DOCSLIB.ORG

Wildlife Dynamics : an Analysis of Change in the Masai Mara

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Wildlife Dynamics : an Analysis of Change in the Masai Mara Wildlife Dynamics AnAnalysi s of Change inth eMasa iMar a Ecosystem ofKeny a Wilber Khasilwa Ottichilo 0000 0807 2106 WILDLIFEDYNAMIC S AnAnalysi so f Changei nth eMasa iMar aEcosyste m Promotores: Dr. H.H.T. Prins Hoogleraar in het Natuurbeheer ind eTrope n en deEcologi e van Vertebraten Dr. A.K. Skidmore Hoogleraar Vegetation and Agricultural Land Survey Co-promotor: Dr. J. de Leeuw Universitair hoofd docent Environmental Systems Analysis and Monitoring, ITC, Enschede II ^*W>\ ^ WILDLIFE DYNAMICS AnAnalysi s of Change inth eMasa iMar a Ecosystem ofKeny a Wilber Khasilwa Ottichilo Thesis to fulfill the requirements for the degree of doctor on the authority of therecto r magnificus of Wageningen University, dr. C. M. Karssen to be publicly defended on Wednesday 22Marc h 2000 at three o'clock in the Auditorium of ITC at Enschede. Ill lF>\r\ oryzbbS IV WBLIOTHEEK LANDBOUWUNIVERSITTrr WAGENTMGI-N To my mother and father, who supported and encouraged me to pursue education Doctoral thesis (2000) ISBN 90-5808-197- 4 Wageningen University and Research Centre, The Nethelands. © 2000 Ottichilo, W.K. ITC Publication Series No. 76 This study was carried out at the International Institute for Aerospace Survey and Earth Sciences (ITC), P.O. Box 6 7500A A Enschede, The Netherlands. Cover design: Febodruk BV, Postbus 40100, 7504 RC, Enschede. Cover photos: Jan de Leeuw and H.N. Koster. VI jjMOlZO/,£?*)<- Prepositions (Stellingen) Wilber K. Ottichilo Wildlife Dynamics:A nAnalysi so fChang ei nth eMasa i Mara Ecosystemo f Kenya (PhD dissertation) 1. Proper planning andmanagemen t of wildlife requires reliable andconsisten t data and infor mation onthei r abundance anddistribution . 2. Toge ta ninsigh t into population size trends oflarg e wildlife herbivores, collectionan d analysis oflong-ter m population estimate orabundanc e data isnecessary . Therefore, iti s necessary toestablis h long-term wildlife monitoring programmes inwildlif e conservation areas. 3. Development of systems andanalytica l approaches inecologica l work hasbee n slow.Th e current interest inthes e approaches andparticularl y theus eo f geo-statistics and modelling techniques inecologica l research should beencourage d and supported. 4. Development of new technologies like remote sensing, GIS, GPS, videography etcwil l certainly enhance collection of useful anddetaile d data on wildlife andthei r environments in thenea r future butthe y will notreplac e expert knowledge of ecologists. 5. Wildlife ecologists arenotoriousl y known tostud y wildlife species toextinctio n without getting involved orparticipatin g inth especie s recovery programmes. They always claim that more data andinformatio n isrequire d even incase s where there arewallowin gi n abundant data. Future ecologists must beproactiv e andmus t identify their research priorities incollaboratio n with wildlife managers butmus t notlos s their search for novel creativity. 6. There appear tob ea genera l consensus among most wildlife ecologists thatth e unprecedented worldwide decline of wildlife species (plants andanimals ) ismainl y due to the increasing loss ofthei r habitats toothe r human activities, pollution andthei r over- exploitation byman . Torevers e this declining trend, wildlife and environmental conservation strategy for the21 st century must focus onhabita t restoration and wildlife recovery programmes. This calls for increased scientific research inrestoratio n ecologyan d ecological engineering. 7. Toachiev e sustainable wildlife andenvironmenta l conservation, itmus t berealize d that conservation anddevelopmen t areinterdependen t andtherefor e theintegratio n ofth e two is necessary for sustainable development. Although theconcept s of sustainable development are newan dno teas y to implement, mankind must strive toachiev e sustainable development if we have tomaintai n live supporting systems andprocesse s onou rplanet . 8. Science being a creative activity it is impossible to predict a head of time where a particular line of inquiry will lead. This makes science a very wasteful activity, in that most scientists spend most of their time travelling down paths that leal nowhere (Jonfairall, editor,GIS User(Vol. 13,February-March 2000). 