Saturday, November 21, 2009

October Report

General

Though heavy rains have persisted over much of Kenya this month, the Mara floodplain has experienced very little. Light localized showers were more prevalent around the Mararienta area, Ngoswani area, and Kileleoni hill. In other areas in Kenya floods have been reported. The Mara River remains at relatively high indicating more rain in the Mau watershed.

On the 11th the MNC BoD met with the Land Owners Committee (LOC) to present the new lease agreement, introduce African Parks Network, and announce employment of new rangers representing the former Great Plains leaseholder families. After presenting the lease the LOC took the offer to show other MNC Landowners for consensus. The meeting with the LOC was positive and productive.

On the 18th Anthony Hall-Martin met with Seiya MD Brian Heath at Plains Camp. Tyler Peterson and Susan Reeve have contacted APN with the prospect of improving the holistic management of Mara North Conservancy. The meeting was very informative and APN has a lot of offer for professional management. The BoD and the LOC will need to agree to partner with APN for the partnership to happen. The prospect to recapitalize for management and increase capacity is exciting.

A tree-planting initiave has been started by Karen Blixen Camp that has the possibility to afforest several hundred acres of indiginous trees. This potential carbon sink could offset approximatly 15,000tons of CO2 after 5 years of inception. Estimating that they have 100 acres of 500 surviving trees each, the project will offset CO2 emitions equal to 7,500 return flights from Europe

Wildlife

Through the very dry period large numbers of plains wildlife have moved to greener areas. Around Serian camp and Karen Blixen Camp more rain has prevailed and larger concentrations of wildlife reside in those areas. During this period more wildlife has found refuge in and around camps where there is some last remaining patches of green grass. All camps are advised that septic systems, deep trenches and waste dumps be secured from wildlife that can fall into open pits or feed on dangerous items.

Wildlife deaths have increased this month due to poor grazing. Hippos have been most affected by the drought. In the transmara there has been more rainfall but due to cultivation grazing has been limited and the only suitable grazing remains in the southern transmara areas where partner camps have leased large areas of land. 13 hippo deaths have been identified between Mara Safari Club and Mararienta. The largest concentration of deaths has been between the Mara Safari Club and Mara Buffalo.

Buffalo have also shown stress during the dry period by lying up in camps, manyattas, and populated areas. On the 15 Serian Camp Manager Mark Gilks was nearly thrown on the evening of the 15th. Luckily he escaped with only scrapes after being chased around several bushes. This month there have been 4 cases of buffalo human conflict in the greater area.

Elephants that resident on MNC continue to feed on herbaceous matter including Acacia elatier, kirkii and gerrardi to satisfy much of heir nutrient needs. During the rainy season, grass makes up 60% of an elephants diet (I.D. Hamilton et al) but when grass is scarce elephants feed on tree bark, roots, and bulbs, which they pull down/uproot and strip. Much damage has been done to acacia stands along the river and adjoining watercourses by several resident family groups totaling approximately 40 individuals. One elephant was found dead in the Ol Donyo Erinka area on the 31st. both tusks were found intact.

On the 10th patrol rangers from the Ngoswani area received reports that hunting dogs were preying on livestock at the Eilisho boma. The death of two goats is confirmed to have been cased by hunting dogs. During the month, 2 packs of approximately 10 and 15 individuals have been seen near Saruni Camp. The dogs have been reported to have darker than usual coats. Sightings continue and rangers are attempting to record them photographically next month.

No people were seriously injured by wildlife in MNC and in the surrounding area this month.

Cattle

On the 2nd to the 4th Community Officer Denis Mako and Joseph Kirorkor visited the Ol Pejeta Conservancy to meet with Livestock Manager Giles Prettejohn and learn about their “boran” cattle project. Denis learned a wealth of information that he presented in a report on suitable breeds for this area at the LOC meeting. He is continuing to disseminate information on improving cattle breeds in this area.

1047 cattle were counted on the 21st, a drop of 15,623 form 16,670 counted last month. The dramatic drop in cattle numbers has is attributed to the poor grazing on MNC. Several hundred thousand head of cattle have migrated to the Transmara where grazing has remained good. During this time the Wakuria ethnic are reported to have stolen at least 100 cows. Conflict continues in this area but there is little alternative for cattle owners.

Using the opportunity of, a cattle-free MNC, all temporary bomas will be moved next month with the help of Denis Mako and the LOC. The bomas will then be relocated to appropriate locations identified by the BoD, Seiya, and the LOC for when grazing improves in MNC.

Security

No poachers were caught this month. Two joint operations, from Ol Choro and MNC, were conducted in the Ngoswani area after receiving reports of large groups of poachers in the area. During these operations little sign was found of snaring or poaching. On the Transmara side of the river, reports have been received that poachers are descending the Oloololoo Escarpment to poach opposite Karen Blixen Camp and Royal Mara. Though no snares were recovered, signs of human activity were seen.

With the addition of the 15 new recruits to the security force more operations and patrols will be furnished.

Staff

This month 15 new rangers were recruits have been employed. The have completed half of their basic training. Some previously employed rangers have also been included in the training exercises. Their basic training includes, drills, ambushes skills, vehicle searches, patrol skills, tracking, disciplinary conduct, small arms training and firearms act, wildlife act, HF Radio training, reporting and recording skills. All rangers have so far been keen learners and start training at 6am each morning. Deputy Warden Daniel Nkrumah has been responsible for all field and drill training. Next month rangers will receive more tactical training. It is important to complete disciplinary training is completed before they can successfully furnish operations and be exposed to security information and responsibilities.

