Grevy`s Zebra conservation in Kenya 2015

Grevy’s Zebra Conserva tion
in Kenya 2015
Report & funding proposa l prepa red
for supporters & members
of the Grevy’s zebra EEP conservation projects
Ta nya La ngenhorst
EEP Coordina tor &
Interna tiona l Studbook Keeper for Grevy’s zebra
Dr Zeke Da vidson
Kenya Project Ma na ger
Ma rwell Wildlife
October 2015
www.marwell.org.uk/conservation
Acknowledgements
We would like to thank the following for their ongoing and very generous support
during 2014 and 2015:
Amersfoort Zoo
Banham Zoo – ZSEA
Drusillas Park
Kolmardens Insamlingsstiftelse
Koninklijke Maatschappij voor Dierkunde van Antwerpen
Quagga
Rufford Foundation
Stichting Vrienden Safaripark Beekse Bergen en Dierenrijk
Wildlife Worldwide
Wilhelma Zoologisch-Botanischer Garten Stuttgart
Cover: Grevy stallion on Lewa © Marwell
This page: Northern Kenya © Marwell
Introduction
It is with great pleasure that I can deliver to you another issue of the annual Grevy’s zebra
conservation report & funding proposal. Our team in Kenya has been very busy over the last 12
months and here we would like to inform and update you an all the activities that your funds and
support have made possible. Thank you for your continued support for the conservation of this
beautiful species of zebra
While working side by side with colleagues from the Grevy’s zebra Technical Committee (GZTC)
on national projects and initiatives, Marwell’s focus is firmly on the far north of Kenya, the Milgis
Ecosystem. Over the last two years we have put a lot of effort into training a Kenyan team made up
predominantly of national Masters students and local scouts to create a strong and lasting
conservation network. All activities in this area are embedded within the communities that share
their area with Grevy’s zebra
As you will see in the text below, we have already had some very interesting results of monitoring
the Grevy’s zebra in this understudied and remote landscape.
Furthermore you will find updates on national developments such as collaring, stripe ID database,
building conservation capacity within Kenya, and the EEP’s drought relief support.
Thank you to all our donors and supporters for their loyalty. We could not do this work to
protect the Grevy’s zebra without you.
Section A of this document contains a report of the activities of Marwell Wildlife and its partners
regarding Grevy’s zebra conservation in the past year. At the end of this section is a list of these
partners and, as ever, please feel free to ask Tanya for any further information you might require.
In Section B we are presenting our proposed activities for 2015/16 together with their associated
costs.
The Status of Grevy’s Zebra (Equus grevyi)
The status and distribution of the species has been assessed by Dr Dan Rubenstein (IUCN
Grevy’s zebra Coordinator, Princeton University) this year together with Belinda Low-Mackey
(GZT) and Dr Zeke Davidson (Marwell) as a contribution to the IUCN listing process. The
assessment is awaiting a final review before we know which Red List status will be assigned to the
species.
International Studbook
The international studbook for Grevy’s zebra 2014 (Langenhorst, 2015) recorded 189.324.0 (513)
Grevy’s zebra in 116 institutions in 28 countries at the end of 2014. Of these 88.164.0 (252)
animals are managed in 52 EEP institutions. While the North American SSP coordinates 59.109.0
(168) animals in 39 institutions (US and Canada). A third population is managed in Japan and
consists of 9.10.0 (19) animals in eight zoos. Together, these populations provide a genetically and
demographically healthy back up to their wild counterparts.
If you are interested in the studbook, please contact Tanya Langenhorst, the EEP Coordinator, or
download a PDF from our website:
https://www.marwell.org.uk/conservation/achievements/studbooks
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The following maps will help you to spatially interpret the information in the report below.
Fig.01/02: Maps providing a detailed layout of the focal areas in which Marwell is currently operational and the National
Grevy’s zebra Monitoring Zones.
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Section A. Summary of Activities in 2014/15
In this section we provide a detailed overview of the work we have carried towards Grevy’s zebra
conservation over the last year. Together with our partners from the Grevy’s Zebra Technical
Committee and with your financial support we have extended the area in which we operate and
provided crucial monitoring, cooperation with communities, support for the Kenya Wildlife Service
and, last but not least, potentially lifesaving intervention for Grevy’s zebra. We would like to thank
you for your support without which most of our activities would not be possible
Grevy’s zebra Liaison Office Support
The role of Grevy’s Zebra Liaison Officer is
an important one in the cooperation of
partner organisations with the Kenya Wildlife
Service, the administration of the Grevy’s
zebra Technical Committee (such as
organising and running meetings or
workshops, producing minutes for these
events), and active involvement on the
ground, e.g. research and organising
supplementary feeding . The EEP was
instrumental in setting up this role 10 years
ago and we were therefore happy that we
could provide funds from the EEP once
more, not only to enable the current officer,
George Anyona (Pictured above), to travel to meetings, collaring missions and other field projects
in 2014, but also to enable KWS to employ him for the whole of 2015. His work has included:
o Participation on behalf of KWS in the South Horr collaring work
o Following up on collared animals
o Facilitated KWS permissions for our NKGZP work and for the collaring operations
o Undertaken several trips to meetings at KWS Head Quarters in Nairobi as part of his KWS
officer duties. These typically keep the agenda of the GZTC on track with HQ
o He is handling KWS partnership in the Meru GZ project
George is currently based in the Nyeri Station Office (KWS) as a Research Assistant to further his
education and training. You can also read more about him under Professional Development.
Monitoring of Grevy’s zebra
Digital Stripe Pattern Identification Database
This project is creating a database of field
based identifications of all individuals sighted,
and re-sighted, with an aim of obtaining data on
the distribution, abundance and connectivity of
Grevy’s zebra populations throughout its range,
and, ultimately, in Ethiopia as well.
