1. Community-Based Conservation Programs
Mara Conservancies
- Community Involvement: Several conservancies around the Maasai Mara are established through partnerships between local Maasai landowners and conservation organizations. These conservancies, such as the Mara North Conservancy and the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, aim to create sustainable land use practices that benefit both wildlife and local communities.
- Revenue Sharing: The conservancies generate income through eco-tourism, which is shared with the local communities. This incentivizes the Maasai to preserve wildlife habitats.
2. Anti-Poaching Initiatives
Wildlife Protection Units
- Patrols and Surveillance: Trained ranger units conduct regular patrols and surveillance to combat poaching. These units are equipped with modern technology, such as drones and GPS tracking, to monitor wildlife and deter poachers.
- Collaboration with Authorities: Conservation organizations collaborate with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and local law enforcement to strengthen anti-poaching laws and enforcement.
3. Wildlife Monitoring and Research
Scientific Studies
- Population Monitoring: Continuous research and monitoring of key species such as elephants, lions, and cheetahs help in understanding population dynamics and health. Organizations like the Mara Predator Conservation Programme focus on studying and conserving predator populations.
- Habitat Use and Migration: Research on animal migration patterns and habitat use informs management strategies to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts and ensure safe migration routes.
4. Habitat Restoration and Management
Reforestation Projects
- Tree Planting Initiatives: Efforts are made to restore degraded areas through tree planting and reforestation projects. These initiatives help combat soil erosion, improve water catchment areas, and enhance habitat quality.
- Grassland Management: Controlled grazing and the removal of invasive plant species are practiced to maintain healthy grasslands that support the herbivore populations.
5. Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation
Community Outreach Programs
- Education and Awareness: Programs aimed at educating the local communities about the importance of wildlife conservation and sustainable practices. This includes training on how to coexist with wildlife and minimize conflicts.
- Compensation Schemes: Compensation programs for livestock losses due to predation help reduce retaliation killings of predators.
6. Sustainable Tourism Practices
Eco-Friendly Lodges
- Sustainable Operations: Many lodges and camps in the Maasai Mara are adopting eco-friendly practices such as using solar energy, recycling waste, and minimizing water usage.
- Tourism Guidelines: Strict guidelines for wildlife viewing are enforced to minimize the impact on animals and their habitats.
7. Climate Change Adaptation
Resilience Building
- Adaptive Management: Efforts to build resilience against climate change impacts include the development of water resources, such as boreholes and water pans, to ensure a stable water supply for wildlife and livestock.
- Research on Climate Impact: Studies on the impacts of climate change on the Maasai Mara ecosystem help in formulating adaptive management strategies.
8. Partnerships and Collaboration
International and Local Partnerships
- Collaborative Efforts: Conservation efforts in the Maasai Mara often involve partnerships between local communities, NGOs, government agencies, and international conservation organizations. These collaborations leverage resources and expertise to achieve conservation goals.
9. Education and Capacity Building
Training Programs
- Capacity Building: Training programs for local rangers, guides, and community members enhance their skills and knowledge in conservation practices.
- Conservation Education: Initiatives aimed at educating the youth about wildlife conservation to foster a culture of environmental stewardship.
By integrating these diverse conservation strategies, the Maasai Mara aims to preserve its rich biodiversity and ensure the coexistence of wildlife and local communities. These efforts are crucial in maintaining the ecological balance and promoting sustainable development in the region.
Mara Conservation Segments (Systems, Habitats and Species) Identified in the Mara Management Plan
Systems
Southern Migration
Targets and Rationale: The southern migration is the defining characteristic of the Mara-Serengeti Ecosystem. It plays a keystone role in determining key ecological processes, animal and plant diversity, and abundance. Even small alterations to the migration could have far-reaching impacts on the Mara-Serengeti National Reserve’s (MMNR) ecology and biodiversity.
Subsidiary Targets:
- Wildebeest
- Zebra
- Thompson’s gazelle
- Eland
Key Ecological Attributes (KEAs):
- Population size of key migratory species
- Habitat connectivity
- Habitat size (grassland)
- Pasture quality and quantity
- Mara River (quality and quantity of water)
Northern Migration
Targets and Rationale: A smaller migration within the Kenyan part of the ecosystem, primarily consisting of the same species as the southern migration. It is less well-known and much more severely impacted by human activities, resulting in a severe decline in animal numbers over the last 40 years.