Hiring the ranger force has not escaped political input. Committee members has explicitly stated that all rangers be employed from this area and be linked closely to MMNC or GP landowners. This has been taken into close consideration and hopefully all rangers will compete their training successfully.



Developemnts

The section of road past Mararienta has been completed. The road is in good condition and has become the main route of transit from the Transmara to this side of the river. There is a need to erect more signage to indicate that all transit traffic must return to the main road (C13) at our gate, instead of cutting through more MNC land.

A 20,000ltr soak tank has been completed and covered at the office complex. The main entrance floor was replaced with proper drainage to the soak tank. Gutters for the outer perimeter will be installed next month.

One senior staff house has been refurbished by replacing the outer wall off-cuts, repairing the floor, repainting the inside. Work on the roof and ceiling remain be done.

Thatching the roof and veranda will compete construction of the Mararienta Gate

Focus for Oct
Finish previously started projects, gates, and office. Ngoswani gate remains to be finished. Office needs one tank and outer guttering
Hire 15 rangers, and train them. Done, Training continues
Start staff housing rehabilitation.
Started
Attend guiding meeting at Serian Camp. Done, Warden James Ekiru represented MNC Management
Attend Land Committee meeting.
Done

Focus for November

∑ Complete ranger training and conduct passing-out parade. Visit Ngarare outpost for legal and tactical training.
∑ Attend guiding meeting
∑ Attend MMNR security meeting at Mara Sarova on the 4th.
∑ Finish gates
Start work on kitchen and dining area for staff.

September report

General
This month only light showers prevailed. Heaver showers were frequent around the Mararienta area and grazing has improved there. The rest of MNC remains dry but heavy rains are expected with El Niño forecasts.

At the end of last month a draft Annual Work Plan was submitted to the Board of Directors of MNC. The work plan was well received by most of the BoDs some small queries have been made about budget amounts but this will hopefully be agreed upon next month. For the last 4 months 4th month that Seiya limited has managed MNC and quite a few projects have started. These will need the necessary funding to continue. The BoD is positive toward projects Seiya has submitted.

During the last Land Committee meeting it was decided that there would be more communication with Seiya and cattle owners; and that all restricted areas would remain status quotes. Also that, restricted areas were adaptable according to where predators were found. This has led to some difficulties on the ground but with better communication and patrol work conflicts should ease.

Choosing a common vision for the area has become a priority for the BoD and Seiya. Though we have a working Land Committee the BoD and Seiya feel it is necessary for committee members to have well defined roles while on the committee. This has become more important as new developments have been popping up which members of the committee have known about but not reported; to the management company or to the BoD. The BoD has recommended that we employ a number of community scouts to share information on MNC with community members whom also to report back to Seiya and the BoD. The next committee meeting will be held on the 10th of October and the main agenda will be to better define the role of the Land Committee and its responsibilities.

On the 25th a second Guiding etiquette meeting was held at the Fairmont Mara Safari Club. At this meeting a board of 9 individuals was elected, who will manage the association. A disciplinary board would be set up to inform the board of what is happening on the ground. Seiya ltd will enforce the rules and regulations defined by the board. Kicheche Camp distributed minutes of the meeting, and the next board meeting will be held at Serian camp on the 13th of October.

Wildlife

Plains wildlife have been concentrated in the area near Mararienta where there is better grazing. Wildlife viewing has been relatively good. There were four resident lion cubs near EPC camp but unfortunately; the lion named Cesar killed them. A pride of about 9 lion resident in the Military Bush have been seen daily.

Two dead elephants were found in the area this month. On the 6th a dead elephant was found in the forest near Olarai farm in the Emorijoi area. The cause of death is unclear but the tusks were intact and taken to our Ol Choro HQ where they were collected by the KWS on the 7th. On the 27th a second elephant was found dead in the Ol Donyo Erinka area. It had been followed by the Ngoswani unit for several days and was reported to have a fetid wound near its groin. The tusks were removed and taken to Lemek KWS post.
On the 22nd we found a dead buffalo that fell into a deep-water pool in Rekero River. We tried to remove the carcass in vain.

In the Ninety Forest a giraffe was found dead and butchered for meat. After extensive patrols in the area nothing was found. It is suspected that herders had taken the meat. The cause of death is unclear.

There were two cases of sick animals recorded this month. A hippo with a spear in its left flank was exterminated opposite Serian camp. The spear had ruptured its stomach cavity. It had a poor chance of recovering. One giraffe near Rekero Homes was found with an injured ankle, thought to be caused by a wire snare.

There was one incident of human wildlife conflict this month. On the 27th, an old man near Rekero Homes was knocked down by a buffalo, which broke his arm and leg.

Cattle

The Ol Peseta trip has been postponed until the 2nd of October due to a conflict of schedules. Cattle were counted form the 25th to the 27th, this month there were 16,670 cattle counted. This is a drop from 28,503 last month. On the 28th an estimated 10,000 head of cattle have been stationed near Musiara Gate but are expect to move shortly. The cattle are in bad shape and have come from as far as north of Narok Town over 100Km away. Most of the resident cattle have moved to the Transmara but they are complaining that the area is now becoming satiated.

