy its beautiful view from the Nairobi-Nakuru highway.
The pink carpet (flamingoes) can be seen from far, but for the pelicans, you can only enjoy them at a close range.
It’s not only home to pelicans and flamingoes, but to many more bird species. Hence known as one of the best places for birdwatching. Birders in Kenya enjoying a wide variety of bird species, plus wildlife as a bonus.
The lake can be visited throughout the year, but it always safer to do so during dry seasons. This is because the rains may cause difficulties on the roads.
Pelican
Pelican is a huge bird with a notable large throat pouch. That’s coming in handy while hunting prey and sieving water through.
They are social and do most of the activities in groups. And inhabit warm places hence not found in the polar regions.
Their strong legs and webbed feet make them good swimmers. They do fly too, despite their huge size.
Males are larger than females.
Conclusion
Until when will we oppress other living organization for the sake of our developments. How many more species will we drive to extinction for a ”comfortable” life?
Do we really care about the ecosystem balance, or we only want this planet for ourselves? Apart from benefits brought by developments, what else is it taking away from us?
Our decisions and actions are driving more species, both plants, and animals, to extinction. Not forgetting all the pollution we have been subjected to. Eventually, the consequences of our actions will catch up with us. And nature will fight back. It will be a terrible situation, which can be avoided if we did the right thing.