In the heart of Northern Kenya, a resilient community is working tirelessly to protect one of Africa’s most endangered species: the Beisa Oryx. With its striking, long horns and muscular build, this antelope has long roamed the savannahs of Kenya, but in recent years, droughts, poaching, and habitat loss have pushed it to the brink of extinction. The Nakuprat-Gotu Community Conservancy (NGCC), through the Save Beisa Oryx & Community Resilience (SBOC) project, has taken on the daunting challenge of conserving these majestic creatures while also safeguarding the livelihoods of local pastoralist communities.
For the past few years, Northern Kenya has faced some of its most severe droughts in history, devastating both wildlife and livestock. The Beisa Oryx, an arid-adapted species, is one of the hardest hit. Over 100 of these animals died during the 2020–2022 drought, and their numbers have dwindled significantly. The community of NGCC, however, refuses to let this species disappear on their watch.
Thanks to collective efforts, including a robust partnership with organizations like the Wildlife Conservation Network (WCN) and the Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT), the SBOC project has implemented life-saving measures. These include supplementary feeding programs, where hay is distributed to Beisa Oryx during the harshest months, and water stations set up to ensure the animals have access to hydration even when natural sources dry up.
But perhaps the most powerful part of the project is the community itself. From local rangers patrolling the conservancy to ensure the safety of these endangered animals to the 326 dedicated volunteers who participate in wildlife monitoring, this is a grassroots effort in the truest sense of the term. By empowering the local Borana and Turkana communities to take ownership of conservation, SBOC is not just saving a species, it’s creating a legacy of stewardship that will last for generations.
As we look to the future, the story of the Beisa Oryx is one of hope, resilience, and collaboration. The NGCC’s efforts demonstrate that, with the right support and a community-driven approach, conservation can succeed—even in the most challenging of environments.