Security

The frequent deaths of elephants, and signs of poaching in the Lemek Hills, has been a security concern for the last few months. In the last two years there have been over 10 elephants found dead in the greater Lemek Hills area stretching to Lemek Centre. In 3 cases their ivory was not recovered. Last month a large bull elephant was found poached and the tusks removed immediately by poachers. Senior Warden Benson Ketere and Deputy Warden Koitamet Sitany spent a majority of their time this month on clandestine intelligence work. On the 18th they received a lead that there was a deal taking place in Aitong Centre. An ambush was place on the evening of the 25th outside the residence of suspected persons. At 20:15 that evening, their house was raided, and the two suspects arrested after finding one complete tusk and two pieces. The total weight of ivory recovered was 18Kgs. The KWS intelligence unit then assisted them by sending a unit from Nairobi by vehicle. The KWS took them for further prosecution and interrogation. The culprits arrested were thought to be middlemen en route to a larger market place, rather than poachers. We are continuing with this work, the reporting of it, will sensitive at this time. We are hopeful that more recoveries will be made in the near future.

No other poachers were caught this month on MNC. While on a two-day training spell in the Mara Conservancy, two poachers were arrested by a joint team of rangers from Ol Choro and MNC in Tanzania. Our, and the Mara Conservancy rangers removed over a hundred snares the next day while on patrol. Many wildebeest that were caught in snares were released. Some were not as fortunate Even a vulture was found alive in a snare. An occurrence never been recorded by rangers before.


Research

The GIS work in MNC has been postponed until more funds can be made available to accommodate the students effectively in the field.

Mr. Papio from Living with lions is Sara Blackburn’s assistant and hopes to travel around with the patrol vehicle to identify and monitor lions. This will be easier when we have the anti harassment vehicle.

Development

The major development work this month has been the rehabilitation of the bad sections of road connecting MNC and Transmara. This section of road will be graveled and graded again in the first week of October.

A 5,000Ltr tank has been sourced and dung into the ground of the courtyard at the MNC HQ. A further 20,000Ltr soak pit is been dug outside the HQ. This will be used to channel water away from the main building and will also be an alternative water source for rangers. The rehabilitation of the offices continues.

The Mararienta toilet at the gate has been finished and only needs to be painted. The Ngoswani gate toilet has not been erected yet.

Focus for September

Complete and man 2 MNC gates Both gates manned, toilets and grass roofs are being constructed.
Employ 15 new rangers Postponed to 5th of October
Rehabilitate office complex (HQ)
Continuing
Evaluate school kitchen Not done
Evaluate Chief’s Nyayorori’s House
Done
Enforce grazing policy in restricted areas.
Continuing
Improve security in the Lemek Hills area
Continuing-gate manned with 4 patrol rangers.
Rehabilitate very bad sections of C13 road near Mara Bridge.
Continuing and should be completed by the 7th of October. The Mara Conservancy is doing much graveling and grader work.

Host responsible guiding meeting at MNC HQ Hosted by Fairmont Mara Safari Club
Rehabilitation of staff quarters Starting on the 4th of October.


Focus for October
∑ Finish previously started projects, gates, and office.
∑ Hire 15 rangers, and train them.
∑ Start staff housing rehabilitation.
∑ Attend guiding meeting at Serian Camp.
∑ Attend Land Committee meeting.

Report for August

General:

This month intermittent rains prevailed over the conservancy. Rainfall amounted to approximately 1 inch this month. The area around Mararienta received more rain than further north in the conservancy. Though the drought continues to prevail the river has recently risen substantially.

A Committee meeting was held on the 29th minutes will be distributed in the first week of September. The meeting went well and the next meeting is scheduled for the 10th of October.

On the 21st and 22nd Kyoto Energy Founder Jon Bøhmer, Reidar Lorentzen (chairman Kavli™) and Harald Schjeldrup (MD Kavli™) were hosted at the Mara Safari Club. They were introduced to Seiya and Mara North Conservancy and our possible involvement with Kyoto Energy for a range of energy adaptations and access these tools include simple biomass cookers, biogas fridges, milk coolers, solar cookers, sustainable housing, and solar concentrators. The investors were epically interested in the beef and dairy potential. They have agreed to provide some general infrastructural to improve energy use through Maasai Power in MNC and the surrounding area. This project will cover energy use in bomas and users will be registered with Kyoto Energy for trading carbon marginal offsets on a per household basis. Jon is currently working with the Nairobi University IT section and has attached 4 students to set up a GSM based monitoring system with Safaricom. Jon has also contacted the HOD of GIS at Nairobi University who is has agreed to attach several GIS final year students to complete the mapping of MNC. This project will be investigated in the next few months, and donor funding will be sought to cover their expenses and transport while on attachment.

The planning process for MNC has been a major concern for MNC directors, Committee Members and Seiya. Earlier this month a 1st Draft for Natural Resource Management Plan was uncovered. Though the plan is out-dated (2000-2004) some valuable information has been gleaned. The process was supported by the Maasai Mara Management Committee, African Conservation Centre, The Conservation Development Company, and funded by the European Union. This participatory planning process was adopted on the planning basis of a combination of guidelines applied by United States national Park Service planning guidelines, and methods applied by IUCN in the Ngorogoro Conservation Area The process is designed to bring together the knowledge of participants and key data sources to enable the stakeholders themselves to develop the plan. The aim is to ensure “buy-in” to the plan by those who will ultimately be responsible for implementing it. That was the responsibility of the Koyiaki Lemek Wildlife Trust. The implementation of the plan never happened and the planning process stopped after the initial 5 steps of the 11 steps to reaching implementation. If this first draft is slightly amended and improved and agreed upon by MNC Directors, MNC Committee and Seiya the process can continue.