9. Increasing demand of modern age for accountability and productivity is stifling development of future scientists. More prospective scientists are increasingly becoming technologists for fear of taking the wrong road. This trend is a threat to science and must be reversed if science has to remain the main foundation of human development. 10. Embarking on PhD study is like embarking on ajourne y whose route is undefined but is known to berock y and full of potholes. Therefore, to succeed one must clearly map out an achievable route at the onset and be ready to weather the hard struggle. 11. Successful completion of PhD sets you free the way truth liberates you. 12. Success is like science, that if you have the conditions, you have the results. 13. It's great nuisance that knowledge can only be acquired by hard work- Somerset Maugham, English Writer(1874-1965). 14. Knowledge comes, but wisdom lingers-Lord Alfred,English poet (1809-1892). 15. An idea that is not dangerous is unworthy of being called an idea at all- Oscar Wilde, Irish Writer(1854-1990). 16. The further backward you look the further forward you see- Sir WinstonChurchill, Prime minister of Britain (1874-1965). 17. Happiness lies not in the mere possession of money; it lies in thejo y of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort- Franklin Roosevelt, President ofU.S.A. Tableo f contents Contents i Abstract iii Acknowledgements v Chapter 1 1 General introduction Chapter 2 19 Validation of observer and aircraft calibration for aerial animal surveys: A case of the Department of Resource Surveys and Remote Sensing (DRSRS), Kenya W.K. Ottichilo & W.M.Khaemba (in press, African Journal of Ecology) Chapter 3 35 Comparison of the Sample and total counts of elephant and buffalo in Masai Mara Ecosystem, Kenya W.K.Ottichilo ( African Journal ofEcology: 37/4 (1999),p. 435-438) Chapter 4 43 Population trends of large non-migratory wild herbivores and livestock in the Masai Mara Ecosystem, Kenya, between 1977 and 1997 W.K.Ottichilo, J.de Leeuw,A.K. Skidmore, H.H.T. Prins & M.Said (inpress, African Journal of Ecology) Chapter 5 71 Population trend and seasonal distribution of Burchell's zebra in the Masai Mara Ecosystem, Kenya W.K.Ottichilo (submitted, Journal ofAnimal Ecology) Chapter 6 91 Population trends of resident wildebeest (Connchaetes taurinus) and factors influencing them in Masai Mara Ecosystem, Kenya W.K.Ottichilo, J.de Leeuw & H.H.T. Prins (inpress, Biological Conservation) Chapter 7 123 The dynamics of migratory wildebeest in the Masai Mara Ecosystem, Kenya: 1977 - 1997 W.K.Ottichilo, M. Y. Said, H.N. Koster, H.H.T. Prins, J.de Leeuwand LM.A. Heikonig(s\xbmi\ted, Oecologia) Chapter 8 159 Synthesis: Wildlife population size changes and factors influencing them in Masai Mara Ecosystem Summary 167 Samenvatting 169 Resume 171 Curriculum Vitae 173 Abstract W. K. Ottichilo. Wildlife Dynamics: An Analysis of Change in the Masai Mara Ecosystem of Kenya. Doctoral thesis: ISBN 90- 5808- 197-4 . This thesis deals with the analysis of change in populations of large wild herbivore species in the Masai Mara ecosystem of Kenya. The total population size of all non-migratory wildlife was found to have declined by 58% in the past 20 years. Nine out of twelve species revealed significant decline. There was no significant decline in population sizes of elephant, impala and ostrich. The population sizes of livestock species did not also significantly change during theentir e analysis period except for the donkey, which declined by 67%. There was surprisingly no significant difference in the decline of wildlife species and groups inside and outside the Masai Mara National Reserve except for Thomson's gazelle and warthog. For migratory species, resident wildebeest declined by 81% while resident zebra population declined by 50%. The recorded decline of resident wildebeest population was attributed to agricultural encroachment in their former wet season grazing and breeding areas. Apart from habitat loss to agriculture, occurrence of droughts, poaching and possible competition between wildlife and livestock for scarce food may have further contributed to their decline through reduced reproduction and survival rates. These same factors are postulated here to have been responsible for thedeclin e of other wildlife species. The number of wildebeest migrating into the Masai Mara ecosystem from Serengeti fluctuated between years while those of the zebra increased during the