It was recorded mostly in Laikipia North, particularly areas around Il Polei, Makurian, Morupusi Group Ranches and Dol-Dol town. The small spines, called glochids, lodge in the mouths, throats, stomachs and intestines of livestock when they eat the cactus fruits. The large spines on the paddles often blind livestock by piercing their eyes as they try to access forage. The women are leading the fight by rearing tiny bugs called cochineal, which infest the cactus and slowly kill it by sucking out the sap. The cochineal (Dactylopius opuntiae) feeds solely on Opuntia stricta and is unable to feed or grow on any other cactus or native plant species in Laikipia.

Source: The Star March 12, 2021 01:52 UTC