- Kenya’s conservation profile has risen with Robert Aruho’s appointment as co‑chair of the IUCN Antelope Specialist Group
- Aruho, credited with building the world’s largest Mountain Bongo breeding population at MKWC, will now help steer global recovery efforts for over 90 antelope species
- His elevation underscores Africa’s growing role in shaping international conservation strategies and deepens Kenya’s reputation as a leader in species recovery
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Kenya’s standing in global wildlife conservation has been bolstered following the appointment of Robert Aruho, head of the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy (MKWC), as co-chair of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Species Survival Commission’s Antelope Specialist Group.
Kenyan conservationist Robert Aruho has been appointed to co-chair the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Photos: Robert Aruho
In his new role, Aruho will help steer global efforts aimed at the long-term recovery, restoration and conservation of more than 90 antelope species and their habitats.
He will work alongside conservation biologist Violeta Barrios, chief operating officer of Sahara Conservation, as well as a wider network of scientists and conservation practitioners who shape research priorities, conservation planning and species recovery strategies internationally.
Speaking on the appointment, Dr Aruho said the growing complexity of conservation challenges demanded closer cooperation across borders and institutions.
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“Conservation challenges have become increasingly global, requiring stronger collaboration across governments, scientists and conservation organisations. I am honoured to serve as Co-Chair of the Antelope Specialist Group and look forward to working with colleagues worldwide to strengthen science-led conservation, support species recovery, and build greater collaboration that benefits threatened antelope populations and the ecosystems they sustain,” he said.
The appointment comes at a critical time for antelope populations globally, many of which are under mounting pressure from habitat loss, climate change, poaching and escalating human-wildlife conflict.
Aruho’s elevation to the global role is closely tied to his record at MKWC, where he has overseen the transformation of Kenya’s Mountain Bongo recovery programme into the largest conservation breeding population of the critically endangered subspecies anywhere in the world.
Under his stewardship, the Conservancy’s Mountain Bongo numbers have grown to more than 100 individuals.
In April, he led the successful repatriation of four male Mountain Bongos from European zoos, a move aimed at strengthening the genetic diversity of the Conservancy’s breeding stock.
Humphrey Kariuki, IUCN Patron of Nature and Patron of Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy, described the appointment as a significant achievement for both the Conservancy and the country.
“This appointment is a proud moment not only for Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy but also for Kenya and the wider conservation community across Africa. Dr Aruho has dedicated his career to protecting endangered wildlife through science, innovation and collaboration,” Kariuki said, adding that the Mountain Bongo programme under Aruho’s leadership has become one of the continent’s leading conservation success stories.
Aruho brings more than two decades of experience as a wildlife veterinarian to his new global mandate.
Over the course of his career, he has overseen notable advances in veterinary medicine, genetics, scientific research, habitat restoration and conservation technology, while also leading preparations for the reintroduction of Mountain Bongos and other flagship species, including giraffes, back into their natural habitats.
Before joining MKWC, he served as Senior Wildlife Veterinarian and Head of Species Programmes at the Uganda Wildlife Authority, where he led wildlife health interventions, translocations and species recovery initiatives for some of East Africa’s most endangered wildlife.
His appointment is being viewed as part of a broader recognition of African expertise within global biodiversity conservation circles, and is expected to open up new opportunities for international research partnerships, knowledge exchange and capacity building.
These, in turn, are expected to strengthen species recovery efforts across Africa while contributing to the conservation of threatened antelope species worldwide.
Aruho’s work over the years has helped deepen collaboration between government agencies, conservation organisations, researchers and international partners, cementing Kenya’s reputation as a recognised leader in species recovery on the global conservation stage.
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Kai Eli (Politics and current affairs editor)Eli Kai is currently working with TUKO as a politics and current affairs editor. He has six years of experience in digital journalism. Eli joined Tuko.co.ke in 2021. Email: eli.odaga@tuko.co.ke
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