When the exploration of the wildlife here started, there was rapid loss of the wildlife. Over the last 70 years, Kenya has lost over 30 percent of its wildlife due to many factors. Some of the factors are due to climate change while others are to human activity and poaching.
Interestingly, more than 65 percent of Kenya’s wildlife is found on community-owned land. It supports most communities’ means of subsistence while promoting environmental conservation. Under Kenya’s Wildlife Act, wildlife entrustments to community conservancies are acknowledged.
Giving the community control over Kenya’s wildlife conservation initiatives is another way to encourage them to enhance the quality of life for local residents. With more than 450,000 acres of land, the Masai Mara National Park is home to more than 15 conservancies. Each year, the conservancies contribute more than $4 million to the community.
The wildlife has also improved; during the most recent census in 2016, there were over 100 Hirola antelope, an endangered species, compared to just 48 in 2012.
As a result of being forced to profit from the positive aspects of the wildlife trade—tourism—community involvement in conservation initiatives also serves to diminish community involvement in the illicit wildlife trade. To help the local community and so contribute to the preservation of the wildlife in the Masai Mara region. It is recommended that you visit the conservancies.
Lemek Conservancy
This conservancy was originally part of the Koiyaki Lemek Community Wildlife Trust that was first established in the year 1995. This particular conservancy was registered in the year 2009. The conservancy covers an area of about 6,027 acres from about 480 land owners. Some of animals in these Great Plains are: Lions, Leopards, and Cheetahs, Elephants. Others include Hippo, Warthog, Buffalo, Antelope, and several bird species. The conservancy is along the Mara River and it has a very dense vegetation hence the big concentration of wildlife here.
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