Grevy`s Zebra (Equus grevyi) Case Study
Home > Biodiversity Nature & People > Conservation Philanthropy > Grants > MBZF Grant 0925585
Continent: Africa
Country: Kenya
Grant Amount: $11,216
Awarded Date: September 01, 2009
Geoffrey Chege
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
Private Bag
Isiolo
N/A
60300
Kenya
Tel: landline: +254 64 31405
Mob: Mobile: +254 722 203 562/3
This project aimed to raise the productivity of grasslands at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy for the benefit of wildlife, and specifically the endangered Grevy's zebra, by using the impact of grazing and trampling by cattle on the rank grass material. The project also aimed at raising the socio-economic benefits of the neighbouring communities through raisng and sale of healthy cattle.
Founded in 1995,the not-for-profit Lewa Wildlife Conservancy (LWC) spans 62,000 acres and serves as a catalyst for conservation across northen kenya. Lewa holds at least 10% of Kenya`s black rhino population and the largest single population of Grevy`s zebra in the word(approximately 350 individuals).Through the protection and management of endangered species,the initiation and support of community conservation and development programmes, and the education of neighbouring areas in the value of wildlife, Lewa has become Kenya`s leading model for wildlife conservation on private land, leading destination for low-impact conservation tourism, and leading catalyst for conservation, and its direct benefits for communities, across the region. LWC promotes conservation both within its boundaries and in the ecologically important community-owned areas to its North. LWC also provides support to anti-poaching operations in other private rhino sanctuaries and wildlife reserves in Laikipia District and on Mt. Kenya. One of the fundamental objectives of LWC is to conserve threatened species within its area of operation and provide protected habitats for other species under pressure. The Conservancy supports abundant wildlife including a population of 350 critically endangered Grevy`s zebra, as well as 65 black rhino that represents about 10% of the National Rhino population.
In line with its mission, LWC has used its stock of Grevy`s zebra and black rhino as a source to establish and augment new populations inside and outside Protected Areas in Kenya. Similarly, the Conservancy has initiated a long-term plan aimed at conserving wildlife that takes cognizance of the changing human and wildlife demographic needs and trends in the 21st century with special focus to the endangered wildlife. In line with this plan, Lewa has embarked on a wide range of activities which among others, include improvement of the quality and productivity of grasslands for the benefit of wildlife and with a special focus on Grevy`s zebra using intensive livestock grazing. Cattle are sourced from the neighbouring pastoralist communities in order to achieve cross-cutting benefits that includes ecological and socio-economic returns to the pastoralist communities.
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