The national database continues to grow
steadily through monthly data collection from
Lewa Conservancy, Grevy’s Zebra Trust,
Marwell Wildlife and Mpala Research Centre. It
currently holds 22739 images. Discussions are
underway on the best way to systematically
Pic. 02: Grevy’s zebra group © Marwell
clean the national database from duplicate
entries and pictures of dead individuals as we continue adding more information to it. Cleaning up
of the database is becoming an important aspect of our work so we can produce accurate results
every time.
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New software called IBEIS (Image Based Ecological Information System) is currently under
development, and will enable us to better monitor the health of the entire population of Grevy’s
zebra, discover dangerous trends and help us avoid human and wildlife conflicts. A team from
Princeton University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, the University of Illinois-Chicago, and Wild
Me is building this system. Marwell have facilitated IBEIS implementation at Lewa Wildlife
Conservancy in collaboration with Prof. Dan Rubenstein and key members of the ID team, e.g.
Lizbeth Mate, the stripe ID coordinator, had training early this year to learn how it works. Since
then they have entered and processed data spanning eight months into IBEIS to test it. We are
currently using IBEIS alongside the existing Extract Compare program (Hiby 2010) (the system we
have used since the beginning of this project), with an aim of consolidating data from the two
programs, as IBEIS becomes a fully functioning tool for monitoring our Grevy’s zebra population.
National Survey of Grevy's zebra
In an exciting development at the recent GZTC meeting held in Nairobi on the 2nd of July 2015,
members agreed to plan a dedicated national survey effort using the IBEIS stripe ID protocol. This
was successfully piloted on plains zebra and giraffe in Nairobi National Park
(http://ibeis.org/wordpress/great-zebra-count-at-nairobi-national-park/). Our data base manager,
Lizbeth Mate, will be a key member of this survey team. We plan to deploy a large-scale team in
multiple key Grevy’s zebra locations on the same two days to undertake a capture / re-capture
survey using digital photography and the stripe ID tool.
It is anticipated that the National stripe ID count will take place in late January 2016, soon after the
triennial aerial survey count for Grevy’s zebra (in cooperation with Save The Elephants) in late
November 2015. This will provide the first ever large-scale ground based census figures with which
to validate the national population statistics for Grevy’s zebra.
Should any EEP members be interested in sending their own team or staff members to participate
in this, they would have to organise their own trip, but any photos taken would contribute to the
survey. Please make sure to register your interest in this with Tanya Langenhorst, so she can keep
you updated on timings and details as they emerge.
Grevy’s Zebra Collaring
Over the past 10 years we have deployed 35 collars in the Wamba management zone, in northern
Kenya. In February 2015 the most recent collaring mission took place in the remote location of
South Horr. This is the furthest north that the species has been systematically studied in this way
and represents the margin of their current functional population distribution.
A team of 17 people including KWS, Marwell and Lewa set off to collar four female Grevy’s zebra.
Due to the weather and environmental conditions, this turned out to be most difficult and
demanding collaring operation to date. The vet proved to be exceptional, making "lob" shots of
over 60m in range, in high winds to hit the mark! This experienced and dedicated team did
eventually manage to collar two animals which was seen as a successful mission given the
circumstances. Good samples were collected for blood, hair and a variety of body measurements.
Pic. 03: Collared female, now with foal on El Barta plains © GZT
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Pics. 04-06: Collaring and safe recovery of one female © Marwell
Both females collared recovered well and one has returned to GPRS range and begun reporting
data to the central database - the first wildlife movement data ever collected for this part of
Northern Kenya and the first record ever of any large bodied wildlife to cross the Chalbi desert (see
NKGZP report below). The map (Fig.03) shows the female spending time in grazing areas to the
North, and making a trip into a local settlement (Anderi) to drink at natural springs.
Fig 03: Zebra tracks following collaring in South Horr © Marwell.
The collaring (telemetry) study is maturing as a long term conservation effort next year after a
decade of consistent effort, with data now able to provide extremely valuable planning tools both
for the conservation of the species and the development of Kenya as a country. Major contributions
have been made as part of our involvement in a government task force initiative to define the
wildlife movement corridors of Kenya.
Most recently, a study in collaboration with Imperial College of London MSc. graduate Nicole
Levikov has used the entire dataset spanning 9 years, and all collared individuals. Ananlysis
indicates that the presence of water and human settlements have the strongest influence on the
propensity of Grevy’s zebra to relocate. We used an analytical technique know as a Dynamic
Brownian Bridge Movement Model, to define migratory routes and areas which are important to
Grevy’s for foraging. The map below indicates these areas, which appear not to alter with seasonal
changes, and the movement corridors between them (Please refer to the introductory maps for
wider scale spatial orientation). We are developing these results as part of a paper entitled,
“Factors influencing foraging and migratory decisions in Grevy’s Zebra: To move or not to Move”.
Please see below a map of these first results (Fig.04):
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Fig.04: Important foraging areas in blue and linkage corridors (green) between them
(From Levikov and Davidson et al. in prep.)
The collaring data are extremely useful to a wide variety of projects and national decision making.
We are highly dependent on the EEP contributions and are particularly grateful to Kolmarden Zoo
who have enabled this work for several years now. This project has a top priority in the long-term
conservation of the wild, free ranging populations of the species.
Disease Response Committee (DRC)
Last year the Disease Response Committee agreed to a request from the Grevy’s zebra Trust to
provide supplementary feeding and the guidelines are in place to allow for this to happen again as
and when needed.
Drought Relief
Results so far show that the supplementary feeding that was put into place during the drought last
year is having a marked effect on the survival of foals less than one year old. No foals were lost in
either of the last two bad droughts in which feed was supplied. Foals did, however, die during the
drought a couple of years ago (2008/9) when no help was provided. The sense is that
supplementary feeding keeps mothers from moving large distances by providing food when it is
most needed and foals are most vulnerable. This is showing signs of being a very important
intervention that needs to be continued.
Northern Kenya is now facing another bad dry season as the rains were late and little. The
colleagues in the field expect to be feeding again this season – probably by early autumn.
