Save Endangered Zebras and Help Wild Dogs in Kenya

Grevy's Zebra live in arid and semi-arid grass/shrub land. Current estimates put the total population at approximately 1,966 to 2,477. Most are located in Kenya with a portion located in Ethiopia.

The major threats are reduction of available water resources, habitat degradation and loss due to overgrazing, competition for resources, hunting and disease. In Kenya, hunting for skins in the late 1970's made a major contribution to the decline of Grevy's Zebras. Furthermore, the water supplies in Kenya have seriously declined, some rivers being reduced by 90%, and the overgrazing by local herders has drastically reduced the supply of food.

However, our program is designed to supply drinking water and fodder/grass crops for the wild animals, as well as the local inhabitants. Through this program there is no competition for resources since everyone shares equally. Initially we begin with the tree planting program which enables vulnerable rural Kenyans to create wealth from tree planting and establish a clean supply of water for the trees, livestock and humans. In the end, we tap into the new water supply to ensure that the wild animals get their equal share. This enhances the local villagers opportunity to generate incomes from wildlife safaris and ecotours.

"The animals, especially the Zebra, have been dying in large numers due to the ongoing drought." explained Peter Tingai, a Masai Elder and Camp Manager for Africa Conservation Trust.

Due to their unique bond with the animals, the Masai are the best partners for our program. They do not hunt animals like others, but they cherish their beauty and also understand that the animals can bring much needed incomes to the local community.

To date, we have been tracking Zebra and Wild Dogs from Magadi to Tsavo. We have been seeing a steady decline in Zebras and Wild Dogs, but there has been an increase in lions. We hope that through your support we can help create a sanctuary for these endangered Grevy's Zebra. The government is unable to stop poachers and locals are killing the Zebra because they claim they are grazing on their lands. Therefore, our efforts are essential in repopulating the Grevy's Zebra.

Currently, we have 2 Masai workers in the field tracking the animals but we need your support to purchase more equipment and provide more training so that we can have 20 community monitors working in the field next year. We have access to 48,000 acres of land through Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and together we aim to set up a Grevy's Zebra sanctuary. In the past we have worked with KWS to set up sanctuaries for rhinos and elephants, which are now flourishing once again, so now it is time to bring back the once flourishing Grevy's Zebra.

Thank you for your time and support. If you have any question about endangered species in Kenya please contact us.

Links:

• Vidoe: Masai women, wildlife and the environment