Community Conservation

Protecting the Grevy's Zebra in Northern Kenya

©Anna Parkinson

The Grevy's zebra is a critically endangered species with a current population of no more than 2,100 individuals. Dispersed in fragmented populations, primarily in Kenya, government protection has failed to stem their decline.

In northern Kenya, local communities are now creating strong conservation networks thanks in part to funding from AZA's CEF. Belinda Low of Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT) and Martha Fischer of Saint Louis Zoo collaborated to enhance the monitoring efforts and security measures of communities surrounding the Namunyak Wildlife Conservation Trust (NWCT), where a small population of Grevy's zebras remains.

With Conservation Endowment Fund support, Fischer and Low were able to establish community-driven wildlife protection units in NWCT, enhancing their communications network. CEF funds helped to procure aerial tracking equipment for improved population monitoring. The project also helped local communities develop strategies for security. The success of this project has led other communities holding populations of Grevy's zebras to step up involvement. With CEF support from a 2006 grant, NRT will establish a cohesive conservation institution to realize the conservation goals of these communities.