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Professional Development
Lizbeth Njeri Mate, who has been managing the stripe ID project for
several years now, has completed her MSc. studies in Project
Planning and Management and her thesis ‘Influence of community
based wildlife management on Grevy’s zebra conservation in
Westgate Community Conservancy in Samburu County, Kenya was
awarded a distinction. She graduated in December 2014 (Pic.07).
While Lizbeth started out with a background in international
development, her work with us has meant that she is now very much
involved and interested in conservation, and the Grevy’s zebra in
particular. She is very keen to stay in this field of work and we are
hoping to retain her for at least another year as her knowledge
gained over the years, her organisational skills and her enthusiasm
have proven invaluable to the whole team.
Pic.08: Enrita; with George Anyona (left) and
Clarine Kigoli our data entry technician, and
Lizbeth Mate (right) on graduation day © E.
Lesoloyia
Enrita Naanyu Lesoloyia,
the young teacher from the
remote Samburu village of
Ol Donyo Nesipa in the
Milgis, has completed her
studies on wildlife
Pic.07: Lizbeth with her dad on
conservation and community
graduation day © Marwell
development and graduated
just a few days ago. She has high aspirations as she
wants to use her training as a teacher and her experience
in conservation to promote peace between her Samburu
people and the neighbouring Turkana tribe.
The area in which the Northern Kenya Grevy’s Zebra
Project (see below) operates in is often the scene of
violent cattle raiding and retaliatory strikes. We fully
support Enrita’s belief that wildlife and environment on
which the pastoral communities all depend can be a
unifying factor. Marwell is seeking funding to complete
Enrita’s Lesoloyia’s training as a Project Manager and be
ready to transition the NKGZ project to focus on peace,
cooperation and sustainable natural resource
management between Samburu and Turkana
communities using Grevy’s zebra and other wildlife
conservation as a unifying factor.
Pics. 09-10: George (middle) training community scouts in data recording AND Enrita (on the left) discussing work with
one of the female scouts © Marwell
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George Anyona serves as a Research Assistant based in the Nyeri Station Office (KWS) to further
his education and training. He is also the Grevy’s Zebra Liaison Officer to the national Grevy’s
Zebra Technical Committee, a position funded by the EEP.
Like Enrita, George works closely with the community wildlife monitoring scouts (Pics.09 & 10). He
has passed on skills from his own training to greatly improve patrols, camera-trapping and use of
Cyber-tracker in the field. His thesis, ‘Movements and distribution of Grevy’s zebra (Equus grevyi)
in South Horr, Samburu District’ draws on these datasets along with vegetation sampling to help
describe and infer the impacts of grazing resources on Grevy’s zebra ecology. George is also
aiming to graduate with a Master title later this year.
Lewa Research Department
Last year, we reported (Langenhorst and Davidson, 2014) that four new monitoring officers have
been employed by the Lewa Research Department since January 2014 to provide monitoring and
evaluation services to surrounding community conservancies and private ranches; however, the
community conservancies suffered a lot of insecurity this year, along with a number of places in
Kenya, making progress difficult in 2015. Lewa does continue to work closely with their sister
organisation the Northern Rangelands Trust in their combined approach to assisting community
conservancies. Much progress has been made in developing strong ties and preparing for direct
conservation activity in 2016/17. Marwell’s Kenya Programme Manager, Dr Zeke Davidson, has
involved the monitoring officers in developing a collaborative human footprint dataset together with
these conservancies, Northern Rangelands Trust, and Save the Elephants.
Borana Conservancy is now using the SMART tool (a spatial monitoring and reporting tool
developed by the Zoological Society of London) and Cybertracker (www.cybertracker.org) for
digital data capture. Lewa officers are carrying this out and incorporating the data in to their reports
– so effectively treating the conservancies as one landscape from a monitoring & evaluating
perspective. We are hopeful that a number of closely related organisations and landscapes will
follow suit in 2016. These include the Ngare Ndare Forest Trust which manages the forest on
Lewa’s southern boundary with Mount Kenya, and the Mount Kenya Trust working closely with
KWS to conserve the Mount Kenya National Park and the elephant corridor between Lewa and the
National Park.
Pic.11: Group of Grevy’s zebra in the Milgis Ecosystem © Marwell
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The Milgis Ecosystem
Phase 2 of the Northern Kenya Grevy’s Zebra Project (NKGZP)
The Northern Kenya Grevy’s Zebra Project focuses on a previously unstudied population of
Grevy’s zebra and their relationships with pastoral communities in and around the South Horr
Valley located between Mount Nyiru and Mount Kulal massifs (Fig.05).
The three goals of the project during this phase were: (1) to understand the population and ecology
of Grevy’s zebra, including movements between the South Horr study area and the adjacent
landscape, and their relationships with pastoralist communities; (2) to build capacity for wildlife
conservation and community engagement through training of local post-graduate students; and (3)
to foster community participation in wildlife conservation.
We are using three different methods to monitor the Grevy’s zebra
1) Camera traps: we have now deployed 10 camera-traps which are all well maintained by our
team of community wildlife monitoring scouts. This resulted in 2,582 images of Grevy’s
zebra with additional records of other species inhabiting the study area. Clarine Kigoli, a
young Kenyan, is employed to extract and analyse the information from camera trap
pictures for Grevy’s zebra but also a whole range of other species. The data from camera
traps provided evidence for the presence, relative abundance and population demographics
of Grevy’s zebra. Frequencies of sightings were used as an indication of the species’
activity throughout the day and night.
2) Direct observations: Our team of community scouts followed zebra trails on foot and
undertook direct observations of animals to monitor Grevy’s zebra behaviour, their
movements between grazing and water resources and activity patterns. Specially trained
community-based wildlife monitoring scouts were employed to manage camera-traps and
track Grevy’s zebras.
3) GPS/GSM collars: were deployed on two non-lactating females on the assumption that their
movements would not be restricted by nursing foals.
Fig. 05: Map showing the location of Marwell’s Northern Kenya Grevy’s Zebra Project
Two local post-graduate students, Enrita and George, undertook fieldwork helping us to
understand more about the ecology of Grevy’s zebra in the South Horr area, and to assess the
impact of wildlife conservation on community development.