Subsidiary Targets:
- Resident ungulates: warthog, buffalo, giraffe, topi, kongoni, and impala
- Species listed above for the southern migration
Key Ecological Attributes (KEAs):
- Population size of key species
- Habitat connectivity
- Habitat size (grassland)
- Pasture quality and quantity
- Mara River (quality and quantity of water)
Mara River
Targets and Rationale: The Mara River is the primary and occasionally the only dry-season source of water for wildlife in the Mara-Serengeti Ecosystem. The survival of the southern migration depends on seasonal access to the river, especially during periodic droughts. River flow and sediment loads have been severely affected by upstream activities, particularly in the Mau Forest.
Subsidiary Targets:
- Talek, Sand, and other key rivers
- Riverine forest
- Crocodiles
- Hippos
- Waterbuck
- Bushbuck
- Reedbuck
- Riverine bird species
Key Ecological Attributes (KEAs):
- Sustained and adequate water flow
- Water quality
- Size and extent of Mau Forest
- Size and extent of Siana and Loita Hills forests
- Extent and canopy cover of riverine forest
Systems Conservation Segments in the Mara Management Plan
| Category | Targets | Rationale for Selection | Subsidiary Targets | Key Ecological Attributes (KEAs) |
| Systems | Southern Migration | Defining characteristic of the Mara-Serengeti Ecosystem; keystone role in determining key ecological processes, animal and plant diversity, and abundance. | Wildebeest, Zebra, Thompson’s gazelle, Eland | Population size of key migratory species, Habitat connectivity, Habitat size (grassland), Pasture quality and quantity, Mara River (quality and quantity of water) |
| Northern Migration | Smaller migration within Kenyan part of the ecosystem; severely impacted by human activities, significant decline in animal numbers. | Resident ungulates (warthog, buffalo, giraffe, topi, kongoni, impala), Species listed for Southern Migration | Population size of key species, Habitat connectivity, Habitat size (grassland), Pasture quality and quantity, Mara River (quality and quantity of water) | |
| Mara River | Primary dry-season water source; crucial for southern migration survival during droughts; affected by upstream activities in Mau Forest. | Talek, Sand, and other key rivers, Riverine forest, Crocodiles, Hippos, Waterbuck, Bushbuck, Reedbuck, Riverine bird species | Sustained and adequate water flow, Water quality, Size and extent of Mau Forest, Size and extent of Siana and Loita Hills forests, Extent and canopy cover of riverine forest |
Habitats
Savannah/Hill Woodlands
Targets and Rationale: The woodlands of the MMNR have suffered dramatic declines over the previous four decades due to impacts from both elephants and fire. These habitats are vital for many species, and increased competition among browsers for woody resources has been noted within the reserve.
Subsidiary Targets:
- Acacia species
- Pangolins
Key Ecological Attributes (KEAs):
- Extent of woodlands
- Plant species composition
- Plant species age structure
- Population size of browsers (e.g., giraffe, impala)
Croton-Euclea Thickets
Targets and Rationale: Similar declines have been observed in the MMNR’s Croton-Euclea thickets in recent years. These species are important food sources for black rhinos, accounting for about 25% of their diet. This importance has increased as other woodland species in the MMNR have declined.
Subsidiary Targets:
- Balanites species
Key Ecological Attributes (KEAs):
- Extent of thickets
- Plant species composition
- Plant species age structure (especially the regeneration of Balanites)
- Population size of browsers (e.g., giraffe, impala)
Habitats in the Mara Management Plan
| Habitat | Targets | Rationale for Selection | Subsidiary Targets | Key Ecological Attributes (KEAs) |
| Savannah/Hill Woodlands | – Acacia species | Suffered dramatic declines due to impacts from elephants and fire. Vital for many species, with increased competition among browsers for woody resources. | – Pangolins | – Extent of woodlands, Plant species composition, Plant species age structure, Population size of browsers (e.g., giraffe, impala) |
| Croton-Euclea Thickets | – Balanites species | Important food source for black rhinos, accounting for about 25% of their diet. Increased importance due to decline of other woodland species. | – Extent of thickets–Plant species composition– Plant species age structure (especially regeneration of Balanites)– Population size of browsers (e.g., giraffe, impala) |
This table presents the habitats identified in the Mara Management Plan, along with their targets, rationale for selection, subsidiary targets, and key ecological attributes (KEAs).
Species
Black Rhino (Diceros bicornis michaeli)
Targets and Rationale: Classified as critically endangered by IUCN, the global population of black rhinos has drastically declined over the last 30 years. The MMNR contains one of two “indigenous” populations in Kenya, but it remains both small and vulnerable.