The primary objective of the draft plan is:
Improve quality of life for local residents, by:
∑ Maintaining and improving the natural resource base
∑ Ensuring that the natural resource base is used equitably and sustainable
∑ Maximizing benefit from different land-use options
∑ Conserving biodiversity and ecosystem integrity

As some factors have now changed with regard to private ownership, the overall objectives and processes of the plan are still relevant today. Before the continuation of the planning process immediate more pressing work will continue, with the plan’s guidelines taken into account.

Only one copy of the plan was uncovered but next month it will be scanned for distribution. The document can be read at the MNC HQ.

On the 25th a Guiding Etiquette meeting was held at Elephant Pepper Camp with all drivers from different tourism partners in the area. Some valid points were raised but the tourism entities that had the most issues with irresponsible game viewing did not attend the meeting. The next meeting is proposed to be held mid next month at the MNC HQ.

Wildlife
The plains wildlife moved off MNC when it started raining but are now returning after 2 weeks with no rain. Much of the wildebeest present are of the Loita migration. There has been an overall decrease in plains wildlife this month.

On the 17th two elephants were found in the Endoninyio Erinka and Emorijoi area with their tusks hacked out. The carcases were covered with cut brush to conceal them and there were clear arrow and wounds in their flanks. There has been high number of elephants found dead in the Lemek Hills area in the last year (11). In all the previous cases the elephant’s ivory was recovered and was relatively small. The bull found this month is suspected to have been carrying large ivory. On the 18th a community meeting was held with all of our rangers, the area chief and must inhabitants in the area. Three Ndorobo suspects were identified and surveillance of their movements begun. On the 21st the KWS Intel. Section arrested the suspects and interrogated them for three days before letting them go for lack of evidence. This operation was not handled as our security staff would have liked. The chance of now finding the tusks is minimal. While surveillance continues though our information network there, the arrest of the suspects greatly disrupted our work. On the 24th KWS reported that they had recovered a pair of tusks in Nairobi that were suspected to have been from the Mara. They were small tusks and presumed to be from the Emorijoi elephant if they were in fact from the Mara.


Manager’s report for the month of August 2009
On the 25th a body was recovered near our boundary with the Olare Orok River that had been gored by an elephant. The body was approximately three days old but had not been scavenged as a family group of 5 elephants were guarding the body. After the elephants had been chased away from the body the police were able to recover it. It took several days to identify the body. This is the second death caused by elephants in that area in the last 3 months.

The semi-tame zebra at Mara Buffalo Camp was moved to the reserve on the 6th with assistance of the KWS vegetarian Dominic Mijele.

Two injured buffalo were found near Off Beat Camp with spear wounds.

On the 12th one of our semi-tame female rhinos from Nakuru NP on Ol Choro Oiroua Conservancy died after being tranquilized by KWS vet Dominic Mijele. Her status had been poor for the last few months and the vet was asked to take a blood sample. After completing a post-mortem Dr. Mijele reported that she had chronic phenomena.

Cattle
In the Natural Resource Management Plan for KLWT has zoned areas on a several maps, for: conservation & tourism, livestock development, small-scale cultivation, and livestock & wildlife. The area indicated for livestock & wildlife is a smaller area indicated by the previously proposed area on MNC but is not adapted for more recent tourism developments. Please see attached map.

As reported last month a sustainable number of cattle for MNC is approximately 10,000head (see July report). This is 1/3 the amount of cattle present at the moment. For the feasible reduction of cattle numbers of MNC the value of each cow needs to triple. This may be possible with improved breeding, better marketing and better management of grazing.

To develop a cattle management plan outside advice will be sought from experienced ranchers and land managers. After discussing this with Committee Members all showed keen enthusiasm for such a programme. With a plethora of information on holistic grassland cattle management with new technologies, methodologies and innovations the running of the cattle will not be the issue. The major issue is overall decision-making and coalition of cattle owners for responsible grazing, stocking and sale. While developing a number of polices for members to follow such as restricting owners to 1 cow per 2 hectares, and restricting areas for preservation, upgrading stock is a priority. The upgrading process starts with the purchase of improved cattle. Each landowner is proposed to chip in an amount for an initial purchase of approximately 100head. The initial investors will be the early adapters of this programme. These cattle will be managed by MNC. This will include all aspects of management, securing the cattle in movable bomas, employing herders from the community, purchase and sale of cattle, marketing, inoculation, tagging etc. The profits earned will be distributed to the initial investors equitably. It is suggested that MNC also purchases a proportion of cattle to cover management costs of the cattle. Once this model starts working it is hoped that this option will be the most attractive and most lucrative option. Much work is needed on the best methods for operation, but the project can start next month if the idea takes off. The first step will be visiting Northern Kenya to learn some of their methods and to start planning a purchase.

Cattle were counted from the 27th to the 30th the total number of cattle on MNC is ---------- and ------- outsiders, a decrease from last month’s count of 34,577 MNC owners cattle and 1,597 outsider’s. The reduction in cattle numbers has been due to poor grazing inside MNC. Three new bomas were being built this month but have been stopped. Several large bomas on Olare Orok Conservancy were built on one of the Nyarori’s parcels, which is not part of OOC, or MNC. Several thousand head of cattle reside there.

Lion sightings have been good this month but their locations have been sensitive; either close to camps or roads. This caused some upsets from camps about traversing access.

Security,

On the 22nd two poachers were arrested in the Lemek Hills area who had poached an impala and were busy cooking the meat at the Saruni Tembo Camp. The Saruni management asked to handle the case as the poachers were their employees and they were handed over.