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Early results from the first two years of monitoring
Population Estimate
We used a simplified ‘sight, re-sight’ estimate to calculate the population size in the study area
using time delimited data from 2013 and 2014. We identified 36 individuals in 2013 and 37 new
unique individuals in 2014. A total of 22 individuals were re-sighted between these periods,
suggesting a total population size of approximately 60 Grevy’s zebra based on the Lincoln Index
(Southwood 2000). The figure is consistent with local knowledge which suggests that between 40
and 80 Grevy’s zebra are found in the area.
Population Structure
Our analysis found a skewed ratio of 3 males to 1 female amongst animals that could be readily
sexed from the images. A similar bias can be seen for this species elsewhere in Kenya. Adult
Grevy’s zebras were most commonly seen (92% of sightings) with very low numbers of juveniles
(2%) and foals (6%). The presence of foals demonstrates that Grevy’s zebra in the area are
reproducing, but the imbalanced age structure suggests an unstable local population at risk of
decline. Greater sampling effort is needed, and over a longer period, to verify this picture.
Activity
The monitoring showed that Grevy’s zebras typically travelled about 20 km a day between grazing
areas and water points. Scouts reported that when animals are disturbed and do not finish
drinking, they hide away in dense vegetation near the water sources and resume drinking the
following evening. Grevy’s zebra were usually detected at water points between 21:00 hrs and
06:00 hrs (Fig.06); consistent with previous studies (Williams 2002) showing that they tend to drink
at night when excluded by livestock during the day. We believe this behaviour is vital for the
persistence of Grevy’s zebra in this area and for their coexistence with people and livestock.
The animals travelled on two main routes through the South Horr landscape. On their way to and
from water sources located along the valley floor, they accessed a series of grazing areas. Animals
spent their foraging time in open grasslands, and in bushlands where they browsed on herbs and
dwarf shrubs when grass availability was limited.
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Fi.06: Activity Rhythms as indicated by frequency of trapping.
Population Connectivity
The GPS/GSM collars were deployed only in spring this year. Already, we tracked one animal over
a distance of 500km in less than a month resulting in a displacement distance of 238km between
the start and end of this journey. Remarkably (as reported above), this animal crossed the Chalbi
desert, following a circuitous route for 11 days in this environment. She then moved to the hot
springs near Kargi on the eastern edge to drink before ascending the ancient lava flows to find
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foraging opportunities. The Grevy then travelled south along the foothills of the Ndoto Mountain
range at Ngurnit (Fig.03). As this is the first recorded movement of a large mammal across the
Chalbi desert, it suggests that the area could provide an important refuge and corridor for arid
adapted wildlife. More specifically, the movement of this animal demonstrates important
connectivity between our remote study area and other locations occupied by Grevy’s zebra.
Pic.12: Male Grevy’s zebra awaiting an opportunity to drink at Keroli Springs in the Chalbi Desert © Marwell Wildlife
Resource Availability
George Anyona (see above) is evaluating foraging and water resources across the area with
vegetation sampling. As the water table drops during the drier part of the year, springs dry out and
the water retreats higher and higher into the ravines. So do
the people and their livestock with wildlife following closely
behind. These very limited sources of available surface
water become vital points of coalescence for all who rely on
them. Our data suggest that Grevy’s zebra utilising dry
environments, including the desert in the far north of Kenya,
retreat to the mountain foothills at these times.
Community Participation
Our team of community based wildlife monitoring scouts
have so far performed beyond our original expectations.
The depth of interest, commitment and competency of each
member of the team has resulted in good quality data,
almost perfect operation of camera-traps during this study
period and highly informative field observations. The scouts
have learnt the use camera-traps and Cyber tracker and
assisted with field techniques such as vegetation sampling
(Pic.13). Our early findings suggest that communities have
embraced the initiative which brings perceived intelligence
and security benefits in an uncertain environment as a byproduct of wildlife monitoring activities.
Pic.13: George Anyona (on the right) and
Scout Lmatiwan Lekupee count herbaceous
species in a sample quadrant in northern
Kenya ©Marwell Wildlife
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We have now begun selection to employ a team of four ‘IlKirimats’ (Samburu word for ‘caretakers’).
These people will be based in two locations, South Horr and Loltepes, and responsible for liaising
with communities in the study area. Their role will be to hold meetings and interviews with people
experiencing conflict with wildlife and intercommunity tension over resources and the collection of
human footprint data. This is essentially a ‘listening and understanding brief’.
Pic.14: the Northern Kenya team: Zeke, Clarine, Lizbeth, Enrita © Marwell
Next steps
Phase 3 of the Northern Kenya Grevy’s Zebra Projects will represent a significant shift in our hopes
and expectations for this area. By the end of this next period, we hope to be able to quantify
impacts of human activities on Grevy’s zebra and begin to see tangible benefits accruing to local
communities through the conservation process led by Enrita Lesoloyia. Ultimately, increases in the
abundance of Grevy’s zebra, and enhanced diversity of other species will provide a meaningful
measure of biological success and ecosystem health over the longer term.
During this phase of the project we seek to:
1. Determine the size and detailed understanding of demographic status of the Grevy’s zebra
population between consecutive years.
2. Map human settlements, livestock distribution and density as a means of determining
interactions with Grevy’s zebra and other wildlife.
3. Use the results of the two MSc projects carried out by George Anyona and Enrita Lesoloyia to
inform conservation and community development decisions.
4. Complete Enrita’s Lesoloyia’s training as a Project Manager and be ready to transition the
project to focus on peace, cooperation and sustainable natural resource management between
Samburu and Turkana communities using Grevy’s zebra and other wildlife conservation as a
unifying factor.
5. Complete the preparation of the team of 12 community based wildlife monitoring scouts and
IlKirimats (caretakers) ready to support future conservation and community development goals.
6. Determine presence and relative abundance of mammals in the study area as biological
indicator of conservation success and ecosystem health.
Please also read the funding proposal (Appendix B) which will give you a lot more details
on our plans.
