Conservation of elephants and other wildlife at Mukutan Conservancy

The diverse topography, ranging in elevation from 1260 to 2400 m, supports varied vegetation from dry marginal forests to semi-arid bushland. The reserve is home to the critically endangered wild dog (Lycaon pictus), cheetah, reticulated giraffe, greater kudu, African elephant, a large population of lions, 14 amphibian species, 55 reptiles, 477 birds, more than 800 vascular plants and 755 macro-invertebrates.  Of note are two endemic species – a plant (Aloe francombei) and an invertebrate (Aslauga gallmannae) and one frog that is new to science (Tomopterna gallmanni).  There is a large remote part of the Conservancy that has not been studied yet, so the species list is expected to increase.  The Conservancy provides important migration and wintering habitat to various species and has been designated as an Important Bird Area and a Key Biodiversity Area.

Land Use Change: Agricultural expansion is an ongoing threat to the natural landscape. Cropland in Laikipia county has increased by 50% in the past decade. The growing population of Laikipia continues to drive land use change.

Land Degradation: Repeated droughts and poor land-use practices has resulted in overgrazing, soil erosion, and land degradation. When growing conditions fail because of drought or degradation, pastoral livestock compete for resources normally shared with wildlife.

Human-Wildlife Conflicts: Elephants and plains wildlife consume or damage nearby crops, while big cats threaten livestock. People protecting crops and livestock are at odds with the wildlife that raid farms.

Poaching: Illegal wildlife trade is an ever-present threat. The proliferation of firearms exacerbates the situation.

Finance: Effective law enforcement and adequate funding is crucial. Currently, ranger salaries, allowances, transportation, security bases, radios, and other communication equipment are funded by philanthropy.  There is a need for other sources of sustainable revenue.

Biodiversity:

• Completed translocation feasibility study for zebra, eland and Thompson’s gazelle
• A study of grass and tree species at 23 Laikipia conservancies found that Mukutan has the highest species diversity
• New genus of moth discovered

Community:

• Mshipi (inter-community forum) meetings continue to be well attended and valuable
• Dental clinic provided
• Livestock: 8,000 cattle (including 2,000 calves) were accommodated by the grazing program
• 9 tonnes of avocado were harvested (with another 3 tonnes pending harvest)
• Wild honey helped generate $10,000 CAD in community group honey sales

Conservancy:

• Hired an Operations Manager – a key position
• more than 100 acres of invasive Leleshwa were cleared to open up grassland for ungulates
• Rangers received training in system management, report handling, patrol tracking, data integrity, ProTrack integration monitoring
• Land Management Plan revamped
• Conservation easements drafted
• “Expression of Interest” sent out to tourism operators