Much night activity has been going with motorbikes after 2am from Talek to Aitong. More night operations will ensue and will be reported on next month.

Research

The manager met with the head of the Living with Lions and Mara Preditor Project, Laurence Frank who reported that the lion population on MNC is not threatened and that the population size is healthy and that the level of human/lion conflict is relatively low compared with other areas.

From October it is expected that a team of 4 students from the Nairobi University GIS department will complete and update maps on for MNC for approximately two months.

The proposed trip to the Nanyuki area next month will be coupled with a visit to a camel milk dairy, which uses state of the art energy efficient milk transportation and dairy facilities. Some of these principles may be valuable for adoption in MNC.

Staff:

All rangers have been performing well this month.

Warden Korsikir was sent home for one month due to inciting poor work ethic and not following orders. Hopefully he will have turned a new leaf upon return.

Warden 1, James Ekriu, has been very effective in the field and has completed effective operations, plans daily routine orders, and executes tasks with due diligence.

Beginning this year Seiya rangers will be evaluated and picked by senior staff to receive the ranger/s of the year award from the Ted Goss Memorial Fund (TGMF). This fund was originally set-up to award KWS rangers each year but the ceremony has become more and more difficult to conduct. The TGMF board has agreed to move the award to the Mara.

This month an expected 15 additional rangers will be employed from the Great Plains group.

Developments.
Rehabilitation of the MNC offices at the HQ has been started.
Both gates have been erected and latrines started.
Kitchen at Mararienta Primary School was investigated but Karen Blixen Camp has already started work there.

Focus for August
Complete and man 2 MNC gates Both gates erected but not manned

Employ 15 new rangers Postponed

Rehabilitate office complex (HQ) Started

Evaluate school kitchen Handed over

Present budget for proposed airstrip Done

Enforce grazing policy in restricted proposed areas. Continuing
Improve security in the Lemek Hills area Continuing

Present draft annual work plan 2009/10
Presentation on 1st September.

Host MNC Committee meeting at MNC HQ Done, 29th Aug

Focus for September:

Rehabilitate very bad sections of C13 road near Mara Bridge.
Finish office rehabilitation
Start rehabilitation of staff quarters
Thatch roofs of both gates
Complete pit latrines for both gates
Host responsible guiding meeting at MNC HQ
Host trip to Nanyuki area

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Manager's Report for July 09

 

General

This month on MNC, it rained once on the 23rd. Though the rain has made the grass slightly greener it has not improved grazing much.

On the 12 Great Plains representatives Tyler and Susan met with MNC lands committee and GP lands committee at our Headquarters. The meeting was successful in bringing together the two groups and it was decided that 1 km around any camp that had clients would not be grazed by cattle. A new lease encompassing both parties will be drawn this month.  The next meeting of both lands committee will be held on the 29th of next month.

On the 21st and 22nd all conservancies were invited to a two day meeting and workshop at the Koyiaki Guiding School hoseted by Dixon Kaelo from the Basecamp Foundation. The first day was used for presentations from all the representatives doing conservation work in the greater area. On the first day MNC was presented and was well received. Research studies from different organizations were also presented and discussed. On the second day final presentations and workshops were conducted. Heather Knight did the most useful presentation about planning tools. She was a guest from the Nature Conservancy in Colorado USA. They have developed a system of evaluating opportunities, and threats to those opportunities, for reaching pre decided goals for a given area. This system makes a lot of sense for planning. Using this method, the landlords and the tourism partners express what they want to see happen in the area milestones into the future.  Once these have been agreed upon, methods to reach them are executed. Then, the goals, and the threats, are put into a matrix to evaluate how each program is going and what needs to be done to reach them effectively. At the next landowners committee meeting, it is recommended that this exercise be done again to discover what some of the goals are for MNC, and what are the methods/timeframes we are going to use/accept to reach them.

In October this year, lodge owners in the greater Mara area agreed upon rules of Game Viewing Etiquette. To reiterate them for adoption they are again written below:

Only 5 vehicles should be at a sighting at a given time of 10 minutes. Others who are waiting at the same sighting should remain a minimum of 200meters away. A sighting found on one’s own can be observed for longer, and is to the guide’s discretion as to how long they will stay.

Proximity to sightings: In accordance with KWS and KPSGA stipulations, no vehicles are allowed within 20meters of a sighting.

Litter: Clean up after yourselves and if you see litter pick it up.  Giving water to herders is discouraged as they litter the water bottles.

Behavior at sightings: Cars should be switched off and sightings should be observed in relative silence. Guests should remain in the vehicle at a sighting. No standing on the roof, picnics, bush-breakfasts etc. These activities should be done away from sightings.

Flushing animals out of cover and harassment are strictly forbidden and offenders will be fined. This includes throwing objects at animals and, shouting or honking horns to get their attention.

A speed limit of 40Kph for all tracks in the conservancy will be followed; public access roads are an exception.

Night game drives have been stopped all together. Vehicles returning to camp in the evening are allowed to use spotlights on nocturnal animals only with red filters. Vehicles must return to camp by 8:30pm.

All injured wildlife should be reported immediately to our rangers by telephone or at the HQ.

Infringement of the rules should be reported immediately in the above way.

These rules and regulations are developed to improve wildlife viewing experiences, safety and respect for the environment. Progressive fines will be implemented to discourage breaking these rules. All tourism partners in MNC are requested to support and adhere to these rules of Game Driving Etiquette.