Key Ecological Attributes (KEAs):
- Age/sex structure and ratio
- Population size
- Habitat size and quality
- Recruitment
- Genetic diversity
Large Carnivores
Targets and Rationale: Large carnivores play an ecologically and economically essential role in the MMNR. Many species, such as lions and cheetahs, are declining nationally. Wild dogs are classified as endangered by IUCN. They face common threats, including human-wildlife conflict and reduction of dispersal areas.
Subsidiary Targets:
- Lion
- Spotted hyena
- Cheetah
- Wild dog
- Leopard
Key Ecological Attributes (KEAs):
- Age/sex structure and ratio
- Population size
- Prey species availability
- Habitat availability and connectivity
Roan Antelope (Hippotragus equinus)
Targets and Rationale: Rated as “low risk, conservation dependent” by IUCN, the roan antelope was once common in the MMNR but has declined significantly in the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem. Its restoration is a priority for the Mara Conservancy.
Key Ecological Attributes (KEAs):
- Age/sex structure and ratio
- Population size
- Habitat size and quality
- Recruitment
- Genetic diversity
Greater Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros)
Targets and Rationale: Also considered as low risk, conservation dependent by IUCN. Although no longer present in the MMNR, it is still found in woodlands to the east of the Reserve.
Key Ecological Attributes (KEAs):
- Age/sex structure and ratio
- Population size
- Habitat size and quality
- Recruitment
- Genetic diversity
Species in the Mara Management Plan
| Species | Rationale for Selection | Subsidiary Targets | Key Ecological Attributes (KEAs) |
| Black Rhino (Diceros bicornis michaeli) | Classified as critically endangered by IUCN. Global population has drastically declined over the last 30 years. MMNR contains one of two indigenous populations in Kenya, but it remains both small and vulnerable. | N/A | – Age/sex structure and ratio, Population size, Habitat size and quality, Recruitment, Genetic diversity |
| Large Carnivores | Play an ecologically and economically essential role in the MMNR. Many species (e.g., lion, cheetah) are declining nationally. Wild dogs are classified as endangered by IUCN. Grouped together as they face common threats including human-wildlife conflict and reduction of dispersal areas. | – Lion, Spotted hyena, Cheetah, Wild dog, Leopard | – Age/sex structure and ratio, Population size, Prey species availability, Habitat availability and connectivity |
| Roan Antelope (Hippotragus equinus) | Rated as “low risk, conservation dependent” by IUCN. Once common in the MMNR but has declined significantly in the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem. Its restoration is a priority for the Mara Conservancy. | N/A | – Age/sex structure and ratio, Population size, Habitat size and quality, Recruitment, Genetic diversity |
| Greater Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) | Also considered as low risk, conservation dependent by IUCN. Although no longer present in the MMNR, it is still found in woodlands to the east of the Reserve. | N/A | – Age/sex structure and ratio, Population size, Habitat size and quality, Recruitment, Genetic diversity |
This table presents the species identified in the Mara Management Plan, along with their rationale for selection, subsidiary targets, and key ecological attributes (KEAs).
Threats Analysis
The Mara Management Plan identifies several threats impacting the conservation targets. These include:
- Deforestation: Very high impact on Northern and Southern Migration, Mara River, Euclea-croton thickets, and Savannah/hill woodlands.
- Water Extraction: High impact on Northern and Southern Migration; Medium impact on Mara River.
- Fire: Very high impact on Northern and Southern Migration, Savannah/hill woodlands, and Euclea-croton thickets.
- Poaching: Medium impact on Northern and Southern Migration; Very high impact on Black rhino and large carnivores.
- Disease: Medium impact on Northern and Southern Migration; High impact on Black rhino; Medium impact on large carnivores.
- Human Settlements: High impact on Northern and Southern Migration; Medium impact on Mara River.
- Settled Agriculture & Fencing: High impact on Northern and Southern Migration.
- Exclusion from Water Sources: Very high impact on Northern Migration.
- Intensive Pastoral Practices: Very high impact on Northern Migration.
- Harassment/Persecution: Very high impact on Northern Migration; High impact on large carnivores.
- Pollution: Medium impact on Mara River.
- Tourism Facilities: Very high impact on Savannah/hill woodlands; Medium impact on Euclea-croton thickets, Black rhino, and large carnivores.
- Tourism Activities: Low to medium impact across various systems and species.
- Elephant Damage: Medium impact on Savannah/hill woodlands and Euclea-croton thickets.
- Loss of Habitat (Woodland): Very high impact on Savannah/hill woodlands.
- Inbreeding: High impact on Black rhino and Roan & kudu.
- Predation/Competition: Very high impact on Roan & kudu; Medium impact on large carnivores.
- Declining Prey Species: High impact on large carnivores.
- Declining Suitable Range: High impact on large carnivores.
