BEISA ORYX KENYA PROJECT DROUGHT EMERGENCY RESPONSE ANNUAL REPORT
The Beisa Oryx Kenya Project, led by the Save Beisa Oryx & Community Resilience (SBOC) society, addresses the critical conservation needs of the endangered Beisa Oryx in the Nakuprat-Gotu Community Conservancy (NGCC) amidst severe drought conditions from 2020-2022.
Project Highlights
Resilience in Crisis
The project focuses on lifesaving interventions such as supplementary feeding, water management, and anti-poaching patrols. Despite the challenging conditions, 93.3% of the recovery population was secured, showcasing the community’s commitment to conservation.
Community Collaboration
SBOC involves 24 Self Help Groups, 326 volunteers, 12 dedicated recovery action rangers, and 12 community forest management scouts. This collaboration has been crucial in maintaining biodiversity and enhancing drought resilience.
Success Stories
The Tale of Mr. Lucky
Mr. Lucky, an alpha bull Oryx, symbolizes resilience. Overcoming threats like predation and poaching, his journey highlights the project’s impact on wildlife conservation.
Impactful Partnerships
Partnerships with organizations like NRT, WCN, KWS, and Ewaso Lions have been instrumental. Their support facilitated a six-month intensive program that improved wildlife security and community livelihoods.
Financial Overview
Funding Needs
With a budget requirement of Kshs. 198,000, SBOC faces a deficit of $Kshs. 148,500. The project seeks funding for staff salaries, operational costs, and essential resources like a project vehicle.
Budget Allocation
The funds are allocated towards ranger salaries, technical staff, conservation planning, and essential equipment. The project also emphasizes the need for a dedicated operational vehicle to enhance efficiency.
Conservation Efforts
Monitoring and Evaluation
Regular profiling and monitoring of recovery herds are conducted to assess the health and status of the Oryx population. The project also tracks illegal activities like poaching and charcoal burning to mitigate threats.
Community Engagement
Community stewardship is at the heart of SBOC’s mission. Initiatives include tree planting, educational programs for young ambassadors, and collaborative patrols to safeguard natural resources.
Project Operations
Geographic Focus
The project targets the Nakuprat-Gotu Community Conservancy, a 79,300 ha area with plans for expansion. It serves as a critical migratory route, connecting several national reserves and hosting 10% of the endangered Beisa Oryx population.
Challenges Faced
The prolonged drought from 2020-2022 severely impacted the region, causing widespread starvation among wildlife and livestock. The pandemic further exacerbated these challenges, highlighting the need for robust conservation strategies.
Innovative Strategies
Drought Resilience Tools
SBOC developed new tools to enhance drought resilience, including supplementary feeding programs and reforestation efforts, which have been vital in sustaining the ecosystem during harsh conditions.
Community-Based Networks
The project leverages community networks to enhance conservation efforts. By training local rangers and scouts, SBOC empowers communities to take an active role in protecting their environment.
Future Outlook
SBOC aims to expand its reach by securing additional funding and scaling the project to a national recovery action plan. Through enhanced community policing and resilient habitat management, the project envisions a thriving future for the Beisa Oryx and local communities.