Wildlife

The Loita migration started on the 14th of this month when large numbers of Wildebeest moved onto MNC. Approximately 30,000 wildebeest are now resident northwestern section of MNC along the river. This area has had more localized rain which may explain this concentration. There are very few wildebeest in the areas near OOC and Musiara. Much of the migration has been concentrated in the Mara Conservancy.

2 elephant deaths occurred this month in the Lemek Hills area. The tusks were intact and removed by our rangers for collection by KWS.

Livestock predation decreased markedly this month with only two incidents at Karia’s boma on Lemek. This was the boma that had been heavily bothered for the last two months. A single female problem animal was identified and reported to KWS several times. Unfortunately the traps were not available. On the 15th boma residents killed the same lioness. She was speared whilst trying to get into the boma at night. After that there have been no more incidents of predation from that boma.


Cattle

According to previous research done in this area mentioned in last month’s report and research conducted by the Livestock Institute in the United States, a better understanding of the carrying capacity for cattle is reported. Each hectare supports approximately 2000Kg of dry matter. Using a recovery rate of 6 months and the average consumption of a cow of 20kg of dry matter per day (Livestock Institute). 2 ha will sustainably support 1 cow throughout the year. Therefore, the 26,00ha leased by MNC can support approximately 13,000 head of cattle. This does not take into account the areas that cattle are not permitted; double leased land around camps, game viewing areas and areas with large predators present. (2000kg/ha /30days /6months  /20kg dry matter per day =. 555cattle per ha. Research reports are available upon request

 

Several incidents of cattle disturbing lions are reported this month. On the 26th cattle in the “maternity” area chased a pride of 10 lions from cover. On the 17th a pride of 7 lions were also harassed near the main road to Mararienta in the Elichoro Elrasho area. 

7 arrests were made this month of cattle herders that had been asked to leave and have returned. In two cases angry landlords reported that they were hosting the cattle. They were explained that any cattle from outside the area are prohibited.

Further bomas are being built by members and non-resident cattle hosted in them. This is becoming a serious issue, as some of the new bomas are right next to camps and bordering double leased land.

After the first step of controlling cattle from coming into areas, which they are not permitted, the next step will be to only allow them to graze in areas which are owned by the landlord. If landlords have an excess of the sustainable number they will need to purchase grazing rights from other landlords that do not have cattle or have not reached their quota. The method of controlling cattle by parcel size was already implemented some time back by the former K/L Group Ranch and should be implemented once again with the support of the MNC committee. Cattle were counted from the 20th to the 27th the total number of cattle is 34,577 resident, and 1,597 outsider. Member cattle have increased from 30,135, and outsider’s decreased from 7,072. Please see the maps on page six and seven, which illustrate the proposed areas for cattle grazing, and the areas where cattle grazing will not be permitted. The proposed areas in Hectares are as follows: Mararienta: 2,167ha., Olorokoti Plain: 4,088ha., and Aitong/Motorogi: 9,407ha. Some of this area around Aitong and Mararienta is not leased by MNC.

 As concluded at the last committee meeting, fines shall continue for member cattle inside the areas of  land that is double leased, land known to have large concentrations of predators, wooded areas, areas of ecological sensitivity and key game viewing or scenic areas. There remain 15 temporary bomas that will be moved, with 3 new bomas that have been built this month. Building of new structures will need to be approved by the committee and the MNC Directors.

 

Research

 

On the 29th Jon and Neema Bøhmer of Kyoto Energy and Maasai Power introduced the solar box in Aitong. Six boxes have been brought to test the viability of the use of the boxes on a daily basis. The users will record how much food and how much time it took to cook the food. This will better indicate the reduction of kerosene, charcoal and wood used. The boxes were introduced to the Aitong Discovery and Community Empowerment Centre, and to Ignatius Ntutu. They have volunteered to record and use the boxes daily. When the initial test period is over users will receive the family packet, which includes a solar torch, solar bag, solar cooker, and biomass cooker. They will be registered with the Kyoto Club and receive payments according to their carbon reduction in tons per year.

Paulus Maukonen is finishing his work on Ol Choro Oiroua and has mapped temporary bomas on Koyiaki. His maps are becoming better references for the area. He has followed all government maps but reports that there are some errors on the hand-drawn maps when comparing them with land sat. images. The government maps will have to be honored until the area is resurveyed. Unfortunately Paulus will only be on MNC until the end of June. He will complete the mapping exercise and give us all his data to improve upon. This will be the first updated map of the area since the African Wildlife Foundation update in 2005. Paulus has started an in-depth database, which can be added to by future GIS students. He has proposed to do his PhD. on MNC and will be assisted by 3 Masters students for the next 5 years. The tuition fees are 2,100£ per year, which he would request funding for from MNC. He will be available to start in September, once he is finished with his masters. Alternatively, students from a Kenyan institution can be sourced for this work.

Tyler Peterson and Susan Reeve voiced the need for aerial photographs of the area, which will be a useful tool for map-making and planning. One very important issue discussed was the need for a research centre on Koyiaki. This centre would serve multiple needs; building a research database for the area, day-to-day research and recording, employment needs for guides, field assistants and interpreters, and an education and interpretation centre. Hopefully, funding for this will be sourced with the help of Tyler and Susan.

 

Most of the permanent boma structures and houses have attempted to be incorporated when drawing the grazing areas. As has access water and access to other areas outside MNC. In the proposed area 14 structures are outside the proposed area and should be moved.  Changes to this area, with agreement from the committee and the directors of MNC, should be agreed upon as soon as possible.

