The authorities in Kenya are launching the first ever national wildlife census.

The exercise will officially start in eastern Kenya at the Shimba Hills National Reserve on Friday.

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) said the national wildlife census was aimed at finding out the total number of wild animals and how they were distributed.

The exercise would also “determine wildlife population trends over time and identify threats to wildlife conservation”, the service stated.

The KWS and the Wildlife Research and Training Institute – an independent organisation that undertakes research in wildlife conservation and management – will be involved.

The wildlife service manages 55 wildlife parks, reserves and sanctuaries.

Illegal poaching has reduced the number of elephants and rhinos with conservation efforts increased to protect wildlife.

Tourism is one of Kenya’s biggest income earners for the government.