Kenya steps up crocodile hunt as rising lakes fuel conflict

Kenya's wildlife officers are trapping crocodiles on the shores of Lake Baringo in a bid to curb growing human-wildlife conflict as rising waters push the reptiles towards homes.

Lakes in Kenya's Rift Valley have risen to levels not seen in at least half a century, with scientists attributing the surge to extreme rainfall linked to climate change. With the El Nino weather pattern threatening to worsen the situation in the coming weeks, Kenya's government launched a week-long operation late last week around Lake Baringo to relocate some of the larger crocodiles.

Lake Baringo is home to more than 200 crocodiles, according to a rough estimate by Mijele, with the operation targeting those weighing 200 kilos or more to help manage the population.