From the 20th of this month many of the cattle owners moved their livestock to the boundary of the reserve in search of better grazing. There is not much grass on Koyiaki left.

Staff

All staff members are adjusting well to their new duties and responsibilities.

Successful operations have been carried out this month with Ol Choro and MNC Seiya rangers.

Next month a proposed 15 additional rangers will be employed. Rangers representing previous Great Plains interests will be interviewed first.

 

Developments:

 

Six signs have been competed and erected.

“Fly Camp” erected and manned near Mararienta.

1 gate erected, and awaits painting, off-cuts and inner walls. The second gate will be erected in the first week of August. The third gate will be built when land disputes around Musiara gate are resolved.

 

Implement a curfew and enforce stricter traversing rights

Continuing

Construct signage

Completed

Develop grazing area

Done

Identify sites and start work on three possible gates

Continuing

Patrol and man southern boundary

Done

Work more closely with other armed Seiya rangers

2 joint operations done

Evaluate school kitchen

Not done-Next month

Assign tasks to Denis Mako

Continuing

Evaluate proposed airstrip

Done

Develop and present 3 month work plan

Presented for approval next month.

Focus for August

 

Complete and man 2 MNC gates

Employ 15 new rangers

Rehabilitate office complex (HQ)

Evaluate school kitchen

Present budget for proposed airstrip

Enforce grazing policy in restricted proposed areas.

Improve security in the Lemek Hills area

Request support from Chloride Excide to supply solar equipment for gates, ranger accommodation, and office complex.

Meet with MNC directors and Committee Members to agree on common goals and start planning process.

June Report 09

General
This month the rains have stopped. The Greater Mara area has had approximately 13 inches of rain this season, with approximately 3 inches of rain in the Mara Conservancy around Serena; the surrounding area has remained very dry and has had no rain to speak of. This will put increasing grazing pressure on the MNC area and make it more difficult to control cattle numbers. Hopefully the rains next season will be better, but it is doubtful that the Mara will get its annual average rainfall of 42 inches (G.O.K et al.) this year.

This has been the first month that Seiya Ltd has been responsible for the holistic management of Mara North Conservancy. Much time has been spent finding our feet and learning about the partnerships of MNC, the lay of the land; and its cultural, historical, economic, ethical and ecological factors involved. All these will be important to consider when managing the conservancy effectively.

This month, two committee meetings were held at Karen Blixen camp on the 5th and the 29th. The details of these meetings can be found in the minutes. At the first meeting, Seiya Ltd. was introduced to the land committee, and it was decided that the committee would like all outsider cattle to be moved out of MNC during the course of the month. At the second committee meeting it was decided that Seiya would propose an area acceptable for grazing to be ratified by the committee next month (See cattle section).

An MNC Director’s meeting was held at Karen Blixen camp on the 28th and it was decided that Seiya would be responsible for Earthview’s actions on MNC, that we would start building gates, signage, and start some rehabilitation of the office blocks. Some of the other concerns MNC Directors expressed were; cattle movement and management, policing non-MNC partners who are traversing the area, and securing the area from trespassers and poachers. All research, observations, developments and management concerns for the area, will be reported to the directors each month through written updates and monthly reports.

Earthview management will be responsible for the issuing of tickets at the gates and checking issued ticket sales at the lodges and camps.

Seiya will also be responsible for the community liaison officer Denis Mako, along with his vehicle and driver. His responsibilities are many and will be clearly defined next month, once the start-up period is over.

As a professional management company Seiya Ltd. for MNC we will be using robust methodologies practiced by similar conservancies. We will also be adaptive to this specific area; spearheading practices that will benefit the landowners and the tourism partners in the area, to its full potential, while securing ecological integrity.

Wildlife
The plains wildlife have been numerous this month. Many of the zebra and wildebeest have moved off MNC but are suspected to return very soon. Eland and giraffe have been resident in both the wooded areas, on the open plains and near the river. Each evening large herds of giraffe have been moving from near the river to behind Aitong and Ol Donyo Orinka in the late afternoon.

Large bull elephants have been resident on MNC this month. They were seen again along the river on the 29th near Serian Camp. There have been several elephant deaths this month, and incidents of human elephant conflict.

On the 12th a rogue elephant that had been identified by our rangers several days earlier for killing livestock near Aitong killed a driver guide from Olu Mara Camp on Olare Orok. The rangers were quick to respond and arrived at the scene at 9am where the elephant was identified. Our rangers then met up with a section of KWS rangers from Lemek the elephant was exterminated at 11:30am. During the evening of the 18th elephants were raiding crops on the transmara side of the river near Emarti. When the area councillor tried to chase the elephants away with his vehicle one elephant turned on him and tusked his car. The elephant’s tusk broke at its base and was left in the punctured radiator of the vehicle. Our rangers arrived at the scene at 11am where we met a large gathering that demanded compensation for the vehicle. They were counselled and we agreed to do patrols on that side of the river during when crop raiding was reported. This month 4 elephants were found dead in the surrounding area. All in the Lemek hills area, Ol Donyo Orinka, and Kilemetare areas. Two incidents the tusks were retrieved and handed over by our rangers and in the most recent cases on the 23rd and the 28th the tusks had been removed. It is suspected that in these two cases the elephants were poached by poison arrows and followed-this was deduced since the tusks were removed shortly after the elephants death, before people in the area had found the carcases. Each boma was visited and asked to report any people they found walking around in the area that they did not know. In this area poaching has been reported to be prevalent for since we have been managing Ol Choro Oiroua of the last two years. Hopefully with the new gate and security post in the near Ngoswani Centre these incidents, and future ones, can be better investigated and stopped.

