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NAIROBI. – East Africa is enduring its worst drought in 40 years and Kenyan wildlife is also bearing the brunt.

Drought in Kenya killed 205 elephants and numerous other wildlife between February and October as much of East Africa endures its worst drought in 40 years, tourism minister Peninah Malonza said on Friday.

Although sporadic rainfall has finally started in the region, Kenya’s meteorological department is forecasting below-average rainfall for much of the country for the coming months, raising fears that the threat to Kenya’s wildlife is not over.

“The drought has caused mortality of wildlife  . . . because of the depletion of food resources as well as water shortages,” Malonza, the cabinet secretary for the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage, told a news conference.

Fourteen species have been affected by the drought, she said.

In addition to the dead elephants, 512 wildebeest, 381 common zebra, 12 giraffes, and 51 buffalo have also succumbed to the drought over the same period. – Reuters.