My name is Ann Wambui, a wildlife biologist, a woman in conservation technology, and a giraffe lover based in Mugie Conservancy, Laikipia, Kenya. Currently, am a Conservation Leadership and Management fellow under the Charles Wall Conservation Leadership and Management program at Africa Wildlife Foundation.
Through the skills and support gained in the Women in Conservation Technology program -in Kenya, I had an exciting opportunity to explore and understand the population dynamics of reticulated giraffes in Mugie Conservancy. This was achieved through a collaborative approach by key giraffe stakeholders whereby a Rapid Assessment was conducted on Reticulated giraffes in Mugie Conservancy. Through these swift evaluations, we can acquire insights into the quantity, population fluctuations, and distribution of reticulated giraffes within the conservancy. These assessments aid in approximating the population on a specific conservancy, and when analyzed across years, contribute to a deeper understanding of their status in each region. Additionally, they play a crucial role in informing conservation management planning.
Methodology
The Conservancy was divided into three survey blocks based on pre-existing roads and natural perimeter and thereafter a full-mark recapture survey was conducted. Each designated survey block was assigned a survey team that went around the block. Upon encountering a giraffe or giraffe herd, it was assigned a unique identifier. Key information such as GPS waypoint, total herd size, individual ages, and the visible giraffe's sex were documented at each encounter. To the greatest extent possible, a geo-referenced photograph of the right side of each observed giraffe was captured. Following the completion of data collection, all information was systematically organized, entered into a spreadsheet, and uploaded onto the Giraffe Spotter database online. Subsequently, it underwent analysis through the pattern recognition system to accurately identify individual giraffes (http://giraffespotter.org).
Summary of Findings /Way Forward
The assessment led to the documentation of 32 distinct giraffe sightings, totaling 107 observed giraffes. Among these encounters, Giraffe Spotter analysis identified 61 individual giraffes, comprising 21 males, 33 females, and 7 unknown due to their young age.
While these data offer crucial insights into the reticulated giraffe population in Mugie Conservancy, conducting additional surveys in subsequent seasons and years would be advantageous to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of reticulated giraffe population trends over time. This becomes particularly important considering emerging threats such as infrastructure development and prolonged drought, which pose immediate challenges to giraffes in this area. Furthermore, it would be intriguing to evaluate the influx and efflux of giraffe populations into the community-conservancy lands adjoining Conservancies, while also monitoring these movements seasonally. Significantly, conducting repeated surveys will aid in assessing the potential impacts of the C77 road tarmacking and the potential rise in road traffic in the region. Additionally, integrating these observations with satellite imagery and more detailed vegetation maps will enhance our comprehension of giraffe resources and habitat utilization, providing valuable insights for the conservation management of this species.
Drawing the final curtain on this journey, I intend to further employ the technical skills acquired through the Women in Conservation Program and delve into additional emerging technologies that hold potential applications in the field of conservation. As I am involved in community conservation awareness within the Laikipia rangelands, I plan to disseminate these skills to influence both policy and community development in relation to climate change and dynamic wildlife management. Additionally, I would love to continue working in wildlife conservation and nurture other young professionals in the Conservation arena. Lastly, I look forward to pursuing a Master's in conservation leadership or technology.
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