analysis period. The migration of wildebeest and zebra from Serengeti to Masai Mara ecosystem was found to be related to wet season rainfall and the availability of green biomass during the dry season in the Masai Mara ecosystem. There was a strong relationship between the migrant wildebeest population size and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) of NOAA-AVHRR imagery in the Masai Mara ecosystem during the migratory period (June to October). Therefore, it was concluded that NDVI could be used for monitoring and predicting the movements of migratory wildebeest populations in the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. ill Lastly, in this thesis an alarming decline of most wildlife populations in the Masai Mara ecosystem over the past 20 years is reported. This decline is mainly attributed to habitat loss, due to agricultural encroachment. Therefore,
Load more

Recommended publications
  • 2009 Trip Report KENYA
    KENYA and TANZANIA TRIP REPORT Sept 25-Oct 23, 2009 PART 1 - Classic Kenya text and photos by Adrian Binns Sept 25 / Day 1: Blue Post Thika; Castle Forest We began the morning with an unexpected Little Sparrowhawk followed by a Great Sparrowhawk, both in the skies across the main road from the Blue Post Hotel in Thika. The lush grounds of the Blue Post are bordered by the twin waterfalls of the Chania and Thika, both rivers originating from the nearby Aberdare Mountain Range. It is a good place to get aquatinted with some of the more common birds, especially as most can be seen in close proximity and very well. Eastern Black-headed Oriole, Cinnamon-chested Bee- eater, Little Bee-eater, White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher, Collared Sunbird, Bronzed Mannikin, Speckled Mousebird and Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird were easily found. Looking down along the river course and around the thundering waterfall we found a pair of Giant Kingfishers as well as Great Cormorant, Grey Heron and Common Sandpiper, and two Nile Monitors slipped behind large boulders. A fruiting tree provided a feast for Yellow-rumped Seedeaters, Violet-backed Starlings, Spot-flanked Barbet (right), White-headed Barbet as a Grey-headed Kingfisher, an open woodland bird, made sorties from a nearby perch. www.wildsidenaturetours.com www.eastafricanwildlifesafaris.com © Adrian Binns Page 1 It was a gorgeous afternoon at the Castle Forest Lodge set deep in forested foothills of the southern slope of Mt. Kenya. While having lunch on the verandah, overlooking a fabulous valley below, we had circling Long-crested Eagle (above right), a distant Mountain Buzzard and African Harrier Hawk.
    [Show full text]
  • Its Influence in the Bioclimatic Regions of Trans-Saharan Africa
    Proceedings: 4th Tall Timbers Fire Ecology Conference 1965 FIG. 1. Elephant in Queen Elizabeth Park, Uganda. SubhU'mid Wooded Savanna. From a color slide courtesy Dr. P. R. Hill, Pietermaritzburg. FIG. 2. Leopard in Acacia, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. Subarid Wooded Savanna. From a color slide courtesy Dr. P. R. Hill, Pietermaritzburg. 6 Fire-as Master and Servant: Its Influence in the Bioclimatic Regions of Trans-Saharan Africa JOHN PHILLIPS* DESPITE MAN's remarkable advances in so many fields of endeavor in Trans-Saharan Africa, there is still much he does not know regarding some of the seemingly simple matters of life and living in the "Dark" Continent: One of these blanks in our knowldege is how the most effectively to thwart fire as an uncontrolled destroyer of vegetation and how best to use it to our own advantage. We know fire as a master, we have learned some­ thing about fire as a servant-but we still have much to do before we can direct this servant so as to win its most effective service. I review-against a background of the literature and a personal ex­ perience .of over half a century-some of the matters of prime inter­ est and significance in the role and the use of fire in Trans-Saharan Africa. These include, inter alia, the sins of the master and the merits of the servant, in a range of bioclimatic regions from the humid for­ ests, through the various gradations of aridity of the wooded savanna to .the subdesert. In an endeavor to discuss the whole subject objectively and sys­ tematically, I have dealt with the effects of fire upon vegetation, upon animal associates, upon aerillI factors and upon the complex fac­ tors of the soil.