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References and further reading
Hiby, L. (2010) Extract Compare Software for Zebra. http://www.conservationresearch.co.uk/
accessed 17 July 2015.
Langenhorst, T. (2015). International studbook for Grevy’s zebra (Equus grevyi) 2014, current until
31.12.2014. Marwell Wildlife, UK.
Langenhorst, T. & Z. Davidson (2014). Grevy’s Zebra Conservation 2014 Report & funding
proposal prepared for supporters & members of the Grevy’s zebra EEP conservation projects.
Marwell Wildlife, UK.
Southwood, T.R.E. & Henderson, P. (2000) Ecological Methods, 3rd edn. Blackwell Science,
Oxford.
Steventon, J; Liebenberg, L; Derbecker, M; Bapat, V & Miles, D.G. (1997). Cyber tracker Version
3.362. http://www.cybertracker.org/software/free-download, Accessed 18 July 2015.
Williams, S.D. (2002) Status and Action Plan for Grevy’s Zebra (Equus grevyi). In Equids: Zebras,
Asses, and Horses: Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan (ed P.D. Moehlman), pp. 11-27.
IUCN/SSC Equid Specialist Group, Gland, Switzerland
Our Grevy’s zebra conservation colleagues and partners
Marwell Wildlife works closely with Kenyan conservation partners with whom it develops joint
conservation programmes. Our key partners – listed alphabetically – are described briefly below:
Disease Response Committee (DRC)
The DRC is a subcommittee of the GZTC. The committee members were appointed by the
Director of Kenya Wildlife Service, and include wildlife veterinarians, livestock veterinarians
(Department of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Livestock Development), research institutions
(University of Nairobi and Kenya Agriculture Research Institute - CVR Muguga), ecologists (KWS,
NGOs such as AWF, GZT and Marwell Wildlife), and wildlife managers (KWS parks and reserves
department).
Grevy’s Zebra Technical Committee (GZTC)
Originally formed as the Grevy’s Zebra Working Group (GZWG) to support the national survey for
Grevy’s zebra, this collaboration has since diversified into a range of Grevy’s zebra conservation
activities. These include anthropological surveys, the testing of various survey methods, analysis
of GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) radio collar data, and efforts towards a
centralised Grevy’s zebra identification database (the National Stripe ID Database). In recognition
of the key role GZWG played, Kenya Wildlife Service has requested that this working group
becomes the Grevy’s Zebra Technical Committee (GZTC).
The GZTC is a collaboration among seven organisations all committed to conserving Grevy’s
zebra, including: Grevy’s Zebra Trust (GZT), Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Marwell Wildlife,
University of Princeton/Denver Zoo (DZ/PU), Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT), Kenya Wildlife
Service (KWS), and the AWF. Marwell continues to play a key role in the coordination of this
group and its activities.
Grevy’s Zebra Trust (GZT)
The Grevy’s Zebra Trust (GZT) has been established to address the urgent need to conserve
Grevy’s zebra in the community rangelands of Ethiopia and Kenya. GZT was tasked with
implementing the national survey of Grevy’s zebra in 2008, and has become an integral part of the
GZTC.
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Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS)
The KWS is the country’s statutory wildlife body and is ultimately responsible for the conservation
of Grevy’s zebra. In partnership with KWS, Marwell Wildlife and the EEP have contributed
significantly to the development of the national Grevy’s Zebra Conservation Strategy.
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy (Lewa or LWC)
The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy holds some 20 percent of the world’s remaining free-ranging
Grevy’s zebra and hosts a dynamic research programme. Marwell continues to support Grevy’s
zebra monitoring and research within Lewa, and many of the projects planned by the GZTC will be
carried out in collaboration with the Lewa Research Department (LRD).
Milgis Trust
The Milgis Trust is a non-profit organisation founded by wildlife conservationist and safari guide
Helen Douglas-Dufresne and her partner Peter Ilsley to sustain the wildlife, habitat and the pastoral
peoples’ way of life in northern Kenya.
In January 2010 the Trust approached Marwell with a request to establish wildlife monitoring within
the Milgis ecosystem and to assist with processing and analysing a backlog of wildlife data. As this
area is ideal Grevy’s zebra habitat, we jumped at the chance to work with this dynamic, dedicated
and intensely passionate team.
Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT)
NRT supports the development of community conservancies. Marwell has partnered with NRT to
implement a programme of training and capacity building to strengthen wildlife management within
all member-community conservancies. In addition, it has co-developed a system for wildlife and
vegetation monitoring which is being introduced to a selection of conservancies.
University of Princeton/Denver Zoo (DZ/PU)
Our association with DZ and PU are coordinated through the GZTC, as they are represented on
this committee. Both institutions have collaborated on a number of recent Grevy’s zebra
conservation activities. These include the survey of northern Kenya, the collaring project,
supplying six radio collars, and the stripe ID project, which is hosted at Mpala Research Centre in
Laikipia thanks to Princeton’s close association there.
14
B. Proposed Activities for 2015 - 2016
As you may note from the report above, Marwell has been consolidating the focus of work in Kenya
based on long term activities that will produce the most effective results for the conservation of the
remaining Grevy’s zebra population. In order to achieve the most with the funds we do raise through the
EEP, we are limiting spending in new areas and fortify our efforts in our core activities of monitoring,
evaluation, education and emergency conservation response.
Our efforts, however, do continue to expand. Within these long term projects we have covered much
new ground and been successful in raising funds to ensure the ongoing development of existing
projects, studentships and collaborations. Several outstanding examples of this are available in the
work of Lizbeth Mate, George Anyona, and Enrita Lesoloyia, working to demonstrate how their
database and project management work are impacting Grevy’s zebra and the communities with whom
they share the landscape and resources through local participation in monitoring and evaluation.
Several of our students have completed their studies or will do so later this year. Having invested time
and funds into bringing up this new Kenyan generation of conservationists, we are keen to ensure that
we can retain the services of these individuals to make the most of their skills and experiences, while
providing them with a future in wildlife conservation.
