Reticulated giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata)

Mohamed bin Zayed Species project number 232531342

Promoting Mutual Pathways for Humans and Giraffes in Eastern Kenya.

1. Examine the spatial overlap of giraffe habitat use with preferred human landscape uses and values and understand community beliefs and attitudes toward conservation management. We will strategically set up camera traps, deploy GPS collars/tags on 15 individuals and work closely with locals through a modified landscape values mapping approach so as to understand their preferred land use, characterize interactions, identify areas of high use and conflict hotspots. Using semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and conceptual content cognitive mapping (3CM) we will determine locals’ attitudes, perceptions, beliefs and behaviors. 2. Empower the conflict affected farmers through livelihood improvement initiatives with Nature-based Solutions (NbS). We will market and source direct buyers of their products, establish collection centers and storage facilities to enable them to store, aggregate, sort and package the products before selling; conflict resolution through economic development. 3. Foster long-term community engagement through education, outreach and professional development. Carry out education and awareness campaigns on conservation, land use and peaceful coexistence with giraffes. In particular, we will work with over 5000 pastoralists and farmers, 30 local teachers and ~ 1500 school children. We will recruit and train one MSc Student and four technical research assistants through our project activities.