    [Show full text]
  • Biodiversity in Sub-Saharan Africa and Its Islands Conservation, Management and Sustainable Use
    Biodiversity in Sub-Saharan Africa and its Islands Conservation, Management and Sustainable Use Occasional Papers of the IUCN Species Survival Commission No. 6 IUCN - The World Conservation Union IUCN Species Survival Commission Role of the SSC The Species Survival Commission (SSC) is IUCN's primary source of the 4. To provide advice, information, and expertise to the Secretariat of the scientific and technical information required for the maintenance of biologi- Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna cal diversity through the conservation of endangered and vulnerable species and Flora (CITES) and other international agreements affecting conser- of fauna and flora, whilst recommending and promoting measures for their vation of species or biological diversity. conservation, and for the management of other species of conservation con- cern. Its objective is to mobilize action to prevent the extinction of species, 5. To carry out specific tasks on behalf of the Union, including: sub-species and discrete populations of fauna and flora, thereby not only maintaining biological diversity but improving the status of endangered and • coordination of a programme of activities for the conservation of bio- vulnerable species. logical diversity within the framework of the IUCN Conservation Programme. Objectives of the SSC • promotion of the maintenance of biological diversity by monitoring 1. To participate in the further development, promotion and implementation the status of species and populations of conservation concern. of the World Conservation Strategy; to advise on the development of IUCN's Conservation Programme; to support the implementation of the • development and review of conservation action plans and priorities Programme' and to assist in the development, screening, and monitoring for species and their populations.
    [Show full text]
  • Ethnobotany of the Loita Maasai: Towards Community Management of the Forest of the Lost Child - Experiences from the Loita Ethnobotany Project
    PEOPLE AND PLANTS WORKING8 PAPER - DECEMBER 2001 This series of working papers is intended to provide information and to generate fruitful discussion EthnobotanyEthnobotany on key issues in the sustainable ofof thethe LoitaLoita MaasaiMaasai and equitable use Towards Community Management of the Forest of the Lost Child of plant resources. Experiences from the Loita Ethnobotany Project Please Patrick Maundu, Dhyani Berger, Charles ole Saitabau, Joyce Nasieku, send comments Moses Kipelian, Simon Mathenge, Yasuyuki Morimoto, Robert Höft on this paper and suggestions for future issues to People and Plants Initiative, Division of Ecological Sciences, UNESCO, 7 Place de Fontenoy, 75352 Paris CEDEX 07 SP, France. The designations employed and the presentation of material throughout this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of UNESCO concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city, or area of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The opinions expressed in this paper are entirely those of the authors and do not commit any Organization. Authors’ addresses: Patrick Maundu: National Museums of Kenya, Simon Mathenge: Department of Botany, P.O. Box 40658 Nairobi, Kenya University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197 Nairobi, <[email protected]> Kenya <[email protected]> Dhyani J. Berger: Life Programme/WWF, Yasuyuki Morimoto: International Plant Genetic Private Box 9681 Windhoek, Namibia Resource Institute, P.O. Box 30677 Nairobi, <[email protected]> Kenya <[email protected]> Charles ole Saitabau, Joyce Nasieku, Moses Robert Höft: UNESCO Nairobi Office, Kipelian: P.O. Box 30592 Nairobi, Kenya Ilkerin-Loita Integral Development Project, P.O.
    [Show full text]
  • Kenya Nairobi-Amboseli-Samburu Mount Kenya-Lake Nakuru- Lake Naivasha-Masai Mara 13 Days | African Charm & Close to Nature
    Kenya Nairobi-amboseli-Samburu mount Kenya-Lake Nakuru- Lake Naivasha-masai mara 13 Days | African Charm & Close to Nature DAY 1 Destination: Arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport; Transfer to Nairobi Accommodations: Ololo Safari Lodge Activities: Optional Game Drive Arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. After clearing customs, you will be met by your expert naturalist guide and transferred to the lovely Ololo Safari Lodge, an elegant, thatched-roof African manor situated right on the edge of the African wilderness, overlooking Nairobi National Park. Just outside of Nairobi’s central business district is Nairobi National Park, Kenya’s first national park established in 1946. This park is iconic for its wide open grass plains and scattered acacia bush with the city of Nairobi’s skyscrapers in the backdrop. Despite its small size and proximity to human civilization, this park plays host to a wide variety of wildlife including lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, buffaloes, giraffes and diverse birdlife with over 400 species recorded. As well, it is home to one of Kenya’s most successful rhino sanctuaries, and you are likely to see the endangered black rhino here. After settling in, you will meet with your guide to briefly go over your safari itinerary. Enjoy a lovely lunch, featuring Ololo’s garden grown produce and eggs. You then have the option of going on a late afternoon game drive into Nairobi National Park or staying at the lodge, perhaps taking a dip in the pool, walking around the beautiful gardens, reading a book by the fire, or enjoying a drink on the terrace overlooking the park.
