The Grevy’s zebra (Equus grevyi) represents a flagship species for the preservation of the Laikipia-Samburu region’s rich ecological heritage. From 1975 to today, the species has declined from 15,000 to fewer than 2,000 individuals in the wild. Grevy’s zebra are classified as Endangered by the World Conservation Union (IUCN).
Due to this species’ endangered status and its significance to the ecosystem, Denver Zoo is helping to fund this important conservation project in Kenya. The goal is to gain knowledge about what limits Grevy’s zebras’ population growth and determine whether competition with livestock and predation by lions play a role. GPS radio collars have been fitted on individuals to compare movements of the Grevy’s zebra with that of its more common cousin, the plains zebra. In collaboration with the Grevy’s Zebra Working Group, national surveys throughout Kenya, GPS collar data, and surveys of local attitudes are all shared, creating an effective force in the conservation of the Grevy’s zebra.
In working with the Grevy’s zebra, community partnerships have also been created by training local community members to assist with the gathering of data. By working with surrounding communities, conservation efforts are increased and attitudes of locals towards zebras are changed.
The project continues to make progress in the conservation of these endangered zebras. Future goals include gaining support from additional communities, increasing awareness among local youths, surveying more species populations, and GPS-collaring a greater number of Grevy’s zebras, lions, and livestock in surrounding areas.
For more information on Denver Zoo’s work with schools and communities in Laikipia, please visit the supporting Kenya conservation education program page. Check out Dr. Sundaresan’s blog, Saving Stripes.
|
