After months of prolonged drought, Amu and beyond is underwater once again, thanks to the long-awaited heavy rains.

The prolonged drought in Lamu is threatening the survival of many wild species including hippos, buffalo and lions. Wild animals have been forced to drink saline water from the Indian Ocean as natural watering holes rapidly dry out.

Across Lamu wild animals are suffering following the drought which has hit the region hard. The lack of available water has led to a surge in human-wildlife conflict as large mammals, including elephants and buffalo, are moving into residential areas in a desperate search for water.

The rich fauna of the Lamu Archipelago has been under threat in recent months due to a prolonged dry spell across much of Kenya. The drought hit the region’s wildlife hard with animals suffering from severe thirst and starvation, but thankfully Lamu’s diverse species are making a come back.

Our teams recently spotted 40 hippos in search for water in a drying waterhole near the Witu livestock camp. Over time we have seen this once lush area struggle in the face of severe drought, human encroachment and overgrazing.

As a solitary animal, it was extra special to capture these fantastic images taken from the Lamu Conservation Trust camera trap showing two cheetahs feeding on a topi. Cheetah mothers are known to bring back small, live antelopes back to her cubs to teach them how to chase, catch and kill. However, it seems this family is relatively experienced in capturing their prey.

Often targeted by poachers for their meat and teeth, hippopotamus numbers have fallen drastically in recent years across Africa.

However, whilst out on patrol the Anti-Poaching rangers came across a healthy looking hippo pod which is an encouraging sign and further reason to protect their threatened habitat.