    [Show full text]
  • Fire and Conservation of the Habitat in Kenya
    Fire and Conservation of the Habitat in Kenya P. M. OLINDa Director, Kenya National Parks, Nairobi, Kenya INTRODUCI'ION U sing the words of Phillips, "despite the dread danger of burning when it is feckless, wanton, casual or accidental, there are great possibilities for its use as a tool in the management of the savanna regions of Africa and these possibilities require much more study in the future, particularly the timing and frequency of burning in local environments." THE EFFECI'S OF FIRE AND OTHER INFLUENCES ON THE HABITAT A great deal of research has been conducted in the past 50 years in the vast areas of savanna country in Africa south of the Sahara, both from the agricultural and pastoral aspects. Reference to the UNESCO vegetation map of Africa gives some idea of the extent of savanna in this continent. Fire, shifting cultivation, and grazing are the major factors respon­ sible for the formation and maintenance of savanna country. Bush fires have exerted a profound influence on the vegetation of Africa (Fig. 1) for so long that fire has become an important limiting factor, of almost equal importance in its effect to topography and climate. The prolonged effects of fire upon the savanna habitat have 243 FIG. 1. Fire encroachment in the Mau Forest. resulted in the development of special fire-resistant communities of plants and animals which are dependent on periodic burning for their existence (Fig. 2). Examples of these communities are the open grassy plains and woodlands of tropical and sub-tropical Africa which were inhabited by vast herds of plains game such as zebra (Equus spp.), wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus (Burchell», Thomson's gazelle, (Gazelle thomsonii Gunther), kongoni (Alcelaphus-busela­ phus Pallas), topi (Damaliscus korrigum (Ogilby», etc.
    [Show full text]
  • Mara Expedition Camp Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
    FACT SHEET MARA EXPEDITION CAMP MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE, KENYA “This is a brand new camp, positioned on high ground in a grove of typical East African acacia trees overlooking a valley in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve. It is on private land, so very exclusive but with access to some of the region’s best wildlife. The camp tells the story of early day explorers with touches of campaign furniture and open air space under light canvas. It is an ideal camp, from which to start your safari looking for big cats such as cheetah and lion. Most days you don’t even have to go very far!” - Dereck Joubert, CEO Mara Expedition Camp is a magical revisiting of the past, drawing from Africa’s original explorers’ designs and designed for those who search for East Africa’s romantic safari era. Here, you will experience the best of both worlds: the intense action of the Maasai Mara ecosystem, as well as the more private 70,000-acre Mara North Conservancy. Mara Expedition Camp is a stylish experience and adventure camp unique to the industry and fits the service levels, specialised guiding and design that has become associated with Great Plains Conservation. It is safari chic with five light and airy, spacious canvas tents, each with en-suite bathrooms where you enjoy piping hot water from huge brass safari showers. It is set down low, hidden from lights and noise from other camps or properties or any sign of mankind. Under the grove of Africa ebony trees, its humble main area is lit by lantern and candlelit, simple in design, but just enough for all the comforts.
