Saiwa Swamp National Park

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]

Dark green metal gates decorated with metal art of Sitatunga, with green metal roof over the entryway, a brown sign which reads "Kenya Wildlife Service" with the KWS logo, and another brown sign which reads "Saiwa Swamp National Park" and includes an illustration of swamp vegetation
The main gate to Saiwa Swamp National Park, including metal art of male and female Sitatunga antelope
Saiwa Swamp National Park
Map showing the location of Saiwa Swamp National Park
Map showing the location of Saiwa Swamp National Park
Location of Saiwa Swamp National Park
LocationRift Valley Province,  Kenya
Nearest cityKitale
Coordinates1°6′N 35°7′E / 1.100°N 35.117°E / 1.100; 35.117
Area3 km2 (1.2 sq mi)
Established1974
Governing bodyKenya Wildlife Service

Sitatunga Antelopes at Saiwa Swamp

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The 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

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  1. ^ Kenya Wildlife Service – Saiwa Swamp National Park[permanent dead link]
  2. ^ "saiwa swamp national park". visitafrica.site. 2020-08-26. Retrieved 2020-08-13.
  3. ^ "Sitatunga". awf.org. Retrieved 2024-07-20.
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