To keep up the momentum in all of these initiatives, we present here a list of the projected funds
we will need to maintain our, and the EEP’s, contribution to the conservation of the Grevy’s
zebra in Kenya.
1. Grevy’s Zebra Collaring
Collaring remains one of our most valuable tools in the monitoring of Grevy’s zebra populations, their
connectivity, circadian activity and resource use. It allows us to follow individuals into otherwise
inaccessible and previously unstudied areas. As mentioned in our report, the latest collars have once
more found exciting and highly important data, providing us with information that will support targeted
conservation.
These collaring missions often require large teams and, as we move into more difficult landscape, the
use of small planes for spotting and following Grevy’s zebra and eventually deploying the collars to the
right individuals.
We rely almost completely on the support from the EEP for this part of our work. Once again, our main
funding requirement will be for the cost of deploying the collars, and, at times replacing old or defunct
ones. This year we would like to purchase equipment to allow us to track our collared animals from the
air using light aircraft. This will include a set of antennae, a receiver and some ancillary equipment like
switch boxes and connecting cables as well.
Outputs
 Budgets for the capture of study animals and the deployment of collars
 Fine-scale monitoring data
 Conservation planning documents
 Community Development recommendations
 Peer Reviewed Papers
Conservation impact
The project enables us to determine the importance of key resources (water, vegetation) and critical
seasonal ranges for the entire Grevy’s zebra population. The data generated by this project underpin
crucial conservation decisions at a national level. Furthermore, samples collected from the immobilised
animals during collaring are being used to study disease epidemiology, genetic fitness, and relatedness
among other issues. It is vital that we maintain this important work.
1. Grevy’s Zebra Collaring
3 x GSM GPRS radio collars (£1200.00 ea)
Flying time (10 hours @ £220/hour)
2 x Zebra capture and immobilisation operations
Aerial Telemetry Equipment
£
3,600.00
2,200.00
2,400.00
1000.00
9,200.00
15
2. National Photo ID Database for Grevy’s Zebra / Grevy’s zebra Rally
We have reported in Part A on the development of new methodologies for stripe ID data
processing and clean up, namely IBEIS (Image Based Ecological Information System).
IBEIS has been set up at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and training has been given to all parties
involved. Since then we have entered and processed data spanning eight months into IBEIS to test
it. We are very close to the point when IBEIS becomes a fully functioning tool for monitoring our
Grevy’s zebra population.
Once this is achieved, we are looking to carry out a dedicated national survey effort using the
IBEIS stripe ID protocol in a participatory event using citizen science and collecting data using
GPS enabled digital cameras. The effort is being branded “The Great Grevy’s Zebra Rally, Show
us Your Stripes!”. The concept was successfully piloted on plains zebra and giraffe in Nairobi
National Park (http://ibeis.org/wordpress/great-zebra-count-at-nairobi-national-park/). Our data
base manager, Lizbeth Mate, will be a key member of this survey team. We plan to deploy a largescale team in multiple key Grevy’s zebra locations on the same two days to undertake a capture /
re-capture survey using digital photography and the stripe ID tool.
It is anticipated that the National stripe ID count will take place in late January 2016, following the
triennial aerial survey count for Grevy’s zebra in winter 2015. This will provide the first ever largescale ground based census figures with which to validate the national population statistics for
Grevy’s zebra.
The Stripe ID project continues to be an extremely useful and evolving tool for all the participating
organisations. We hope that the improvements being made to the software programs will increase
its efficiency and the Grevy’s zebra will continue to benefit from this conservation effort. Given the
large amount of data that it can handle and the increased frequency of getting relevant results, it
will become the principle population management tool in Kenya over the next 12 months.
Outputs
 IBEIS tested and installed for all partners as principle management tool
 Improved monitoring of GZ populations
 Comparison of aerial and ground survey data
 The first ever, scientifically ratified, sample estimate of the National Grevy’s zebra herd
population size.
Conservation Impact
The nationwide use of IBEIS will improve the monitoring of Grevy’s zebra populations’ health, allow
the detection of dangerous trends early on and potentially help with the avoidance of humanwildlife conflict. The first ever ground based survey will lead to improved national surveys of the
species, potentially improving count reliability and reducing cost.
2. National Photo ID Database for Grevy’s Zebra / Grevy’s zebra Rally
£
Cost for participation of one team:
Flying for 1 aircraft: 20 hours @ £ 70 per hour
1,400.00
Vehicle Mileage for 1 vehicle: 1000Km (per vehicle @ £0.48/Km)
480.00
Field costs for counting crews (4 pax @ £15 per day - 2 days)
120.00
Transit days with travelling food (4 pax £ 7.5 per day - 2 days)
60.00
2,060.00
Ideally, we would have two Marwell teams participating in the Rally
4,120.00
16
3. GZLO - Grevy’s Zebra Liaison Office
Marwell is committed to maintaining KWS’s functionality in the Liaison Office for a number of reasons:,
one of these is the fact that it has been influential in the national co-ordination of all species
conservation programmes at KWS, since the model was replicated across all species offices, from
Elephant to Large Carnivores, Giraffe and other antelope. The GZLO lead the field in establishing
standards for the facilitation and, management of both state and NGO conservation activities for
Kenya. Marwell, together with the assistance of the EEP is centrally responsible for making this
happen, and as such we are committed to ensuring its future as a model for species management.
While KWS has been quick to adopt the model of a conservation liaison office, and to incorporate these
within the KWS organisational structure, they have been unable to sustain funding for the positions
over the long term. The office was established in 2009, and incorporated into KWS in 2011. KWS still
support the salary and station costs (Office), of the position but have been unsuccessful in maintaining
any operational budgets for the officer to execute his duties off station and in the field. The GZLO is
based in Nyeri, a town on the boundary of the Laikipia Plateau, and within the natural range of the
Grevy’s zebra. However, the officer is required to make regular trips to Nairobi for administrative
reasons and to facilitate the Grevy’s Zebra Technical Committee and Disease Response Committee.
