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]

The main gate to Saiwa Swamp National Park, including metal art of male and female Sitatunga antelope

Saiwa Swamp National Park
IUCN category II (national park)
Location of Saiwa Swamp National Park
Location	Rift Valley Province,  Kenya
Nearest city	Kitale
Coordinates	1°6′N 35°7′E
Area	3 km2 (1.2 sq mi)
Established	1974
Governing body	Kenya Wildlife Service

Sitatunga Antelopes at Saiwa Swamp

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

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.

External links

• Kenya Wildlife Service – Saiwa Swamp National Park^{[permanent dead link]}
• World Database on Protected Areas – Saiwa Swamp National Park