W
hen AWF and The Nature Conservancy donated
17,100 acres of land to the Kenyan government
in November 2011 to create a new national park, the
land was heavily degraded from overgrazing that
occurred when it was a private ranch. More than a
year later, this land parcel--which is a critical part
of a wildlife corridor that runs through the Samburu
Heartland--is showing signs of positive response.
What was bare ground two to three years ago is largely
covered with red oat grass, while highly degraded
areas now have vegetative cover, according to Ryan
Valdez, a Smithsonian pre-doctoral researcher who
has conducted surveys in the area. He has observed
elephants, zebras, Thompson's and Grant's gazelles,
and warthogs--"a great indicator of reduced human
activity." Surveys by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS)
in April 2012 found animals representing 12 different
species within sample plots on the property, and KWS
has established a field camp on the eastern edge of the
future park that has helped to improve wildlife security
throughout the region. KWS is also in the process of
developing a management plan, which will help ensure
that when this land is declared Laikipia National Park,
it will be a haven of floral and faunal diversity.
q
The Southern Agricultural Growth
Corridor of Tanzania aims to
intensify agricultural production
in what is also a biologically
diverse wildlife corridor.
u
An April 2012 census of the
future Laikipia National Park
area, conducted by Kenya
Wildlife Service, found wildlife
representing 12 different species.
An ecosystem
BoUnces BAcK