The officer is also needed in the field, in the north of Kenya for collaring, supplementary feeding,
community liaison, and conservation planning and management activities. Without an operational
budget the GZLO is tied to his desk and ineffective.
Outputs
 Multi-level GZTC Partner Liaison
 GZTC co-ordination
 GZTC WHIP
 National strategy steering capacity
 KWS oversight and permissions for field conservation activities
 Minutes and action itemisation for all GZTC and DRC meetings
 Document drafting, circulation and review co-ordination
 Activity Reports
 Funding Reports
 Donor development and facilitation
Conservation impact
Facilitation of the operation of the GZTC, the formation of National Conservation Strategy in Kenya and
Ethiopia, the development of a Disease Response Committee pursuant to a National Disease
Response Strategy and the development of facilities, systems and guidelines for species conservation.
3. GZLO - Grevy’s Zebra Liaison Office per annum
Local Travel & Accommodation
Purchase of Stationery
Vehicle Running Expenses
Workshops, meetings & Conference
Mobile Phone airtime
£
1,680.00
240.00
1,260.00
560.00
120.00
3,860.00
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4. Grevy’s zebra and other wildlife conservation as a unifying factor - NKGZP
Unlike many other places where Grevy’s zebra are found in Kenya including private land,
community conservancies and national parks, the area around the South Horr Valley does not lend
itself to formal protection of wildlife. It is a remote, arid, uncertain environment that is highly
exploited by people and livestock, beset with security questions, an abundance of firearms and
close to human communities that traditionally hunt Grevy’s zebra.
However, we now have reason to believe this area could provide a vital link between the main
remaining populations of Grevy’s zebra to the south and dispersed groups inhabiting the more arid
north with potential connection to those in Ethiopia. The persistence of this species and other
wildlife in this area is therefore classically dependent on continued coexistence with human activity
and whether conservation strategies can bring benefits that match the needs and values of local
pastoralists. As we have tried to engender through the project to date, conservation is most likely
to succeed if initiated by people from the area following traditional means of community dialogue
and engagement.
We will therefore support ongoing efforts led by Enrita Lesoloyia as she has completed her studies
on wildlife conservation and community development, and takes the next critical steps. Enrita’s
ambition is to use her training and experience in conservation to promote peace between her
Samburu people and the neighbouring Turkana tribe. The area this project operates in is often the
scene of violent cattle raiding and retaliatory strikes. We support Enrita’s belief that wildlife and
environment on which the pastoral communities all depend can be a unifying factor.
To assist this process, we seek to employ a team of four ‘IlKirimats’ (Samburu word for
‘caretakers’) to extend the ‘listening and understanding’ brief regarding wildlife conflict, intercommunity tensions and resource scarcity. Community Elders will be consulted about the idea and
how recruitment should work, while this empathetic role is one best suited to women in these
communities. IlKirimats will be taught how to collect human environmental footprint data, trained in
the use of data recording equipment and assist with the deployment and management of additional
camera traps.
Outputs
 Four IlKirimats (caretakers) employed and trained in data collection
 Quantify impacts of human activities on Grevy’s zebra
 Tangible benefits accruing to local communities through the conservation process
 Improved security for people and wildlife alike
Conservation Impact
Ultimately, a reduction of human conflicts in the area as well as human-wildlife conflict, should lead
to increases in the abundance of Grevy’s zebra, and enhanced diversity of other species will
provide a meaningful measure of biological success and ecosystem health over the longer term.
4. Grevy’s zebra conservation as a unifying factor - NKGZP
£
Kenyan Project Manager (Enrita Lesoloyia) £600 per month
7,200.00
Field expenses and transport (£ 450/month)
laptop
5,400.00
320.00
camera/video camera
320.00
Projector
250.00
Stationary for school visits & community meetings
530.00
100 x printed shukas (African blankets worn by warriors)
630.00
100 x printed T shirts
200 x printed caps (shukas/T shirt/ caps for community training and
discussion workshops)
Honda generator
630.00
600.00
350.00
16,230.00
18
5. Camera trap survey and mapping - NKGZP
The population of Grevy’s zebra in our study area (NKGZP) is relatively small with a demographic
profile that, at face value, gives cause for concern. However, GPS/GSM data suggests they are not
entirely isolated, and we expect to learn more about how Grevy’s zebra exploit resources and
move between desert, savannah and mountain foothills which may be critical to their survival and
maintaining a viable population. This will be new information in the movement and corridor
mapping work we are already doing and we are very eager to flesh out the role played by this
remote area in the survival of the species. The collars deployed at South Horr are part of a wider,
study of Grevy’s zebra spatial ecology across their entire range.
To gain a more accurate understanding of Grevy’s zebra population size and structure, including
the recruitment and survival of foals in the study area, a more rigorous camera trap grid survey will
be established using 20 camera traps. This will allow repeated capture-recapture estimates to be
made on Grevy’s zebra and other wildlife populations. We will also quantify and map human
settlements, livestock distribution and density to allow statistical inferences to be made about
impact on Grevy’s zebra population and distribution. George Anyona will be in the field regularly
collecting the image data and managing the scouts.
Outputs
 Comprehensive data on Grevy’s zebra population size and structure in South Horr
 Records of other wildlife in the Milgis system
 Maps of human settlements, livestock distribution and density
Conservation Impact
The results of the survey and mapping will allow us to identify and respond to the impact of human
presence and activities on the Grevy’s zebra population and distribution as well as on other wildlife in
the area.
5. Camera trap survey and mapping- Field costs
Northern Kenya Grevy's Zebra Project
£
George salary field work (5 days a month @ £ 50/day)
3,000.00
field expenses and transport (£ 550/month)
6,600.00
9,600.00
6. Drought Emergency Fund
Droughts are becoming a more frequent and, potentially, annual event with rains regularly failing in
either the short or long rainy season in Grevy’s zebra rangelands. In severe droughts the rains
have failed for more than one year and in all seasons consecutively. We have seen in recent years
how the supply of extra feed can make a considerable difference to the Grevy’s zebra, in particular
the recruitment of the next generation. It is known that the distance Grevy’s zebra are travelling
between water and grazing is significant – an average of 20Km. This can be further increased
during drought conditions and has an impact on lactating females and their foals. The GZT have
already done a water assessment and are actively managing three water points, and Marwell have
implemented a community and wildlife water scheme in the foothills of the Ndoto mountains as
well. Water availability is not the only problem as lack of pasture severely exacerbates survival
issues for the species.
