Adventure for Rhinos is raising funds for the #MazingiraConservationFund. Laikipia is one of the most vital wildlife conservation landscapes in Kenya. But our vulnerable and endangered species in the greater Laikipia landscape need some help. A growing human population, closure of key wildlife corridors and dispersal areas, the climate crisis, and a push towards greater agricultural production threaten the future of our wildlife. The #MazingiraConservationFund (MCF) is designed to support wildlife conservation efforts and innovations in our landscape. More than research, it supports practical interventions aimed at securing habitat and safe passage for our many wildlife species, but with a particular focus on our vulnerable and endangered species. The fund provides grants to individuals, communities, schools, and organized groups, with access to funds that support these conservation goals.
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Why should we care?
Up to 30-50% of all species on earth are headed towards extinction by 2050. 99% of these extinctions will be caused by humans.
While many parts of Kenya have experienced up to a 70% decline in animal numbers, Laikipia wildlife numbers have endured. Total numbers have remained about the same over the last 40 years.
Despite the success of our wildlife conservation efforts in general, and our rhinoceros conservation efforts specifically, our wildlife continues to be challenged for survival.
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The Greater Laikipia Landscape offers some of the best opportunities in Kenya for engaged, participatory, public and private wildlife conservation endeavors. But these species are specifically threatened:
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The Lion
VULNERABLE
The lion is part of our national seal (coat of arms), but only about 330 lions remain in the greater Laikipia landscape. Once widespread, lions are already extinct in 26 African countries. A more recent Kenyan lion census suggests we are losing lions at an alarming rate.
The Reticulated Giraffe
ENDANGERED
We have about 4000 reticulated giraffe in the landscape, with a decreasing population trend. Giraffes are easy prey for meat poachers and susceptible to disruptions from agricultural growth and infrastructure.
The Grevy Zebra
ENDANGERED
These are the most iconic of the zebras – big ears and fine stripes. There are about 2500 Grevy’s zebras found in Kenya, and more than half the population can be found in the Greater Laikipia Landscape. Agriculture, infrastructure, invasive species, and competition with cattle threatens their future.
The Black Rhinoceros
CRITICALLY ENDANGERED
The black rhino of which we are most proud because of the success of private land rhino sanctuaries, is considered CRITICALLY ENDANGERED. There are only about 4000 black rhinos left in the world. And more than 50% of our Kenyan population can be found here in Laikipia!
The African Wild Dog
ENDANGERED
The health of our wild dog populations in Laikipia varies tremendously. They are very susceptible to canine distemper, rabies, and poisoned carcasses. In 2018, our wild dog numbers plummeted, but in 2019, numbers are rebounding based on increased sightings in the landscape.
The African Elephant
VULNERABLE
The greater Laikipia landscape hosts the second largest elephant numbers after Tsavo National Park. Elephant poaching is presently at a minimum, but human-elephant conflict due to habitat loss is increasingly seen to challenge their numbers and survival.
The Cheetah
VULNERABLE
No one is quite sure how many cheetahs are found in this landscape, but the estimated numbers suggest that about 40-50 individuals occupy the area.