    [Show full text]
  • Nature, Wildlife, and the Habitat with a Discussion on Fire and Other Influences
    Nature, Wildlife, and the Habitat with a Discussion on Fire and Other Influences P. E. GLOVER Director, Tsavo Research Project, Tsavo National Park (East), Voi, Kenya "0 Earth our creator in ages past our hope for years to come our shelter from the stormy blast and our eternal home" (V. A. and M. 105). [I have substituted "Earth" for God. P. E. G.] INTRODUCTION ECOLOGISTS early divided themselves into plant and animal ecologists, and when some bold spirit began talking of human ecology he was promptly excommunicated. But within the last 10 years there has been a decided tendency to fusion. The plant ecolo­ gist has become increasingly aware of the biotic factor, and the animal ecologist has learned that geology and vegetational cover must be well understood. The "human factor" may now be studied without scientific ostracism, but the young researcher might still be advised to avoid the term human ecology. Quite rightly too; there is but one ecology, and at this moment in history, the subject of 319 P. E. GLOVER the members of men and animals considered together is ripe for investigation. Nevertheless I am ready to hazard a definition of human ecology as something more than an attitude of mind, as being that part of the science which deals with his animate habitat, of the influence of the habitat as a whole on social structure and behaviour, and of social system on the animal habitat." (Fraser Darling, 1961). The artificial term "wildlife" is used by modern "civilized" man to dissociate himself from those parts of his natural environment which he has not been able to tame, domesticate or cultivate to his own advantage.
    [Show full text]
  • A Checklist of the Land Mammals Tanganyika Territory Zanzibar
    274 G. H. SWYNNERTON,F.Z.S., Checklist oj Land Mammals VOL. XX A Checklist of the Land Mammals OF mE Tanganyika Territory AND mE Zanzibar Protectorate By G. H. SWYNNERTON, F.Z.S., Game Warde:z, Game Preservation Department, Tanganyika Territory, and R. W. HAYMAN, F.Z.S., Senior Experimental Officer, Department of Zoology, British Museum (Natural History) 277278·.25111917122896 .· · 4 . (1)(3)(-)(2)(5)(9)(3)(4)280290281283286289295288291 280. .. CONTENTS· · · No. OF FORMS* 1. FOREWORDINSECTIVORA ErinaceidaM:,gadermatidaEmballonuridaSoricidt:eMacroscelididaMarossidaNycteridaHipposideridaRhinolophidaVespertilionida(Shrews)(Free-tailed(Hollow-faced(Hedgehogs)(Horseshoe(Leaf-nosed(Sheath-tailed(Elephant(Simple-nosed(Big-earedBats)Bats)Shrews)BatsBats)Bats) Pteropodida (Fruit-eating Bats) 2.3. INTRODUCTIONSYSTEMATICLIST OF SPECIESAND SUBSPECIES: PAGE CHIROPTERA Chrysochlorida (Golden" Moles to) ···302306191210.3521. ·2387 . · 6 · IAN. (1)(2)1951(-)(4)(21)(1)(6)(14)(6)(5),(7)(8)333310302304306332298305309303297337324325336337339211327 . SWYNNERTON,. P.Z.S.,·· ·Checklist··· of·Land 3293Mammals52 275 PItIMATES G. It. RhinocerotidaPelidaEchimyidaHyanidaPongidaCercopithecidaHystricidaMuridaHominidaAnomaluridaPedetidaCaviidaMustelidaGliridaSciuridaViverrida(Cats,(Mice,(Dormice)(Guinea-pigs)(Apes)(Squirrels)(Spring(Hyaenas,(Genets,(Man)(Polecats,(Cane(porcupines)(Flying(Rhinoceroses)Leopards,(Monkeys,Rats,Haas)Rats)Civets,Arad-wolf).Weasels,Squirrels)Gerbils,Lions,Baboons)Mongooses)Ratels,etc.)•Cheetahs)..Otters) ProcaviidaCanidaLeporidaElephantidaLorisidaOrycteropodidaEquidaBathyergidaManida
    [Show full text]
  • An Annotated Checklist of Mammals of Kenya
    ZOOLOGICAL RESEARCH An annotated checklist of mammals of Kenya Simon Musila1,*, Ara Monadjem2,3, Paul W. Webala4, Bruce D. Patterson5, Rainer Hutterer6, Yvonne A. De Jong7, Thomas M. Butynski7, Geoffrey Mwangi8, Zhong-Zheng Chen9,10, Xue-Long Jiang9,10 1 Mammalogy Section, Department of Zoology, National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi 40658-00100, Kenya 2 Department of Biological Sciences, University of Swaziland, Kwaluseni, Swaziland 3 Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology & Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa 4 Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Maasai Mara University, Narok, Kenya 5 Integrative Research Center, Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, USA 6 Zoologisches Forschungsmuseum Alexander Koenig, Leibniz-Institut für Biodiversität der Tiere, Bonn 53113, Germany 7 Eastern Africa Primate Diversity and Conservation Program, Nanyuki, Kenya 8 School of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, Karatina University, Karatina 1957–10101, Kenya 9 Sino-African Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nairobi, Kenya 10 State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming Yunnan 650223, China ABSTRACT in altitude and distance to the coast and Lake Victoria. The Kenya has a rich mammalian fauna. We reviewed Kenyan coast (0–100 m a.s.l.) is warm and humid, receiving recently published books and papers including the six about 1 000 mm of rainfall per year; the central highlands (1 000–2 500 m a.s.l.) are cool and humid, receiving the volumes of Mammals of Africa to develop an up-to-date highest rainfall (over 2 000 mm per year) in Kenya; the hot and annotated checklist of all mammals recorded from dry regions of northern and eastern Kenya (200 700 m a.s.l.) Kenya.
