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WILDLIFE CONSERVATION IN KENYA

For centuries, intrigued kids have sat around the fireplace listening to what sounds like a fairy tale, men have written and read books about it, scientists have ventured onto countless explorations trying to find out, and artists have expressed it in their ingenious ways. I’m talking about the enigma that has never ceased to haunt us — the ruthless annihilation of the dinosaur!

Over the past half-century, there has been a devastating decline of approximately 70% in the overall wildlife population. Each day, more animals are being unwillingly added to the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species. The Sabre-toothed Cat, Woolly Mammoth, and the Tasmanian Tiger are some of the notable life forms that at one point in time graced this planet, now buried under the sand of time, and only alive in our historical records.

tasmanian tiger in the woods

Tasmanian tiger.
Source: stock adobe

I’m frightened to report that there are only 2 northern white rhinos left, and what is even more scary? — they are both female, and because of that soon they will be crossing over to the world of the Extincts! In the meantime, unperturbed, they savor their last journey along the borders of Ol-Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya.

All this comes as a consequence of human activities such as encroachment, industrialization, and poaching, which have led to dwindling habitats and climate change.

To ensure the survival of endangered species, both plants and animals, various conservation efforts are underway.

In Kenya, there exist over 100 conservancies, not including 27 National Parks, 32 National Reserves, 4 National Sanctuaries, 4 Marine National Parks, and 6 Marine National Reserves. These conservancies have helped to protect wildlife and ensure a harmonious coexistence between humans, animals, and plants. Their efforts have been key to the sustenance of vast pristine landmasses which have kept innumerable species of plants, birds, and animals alive.

Falls at Abardare National Park

Aberdare National Park

In this article, we’ll delve into five of these conservancies and how they are playing a vital role in shaping an inclusive nature for all.

THE RED LIST: FIVE BIG NAMES IN THE IUCN CRITICALLY ENDANGERED MAMMALS.

1.    Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Ol Pejeta Conservancy sits on a 360 km2 territory within Laikipia County. The last two of the world’s remaining northern white rhinos have found a home here. Interestingly, it also houses East Africa’s largest black rhino sanctuary. It is not only rhinos who have found a place to belong in Ol Pejeta, there are also dozens of abandoned, orphaned, rescued great apes, especially the Chimpanzees at the Sweetwaters Sanctuary.

Ol Pejeta Conservancy has continuously supported the local community in the areas of health, education, and water, through various innovative programs.

It’s an ideal destination for night safaris, where you can catch sight of some of the rarest creatures of the wild, including the aardvark and zorilla. You can also track collared Lions and identify the subtle distinctions in the behavior and personality of each.

northern white rhinos at Ol Pejeta conservancy

Northern white rhinos at Ol Pejeta Conservancy Kenya

2. Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary

 

Established in 1970, Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary is home to marvelous mammals, including Cape Buffalo, African Bush Elephant, Leopard, Cheetah, and Hartebeest. It also features a rich variety of birdlife, with over 300 species documented so far.

The conservancy occupies approximately 28,000 acres of land, covered by dense vegetation, with the bulk of it being Acacia trees.  It forms a crucial wildlife migration passage between the East and the West Tsavo National Parks.

A group of zebras at Taita Hills Wildlife Conservancy

Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary

Wanderers in the Shadows ; Six Mysterious Creatures of Africa.

3. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

 

The well-coordinated efforts between Lewa staff and the local community have brought about a thriving habitat for Black Rhinos and other species of mammals. Roughly 11.8% of Kenya’s Eastern Black Rhino population is found at Lewa. About 400 Grevy’s zebras can be found here, the world’s largest population of Grevy’s.

Lewa Conservancy was established in 1995. Alongside the government-owned Ngare-Ndare Forest, it occupies approximately 60,000 acres of Meru County.

The community adjacent to the protected area has benefited from various development programs initiated by Lewa’s management. The community has in turn supported the conservation efforts and has played a vital role in the outstanding success of Lewa Conservancy.

A lone elephant

Lewa Conservancy

4. Mara Naboisho Conservancy

 

Naboisho Conservancy is said to be ahead of Masai Mara National Park (which lies next to it), in terms of wildlife density. 20 lions form the largest pride in the Greater Mara area, they rule the entire Naboisho.

Naboisho Conservancy was created as a collaboration initiative between Maasai landowners and influential tour operators. It runs several community development programs and allows for controlled grazing within the protected area during drought seasons, hence ensuring the sustenance of the local community.

There comes a time when we would rather go for quality rather than quantity. At Naboisho, it’s no longer about where you view the game, but how you do it. By adopting high standards to protect wildlife and ensure quality game viewing, the conservancy limits the number of guests allowed to enter within a given time frame. As a result, you won’t encounter a dozen Landcruisers crowding around a lion’s feast, as is often seen in many parks. Curious about taking a walk along a jungle full of bloodthirsty predators? Look no further, with the help of well-trained Maasai warriors and professional wardens, you can experience the freedom of viewing the game outside the confines of a vehicle.

Naboisho forms a key traditional migration passage connecting Maasai Mara National Reserve and Loita Plains.

Tourists on a landcruiser enjoying game viewing

Mara Naboisho Conservancy,
Source: Expert Africa

5. Namunyak Conservancy

 

Namunyak Conservancy is located in the Northern Central part of Kenya, precisely at the foot of Lenkiyio Hills, Samburu County. Established in 1995, it has been instrumental in the protection of animals such as buffalos, elephants, leopards, lions, and kudus. It covers a vast landmass of about 850,000 acres.

At Namunyak, there are plenty of ways to enjoy yourself, from camel riding to night game drives. During your visit, you’re likely to encounter African wild dogs, Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, De Brazza’s colobus monkeys, and reticulated giraffes.

a rough road cutting through a landscape at Namunyak wildlife conservancy

Namunyak Conservancy.
Source: Sarara Camp

The local Samburu community actively participates in the conservation efforts going on at Namunyak. Even though they are primarily semi-nomadic and keep large herds of goats and cattle that sometimes fall prey to lions and leopards, they have for years committed themselves to maintaining a harmonious coexistence with the wildlife, ensuring the protection of wild animals at Namunyak and thus ensuring income generation through tourism that goes a long way in sustaining the community.

 

Inspired to Make a Change?  Your Safari Experience at one of these conservancies will make a difference. Book a Tour of Ol Pejeta with Us and be part of the conservation mission!

 

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