Saiwa Swamp National Park is located near Kitale, in Trans-Nzoia County, Rift Valley Province, Kenya. It is the smallest national park in Kenya, only 3 km2, and was created as a habitat for the Sitatunga, a rare aquatic antelope. There is a variety of wildlife at the park, including trees, birds, insects and reptiles. .[1][2]
| Saiwa Swamp National Park | |
|---|---|
  Location of Saiwa Swamp National Park | |
| Location | Rift Valley Province,  Kenya |
| Nearest city | Kitale |
| Coordinates | 1°6′N 35°7′E / 1.100°N 35.117°E |
| Area | 3 km2 (1.2 sq mi) |
| Established | 1974 |
| Governing body | Kenya Wildlife Service |
Sitatunga Antelopes at Saiwa Swamp
editThe Saiwa Swamp National Park is mostly known for the Sitatunga Antelope (Tragelaphus spekii), a notable example of a swamp-dwelling antelope. The Sitatunga exhibits a range of specialized adaptations suited to its unique habitat. Distinguished by its elongated, splayed hooves, the sitatunga is adept at navigating through muddy, vegetated swamplands. However, these adaptations render it relatively clumsy and vulnerable on firmer terrain. Organizations such as the African Wildlife Foundation[3] are known to implement conservation efforts in order to keep these animals from going extinct.
References
edit- ^ Kenya Wildlife Service – Saiwa Swamp National Park[permanent dead link]
- ^ "saiwa swamp national park". visitafrica.site. 2020-08-26. Retrieved 2020-08-13.
- ^ "Sitatunga". awf.org. Retrieved 2024-07-20.
External links
edit- Kenya Wildlife Service – Saiwa Swamp National Park[permanent dead link]
- World Database on Protected Areas – Saiwa Swamp National Park
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