    [Show full text]
  • Experince Kenya's 'Out of Africa' Safari
    SEGERA RETREAT, Laikipia Plateaux DAY 6-8 MERU MARA EXPEDITION CAMP, Experince Kenya’s Maasai Mara THE EMAKOKO National Reserve Nairobi National Park DAY 5-8 DAY 1-2 NAIROBI KITUI ‘Out of Africa’ Safari OL DONYO LODGE, Chyulu Hills National Park SERENGETI DAY 2-5 NATIONAL PARK KENYA SUGGESTED ITINERARY OVERVIEW ACCOMMODATION DESTINATION NIGHTS BASIS ROOM TYPE The Emakoko Nairobi National Park, Kenya 1 FB Standard Room ol Donyo Lodge Chyulu Hills National Park, Kenya 3 FB Standard Pool Suite Mara Expedition Camp Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya 3 FB Luxury Tent DAYS 1-2 THE EMAKOKO, NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK Nairobi is Africa’s 4th largest city and is a vibrant and exciting place. Although it has developed a reputation which keeps tourist visits brief, there are some fascinating attractions, namely its café culture, unbridled nightlife, the National Museum, Karen Blixen Museum and most notably, just 20 minutes from the city centre, wild lions and buffalo roam in the Nairobi National Park. THE EMAKOKO 1 night at The Emakoko in a standard room on a full board basis. The Emakoko is a luxury lodge artfully built into the side of a valley on the Mbagathi River, bordering the Nairobi National Park. Great care has been taken to incorporate the beautiful fig trees which grow on the cliff where the lodge is situated. All rooms look straight over the river and into the Park. The Emakoko allows people to start and finish their safari in the wildlife environment they have travelled so far to enjoy. Within 20 minutes of clearing customs they can now be viewing game in the amazing Nairobi National Park.
    [Show full text]
  • Mara Expedition Camp Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
    FACT FILE MARA EXPEDITION CAMP MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE, KENYA Mara Expedition Camp sits in a small bend in the Ntiakitiak River, where thick forest meets savannah, and just a few kilometres from its sister camp, Mara Plains. Mara Expedition Camp is a magical revisiting of the past, drawing from the designs of Africa’s original explorers and designed for those who search for East Africa’s romantic safari era. Here, you will experience the best of both worlds: the intense action of the Maasai Mara ecosystem, as well as the more private 70,000-acre Mara North Conservancy. Mara Expedition Camp is a stylish experience and adventure camp that is unique to the industry and that fits the service levels, specialised guiding and design that has become associated with Great Plains Conservation. It is safari chic with five light and airy, spacious canvas tents, each with en-suite bathrooms where you enjoy piping hot water from huge brass ‘safari showers’ to a chorus of hippos lazing nearby. It is set down low, hidden from lights and noise and any sign of mankind. Under the grove of Africa ebony trees, its humble main area is lit by lantern and candlelit, simple in design, but just enough for all the comforts. This camp’s ambiance and ‘back to the classics’ safari design will be a sure hit with private groups, and safari aficionados. The camp is locally famous for its leopard residents wandering the riverbanks. And is positioned to take best advantage of two migrations – the famous annual Serengeti migration and the green season migration from Loita Plains, an additional 50,000 wildebeest and over 100,000 zebras vying for grazing rights.
    [Show full text]