Funding for interventions like supplementary feeding is usually required during existing crises
based on unpredictable conditions. For this reason Marwell retains an emergency fund out of EEP
donations to enable us to contribute to such crises rapidly and a transfer of monies to cover the
initial phase of supplementary feeding can be arranged without any delay. This buys our
colleagues on the ground some time to apply for further funding from other sources.
19
To prevent any future delays and minimise loss of Grevy’s zebra, Marwell is now holding the above
mentioned emergency funding resource. Some donations, which are not specifically earmarked
and restricted to a particular project, will be held in this fund, no matter how small – so please
consider your contribution vital to our readiness!
Conservation Impact
Increased survival of the next generation of Grevy’s zebra as lactating females don’t have to make
arduous and over lengthy trips between water and grazing.
6. Drought Emergency Fund
Provision of supplementary feed -hay & monitoring (pot. annually)
£
2,000.00
2,000.00
7. Grevy’s zebra annual Research & Conservation Conference
The Grevy’s zebra Research & Conservation Conference is an annual event that brings together all the
members of the Grevy’s zebra Technical Committee and many stakeholders of Grevy’s zebra
conservation. Invited guests are offered the opportunity to present their year’s work and findings. In the
past, this has been held at KWS Head Quarters in Nairobi, but the GZTC has now suggested holding
this meeting closer to GZ populations as it will allow community members, Grevy’s zebra scouts and
other relevant parties to take part. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy have very kindly offered their venue for
this first “in the field” conference. If this is a success and above mentioned stakeholders take the
opportunity to join in, we are hoping that Lewa will continue to be the host for future years.
Outputs
 Multi-level stakeholder liaison
 Formal and informal information exchange
 Drafting and distribution of documents
 Increased cooperation and participation of communities
Conservation impact
Including all stakeholders in this annual exchange of relevant work and outcomes, brings a sense of
community and inspires an increased feeling of ownership over the wildlife as well as participation of
communities in cooperation with and participation in conservation initiatives. This leads to a reduction in
human-wildlife conflicts and greater protection for Grevy’s zebra and other wildlife.
7. Grevy's Zebra Research & Conservation Conference
Meals for 50 participants including drinking water for one day @ KES
1400 per person
Transport cost to Lewa W C and from Lewa to 20 community members
and Community conservancy members within Samburu and Laikipia @
KES 2000 per participant
£
435.00
250.00
Accommodation cost in Lewa W C for one night for 20 community
members on the night to the day of GZ Conference @ KES 10,000
(This caters for the whole group)
62.00
Meals for the 20 community members during their night stay at Lewa @
KES 500 per person
Notebooks and pens for 50 participants @ KShs 100 per person
Stationery (Printing papers and cartridges)
Facilitation for the retreat to write the report on the conference
proceedings for 4 persons for 2 days.
62.00
30.00
62.00
320.00
1,221.00
20
Summary of funding proposal Grevy’s zebra conservation 2015/16
1. Grevy’s Zebra Collaring
£
3 x GSM GPRS radio collars (£1200.00 ea)
3,600.00
Flying time (10 hours @ £220/hour)
2,200.00
2 x Zebra capture and immobilisation operations
2,400.00
Aerial Telemetry Equipment
1,000.00
9,200.00
2. National Photo ID Database for Grevy’s Zebra / Grevy’s zebra Rally
Cost for participation of one team:
Flying for 1 aircraft: 20 hours @ £ 70 max per hour
£
1,400.00
Vehicle Mileage for 1 vehicle: 1000Km (per vehicle @ £0.48/Km)
480.00
Field costs for counting crews (4 pax @ £15 per day - 2 days)
120.00
Transit days with travelling food (4 pax £ 7.5 per day - 2 days)
60.00
2,060.00
Ideally, we would have two Marwell teams participate -->
3. Grevy’s Zebra Liaison Office facilitation per annum
Local Travel & Accommodation
Purchase of Stationery
Vehicle Running Expenses
4,120.00
£
1,680.00
240.00
1,260.00
Workshops, meetings & Conference
560.00
Mobile Phone airtime
120.00
3,860.00
4. Grevy’s zebra conservation as a unifying factor - NKGZP
£
Kenyan Project Manager (Enrita Lesoloyia) £600 per month
7,200.00
Field expenses and transport (£ 450/month)
laptop
camera/video camera
Projector
Stationary for school visits & community meetings
5,400.00
320.00
320.00
250.00
530.00
100 x printed shukas (African blankets worn by warriors)
630.00
100 x printed T shirts
200 x printed caps (shukas/T shirt/ caps for community training and
discussion workshops)
Honda generator
630.00
600.00
350.00
16,230.00
5. Camera trap survey and mapping- Field costs
Northern Kenya Grevy's Zebra Project
George salary field work (5 days a month @ £ 50/day)
3,000.00
Field expenses and transport (£ 550/month)
6,600.00
£
9,600.00
21
6. Drought Emergency Fund
Provision of supplementary feed -hay & monitoring (pot. annually)
£
2,000.00
2,000.00
7. Grevy's Zebra Research & Conservation Conference
£
Lunch for 50 participants @KES 1400 per person
435.00
Transport cost to/from Lewa x 20 @ KES 2000 per head
250.00
Accommodation cost for 20 community members for one night @ KES 10,000
65.00
Dinner for 20 community members at Lewa @ KES 500 per person
65.00
Notebooks/pens for 50 participants @ KES 100 per person
30.00
Stationery (Printing papers and cartridges)
65.00
Facilitation writing of conference proceedings for 4 persons for 2 days.
320.00
1,230.00
Overall Total
44,180.00
22