Kenya Wildlife Service and Kenya Rhino Range Expansion Complete Largest-Ever Ear-Notching and Tracking Operation in Tsavo West

Tsavo West National Park, Kenya | November 28, 2025

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) with the Kenya Rhino Range Expansion (KRRE) initiative have successfully completed the largest single-operation rhino ear-notching and tracking-device deployment ever conducted in Kenya. More than 75% of the eastern black rhino in Tsavo West’s Ngulia Sanctuary are now individually identifiable through ear notching, with more than 80 rhinos fitted with specialized tracking devices. This milestone marks a major step forward in precision monitoring and black rhino security.

Using the proven rhino identification system of ear notching, each animal received a unique visual code. At the same time, solar-powered ear-tag tracking devices and VHF horn transmitters were deployed, enabling real-time digital tracking with location updates every few hours. Together, these technologies provide wildlife managers with better insights into rhino movement patterns, habitat use, and potential risks, significantly strengthening the ability to plan, protect, and respond.

This operation enhances the monitoring of one of Africa’s most important black rhino populations at a critical moment. KWS, through the support of the Kenya Rhino Range Expansion initiative, plans to expand the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary in the coming months. The expansion is intended to increase the rhinos’ available range, allowing the population to roam, breed, and thrive.

“Our journey with the black rhino tells a powerful story of resilience — what was once a species on the brink has now surpassed 1,000 individuals in 2024 through tireless conservation efforts. But this is about more than wildlife; it is a catalyst for ecological integrity, job creation, and national pride — a unifying effort that reminds us of our shared responsibility as stewards of Kenya’s natural heritage,” said Prof. Erustus Kanga.

The two-week operation involved veterinarians, veterinary assistants, and rangers from KWS, alongside specialists from KRRE and 51 Degrees responsible for transmitter placement. Ground teams were supported by an aerial unit, including a helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft from the The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and Tsavo Trust. Working in remote, hot, dusty terrain, the team notched and tagged approximately eight rhinos per day. Each procedure included a full health assessment to ensure animal wellbeing. The success of this operation provides critical data to support ongoing habitat expansion planning for this key population.

“This intervention is the largest of its kind in Kenya’s history, and it marks a significant milestone toward creating Kenya’s largest rhino sanctuary. Ear-notching and incorporating tracking devices give us the confidence to alleviate the significant overstocking concerns in Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary and embark on one of Kenya’s most ambitious rhino projects to date: the establishment of the new Tsavo West Rhino Sanctuary. KRRE is proud to support KWS in this transformative effort, and we are incredibly grateful to all our partners who made this achievement possible.” said Jamie Gaymer, KRRE CEO.

As Kenya advances national efforts to expand and connect suitable habitats across Kenya, the ability to identify and track rhino is essential. These data-driven insights will guide decisions on carrying capacity, translocations, and long-term species dispersal and recovery.

A Sheldrick Wildlife Trust helicopter deploys to locate a suitable candidate

A team of KWS rangers stops a black rhino from heading too far into the bush

Once a rhino is immobilised the team prepares to measure foot length and width

A KWS veterinary assistant draws up a reversal drug to wake up a rhino after it has been immobilised

Rhino number 45 with members of the KWS veterinary unit moments before it wakes up

Rhino number 45 wakes up and heads off into the bush after notching and transmitter placement is complete

About the Ngulia Sanctuary

The 22,000-acre Ngulia Sanctuary within Tsavo West National Park holds one of the most valuable and genetically important populations of Eastern black rhino in Africa. It plays a central role in Kenya’s national rhino recovery efforts and future range expansion strategies.

Technical Note: How Rhino Ear-Notching and Tracking Work

Ear Notching

Ear notching is a widely used, safe method for individually identifying rhinos. During a controlled veterinary procedure, small notches are made in each ear following a coded system that usually corresponds to an individual’s national ID number. This enables fast, accurate field identification by rangers and researchers. Ear notching is considered an essential best practice for long-term rhino monitoring and population management.

LORAWAN and VHF Transmitters

Each immobilised rhino is fitted with a solar powered, LORAWAN ear-tag. The solar ear tag sends GPS data through the LORA Network that enables managers and rangers to view the rhino's whereabouts in near real time on the EarthRanger conservation management software platform.

Immobilised rhinos are also assessed as to whether the horn is large enough to deploy a VHF transmitter without compromising the horn. If the horn can fit a transmitter, holes are drilled into the horn, and the transmitter is set using a strong epoxy. The VHF transmitters allow rangers to locate the rhino in the field using a VHF receiver that picks up a signal from the transmitter in the horn.

Together, ear-notching and telemetry tracking significantly strengthen frontline protection and strategic decision-making to help ensure the continued recovery of Kenya’s critically endangered black rhino.

Images by (c) Peter Ndungu for KRRE