I. Introduction
Ruma National Park is a hidden gem in western Kenya, known for its diverse wildlife, rich birdlife, and unique ecosystems. The park is the last refuge for the critically endangered roan antelope in Kenya and is home to a wide variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
This guide provides an in-depth look at the wildlife present in Ruma National Park, including mammals, bird species, reptiles, and conservation efforts aimed at protecting endangered species.
II. Mammals of Ruma National Park
A. Herbivores (Grazers & Browsers)
Ruma National Park has a rich population of herbivores, which play a crucial role in maintaining the park’s ecological balance.
| Species | Scientific Name | Notable Facts |
|---|---|---|
| Roan Antelope | Hippotragus equinus | Ruma NP is the only place in Kenya where this species survives. Large, rare antelope with curved horns and a distinctive black-and-white face. |
| Rothschild’s Giraffe | Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi | One of the rarest giraffe subspecies, with only 1,600 left in the wild. Recognizable by its pale-colored lower legs. |
| Jackson’s Hartebeest | Alcelaphus bucelaphus jacksonii | A large, reddish-brown antelope with a sloping back and distinctive long, S-shaped horns. |
| Lelwel Hartebeest | Alcelaphus bucelaphus lelwel | Introduced in Ruma NP in 2008 to boost species diversity. It has longer, thinner horns than Jackson’s hartebeest. |
| Cape Buffalo | Syncerus caffer | Large, powerful bovine species, often seen grazing in herds. Buffalos in Ruma tend to be smaller than those in Maasai Mara. |
| Impala | Aepyceros melampus | Graceful antelope species known for its leaping ability and herd behavior. |
| Topi | Damaliscus korrigum | A fast, territorial antelope that often stands on termite mounds to keep watch for predators. |
| Waterbuck | Kobus defassa | Identified by the white ring on its rear, which serves as a visual marker for the herd. Prefers areas near water sources. |
| Oribi | Ourebia ourebi | A small, slender antelope, often found in pairs or small groups. Prefers open grasslands. |
| Bushbuck | Tragelaphus scriptus | A shy and elusive forest-dwelling antelope, often found in the park’s woodlands. |
| Duiker | Sylvicapra grimmia | A small antelope that prefers dense thickets. It is rarely seen due to its secretive nature. |
| Bush Pig | Potamochoereus porcus | A nocturnal omnivore, often spotted near water sources. Closely related to the warthog but with a darker coat. |
B. Carnivores & Scavengers
Although large predators like lions and cheetahs once roamed Ruma, they have since become locally extinct. However, leopards and spotted hyenas are still present.
| Species | Scientific Name | Notable Facts |
|---|---|---|
| Leopard | Panthera pardus | The top predator in Ruma NP, but elusive and hard to spot. It hunts at night and ambushes prey from trees. |
| Spotted Hyena | Crocuta crocuta | A highly social scavenger, often heard making eerie laughing calls at night. |
| Olive Baboon | Papio anubis nemmanni | Found in troops, omnivorous, and known for its intelligence and adaptability. |
| Vervet Monkey | Cercopithecus aethiops johnstoni | A small monkey with a black face, often seen in woodlands and near rivers. |
III. Birds of Ruma National Park 🦅
Ruma is classified as an Important Bird Area (IBA) and is one of the 61 IBAs in Kenya. The park is famous for its diverse avian species, including migratory birds and birds of prey.
A. Notable Bird Species
| Common Name | Scientific Name | Notable Facts |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Swallow | Hirundo atrocaerulea | Globally vulnerable species, migratory, dependent on grassland habitats. |
| Crowned Crane | Balearica regulorum | Beautiful bird with a golden crest, often found in wetland areas. |
| Helmeted Guinea Fowl | Numida meleagris | Common ground bird, moves in flocks. |
| Marabou Stork | Leptoptilos crumenifer | Large, bald-headed scavenger bird. |
| Secretary Bird | Sagittarius serpentarius | Tall, eagle-like bird that hunts snakes and rodents on foot. |
| Ibis | Threskiornithinae | Found near water sources, uses its curved bill to dig for food. |
| Quelea species | Quelea quelea | The most abundant bird species in Africa, often seen in huge flocks. |
IV. Reptiles & Amphibians of Ruma National Park 🐍
Ruma National Park is home to several reptile species, including some of Africa’s most dangerous snakes.
A. Common Reptile Species
| Common Name | Scientific Name | Notable Facts |
|---|---|---|
| African Rock Python | Python sebae | Africa’s largest snake, non-venomous, can grow up to 5 meters long. |
| Forest Cobra | Naja melanoleuca | Highly venomous, black-colored snake found in wooded areas. |
| Black Mamba | Dendroaspis polylepis | Africa’s fastest and deadliest snake, capable of delivering fatal bites. |
| Puff Adder | Bitis arietans | Slow-moving but highly venomous, responsible for most snake bites in Africa. |
| Eastern Green Mamba | Dendroaspis angusticeps | Tree-dwelling venomous snake, bright green in color. |
V. Locally Extinct & Reintroduced Species
Some large animals once found in Ruma National Park have gone locally extinct, but conservationists are working to reintroduce some species.
A. Locally Extinct Species
1️⃣ Lions (Panthera leo) – Last seen in 1936.
2️⃣ Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) – Once roamed the open plains but disappeared due to poaching.
3️⃣ Elephants (Loxodonta africana) – Last herds were driven away in 1931 & 1948.
B. Reintroduced Species
1️⃣ Black Rhino (Diceros bicornis michaeli) – Recently reintroduced to boost species diversity.
2️⃣ Lelwel Hartebeest (Alcelaphus bucelaphus lelwel) – Introduced in 2008 to strengthen antelope diversity.
VI. Conclusion
Ruma National Park is one of Kenya’s most diverse wildlife destinations, offering visitors a chance to see rare and endangered species, unique birdlife, and fascinating reptiles. Conservation efforts continue to restore lost species, ensuring that Ruma remains a thriving haven for wildlife.