![Tsavo National Park, home to thousands of animals and a prime tourist attraction, is on the verge of ecosystem collapse, experts have warned. Water sources are drying up, habitat is being lost, human-wildlife is increasing, biodiversity is declining and the marine ecosystem is degraded. Yesterday, Tsavo Heritage Foundation co-founder and executive chairman Jacob Kipongoso said the park environment is at the tipping point. The park is bounded by 12 counties and can be rehabilitated through landscaping large lands for humans and wildlife, he said. Kipongoso spoke to journalists at Sarova Taita Hills Game Lodge. Degradation “If we are not careful, in the next five, six to seven years things will be worse. Voi River [is] dead, Bura River runs for a month during the rains, Lake Jipe, which used to be permanent, is seasonal — it has lost 10 metres of water height in the last 10 years,” he warned. Kipongoso said some rivers, which are sources of water to the Tsavo West National Park, will dry up in 10-15 years. “The moment we start losing animals and biodiversity to drought it takes five, 10, 15 to 20 years to reverse that process. If we start losing 20 elephants a week due to drought, you cannot stop it tomorrow, but rehabilitating national parks is the solution,” he said. Kipongoso said the billions of shillings used to build the standard gauge railway could rehabilitate Tsavo West National Park. The park is more valuable to the country than the train line, he said. “I’m yet to hear one Presidential candidate who has spent an hour speaking about environment. They only speak about the six-way highway to Mombasa, the standard gauge railway. We may need it but we need life more,” he said. Little budget for environment Most counties have not prioritised conservation in their budgets. “If you can allocate Sh1.5 million only for environment while you have a budget of Sh4 billion, it means it is not important to have water and trees,” he said. Conservationists want a round table meeting with governors of the counties surrounding the Tsavo to discuss how to rehabilitate it. “We will have decision makers and the community to discuss how we can save Tsavo, we can reverse all this and get all water flowing. They did it in Ethiopia and we can do it in Kenya,” Kipongoso said. Taita Taveta Governor John Mruttu welcomed the idea, saying it requires collaboration. His administration has encouraged residents to plant trees to increase forest cover and rehabilitate drying rivers. But Mruttu also complained that the state is not compensating residents for attacks and destruction of farms by wild animals, despite legal requirements. “There are people who have for the last four years harvested nothing after wildlife destroyed their crops. I doubt that the ecosystem has the capacity to carry the number of elephants we have in the parks,” he said.](https://kutv.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/av-580x400.jpg)
Avocados are one of the most popular fruits. They are known to be a superfood, but the number of benefits they provide are staggering. Just to name a few, avocados are a great source of: Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B9, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphorus, Sodium, and Zinc. The shocking facts may surprise you. Here are some unexpected benefits of avocados.
Avocados are loaded with powerful antioxidants that can protect the eyes
Not only do avocados increase antioxidant absorption from other foods, they are also high in antioxidants themselves.This includes nutrients called Lutein and Zeaxanthin, which are incredibly important for eye health
Studies show that these nutrients are linked to a drastically reduced risk of cataracts and macular degeneration, which are common in the elderly Therefore, eating avocados should have benefits for eye health over the long term.
Fights heart disease
Folate for your heart’s health. Avocados have 23% folate which lowers incidences of heart disease. Vitamin E, monounsaturated fats and glutathione are also good for the heart. Folate can lower the risks of having a stroke.
Avocado is incredibly nutritious
What we refer to as “avocado” is the fruit of the avocado tree. This fruit is prized for its high nutrient value and is added to all sorts of dishes due to its good flavor and rich texture. It is the main ingredient in guacamole.
These days, the avocado has become an incredibly popular food among health conscious individuals. It is often referred to as a superfood… which is not surprising given its health properties .
There are many kinds of avocados, and the shape (from pear-shaped to round) and color (from green to black) can vary between them. They can also weigh anywhere from 8 ounces (220 grams) to 3 pounds (1.4 kg).
Promotes eye health
Avocados contain more carotenoid lutein than any other fruit, protecting against macular degeneration and cataracts.
Lowers cholesterol
High in beta-sitosterol, avocados lower bad cholesterol by 22%, raises good cholesterol by 11% and also lowers blood triglycerides by 20%.
Helps prevent cancer
Studies show high oleic acid prevents breast cancer, inhibits tumor growth in prostate cancer and seeks out precancerous and oral cancer cells and destroys them.
Aids in weight loss
Avocados are high in fiber and will help you feel fuller longer, potentially helping with weight loss. High fiber helps metabolic health and steadies blood sugar.
Natural anti-inflammatory agent
Avocado extract paired with a carrier oil can reduce the symptoms of arthritis. Pholyphenols and flavonoids within avocados have anti-inflammatory properties.
Slows aging
Prevents Avocados contain an antioxidant called glutathione that prevents heart disease, cancer and slows the signs of aging.
Contains high amounts of potassium
An avocado contains more potassium than a banana. Avocados have 14% and a banana contains 10% potassium. Devoted avocado lovers unite!