Problem

Conflict between humans and wildlife, especially elephants, is a serious threat to biodiversity conservation in Kenya. This problem is increasingly evident in the Maasai-owned dispersal areas of the Amboseli Ecosystem. The extent of dispersal area contraction, wildlife interactions with people and consequences of these interactions in the context of changing land uses must be fully documented to in order to develop management plans that will both protect elephants and preserve human livelihoods.

The Gift

Your gift will fund one student researcher for one hour of data collection at The School for Field Studies Center for Wildlife Management Studies. Data collected will be used to develop a land-use plan for the Kimana, Kuku and Mbirikani Group Ranches that will identify economically sustainable measures that can be taken by these Masaai group ranches to decrease human-elephant conflict and wildlife conflict in general. Research will also ensure that wildlife and in particular, elephant, range remains open. The goal of this multi-year project is to collect all the primary data needed to work with the local communities and other stakeholders to implement a land-use plan that will ensure the survival of both humans and elephants in the Amboseli Ecosystem.