Researcher Sara Blackburn has been studying lions for the last year in the former Koyiaki and reports that there are over 100 animals identified and estimates that there are another 100 unidentified in the larger area. Her project includes having booklets in tourist vehicles which guides can identify lions with, and also identify and record new lions. Her program, Living With Lions, will be a good tool for guides and guests to interact with; who can help research that is being done in the area, and improve a guest’s experiences. Further funding is needed to expand the project but using lions as a “keystone” species will add value to the importance of conserving the area.

This month there have been 13 incidents of stock predation by lion, leopard and hyena. Most of these incidents have been isolated, but the Nampaso’s boma near Aitong has been attacked 6 times this month by a resident pride of lion on Ol Choro, they have been identified as the animals who continue to return to that boma each night. One older lioness, which has been identified as only staying around that boma, continues to prey on livestock. Our rangers have visited the boma after each attack to record and to council residents. They have not threatened to take action against the lions but they are upset none the less. Future predator plans for decreasing livestock predation will be investigated, and reported on, next month. Some successful methods have been implanted in other areas, which could be adopted on MNC.

Cattle

This month it was agreed by the committee on the 5th that all outsider’s livestock would be removed from the conservancy.

As part of developing stocking numbers for future rotational grazing, a study written by the Pretoria University was conducted on Ol Choro Oiroua Conservancy during for the duration of the year 1994-95. As both ecosystems are relatively comparable with regard to dominant grass species, close proximity and similar topography, rainfall, grazing pressure and fire regimes these indicators are relatively accurate on MNC. Also, these indicators are assumed to be the greatest factors controlling herbaceous standing matter.

The two studies are titled, “The Phytosociology of the Grassland and WoodlVegetation of Ol Choro Oiroua Conservancy Maasai Mara, Kenya”, and “Herbaceous Standing Crop of the Grassy Plains of Ol Choro Oiroua Conservancy, Maasai Mara, Kenya”. The studies were co-authored by L.D. van Essen, J. du P. Bothma, N. Rooyen, and W.S.W.Trollope; for the Center for Wildlife Management, University of Pretoria, South Africa and, the Department of Botany of the University of Pretoria, South Africa. The study was conducted from March 1994 to March 1995. The studies used the Braun-Blanquet method (Bredenkamp 1982) to gather their data, which they could use to compare their research with other “veld” ecosystems in southern Africa. The vegetation survey included all shrub, tree and grass species found in each of the 171 sample plots or relevés. The 8000 hectares surveyed stretched from an altitude of 1,707m (near the Mara River) to 1,768 (the slopes of Kileleoni Hill). The survey did not include the mountain forest habitat on Kileleoni reaching to 2,194m.

In short, the study was written to assist future management objectives in context of understanding of the ecology of the area; to make effective land-use planning and management decisions. As plant communities react in a unique way to factors such as rainfall, grazing pressure and burning they are the best indicators for ecosystem status on recognized quantifiable scales. The study concluded that the most prevalent habitat on Ol Choro Oiroua is grassy plans with a mean standing dry matter crop of grasses to be 2,422kg/ha with a maximum of 3,956kg/ha and a minimum of 508kg/ha. The minimum was found at Nampaso’s’, an area with 3 cattle and sheep bomas in close proximity to each other, and the maximum on the base of Kileleoni hill. When comparing the area to “veld” habitat in southern Africa with the same rainfall and altitude, Ol Choro’s standing crop values were low. The authors indicated that this may be due to severe drought in 1993 and that the area is still in a recovery period, and different dominant species of grass. The mean rainfall over a 13-year period was 43.4 inches (Roberts pers. comm.) Further identified research by other institutes will help assist with sustainable stocking numbers which will be presented next month.

On MNC Seiya will propose areas for cattle grazing that are acceptable by both tourism partners and landowners.
The second stage will be do develop sustainable stocking numbers.
Eventually, MNC will form a cattle company, which is ecologically sound and makes lucrative income for the landowners. Much work is still needed to make this a reality, but it can now start. A sub committee is proposed to handle cattle management issues. Next month an area for grazing and cattle traversing will be proposed to the MNC directors and the Committee members.

Cattle numbers have reached roughly 30,125 head. Sheep and goats have not been counted. As cattle plans are made, a sustainable number for the area will be proposed; and stock-upgrading plans will also be proposed for adoption by landowners.

Research
This month it was agreed by the committee on the 5th that all outsider’s livestock would be removed from the conservancy.

As part of developing stocking numbers for future rotational grazing, a study written by the Pretoria University was conducted on Ol Choro Oiroua Conservancy during for the duration of the year 1994-95. As both ecosystems are relatively comparable with regard to dominant grass species, close proximity and similar topography, rainfall, grazing pressure and fire regimes these indicators are relatively accurate on MNC. Also, these indicators are assumed to be the greatest factors controlling herbaceous standing matter.

The two studies are titled, “The Phytosociology of the Grassland and WoodlVegetation of Ol Choro Oiroua Conservancy Maasai Mara, Kenya”, and “Herbaceous Standing Crop of the Grassy Plains of Ol Choro Oiroua Conservancy, Maasai Mara, Kenya”. The studies were co-authored by L.D. van Essen, J. du P. Bothma, N. Rooyen, and W.S.W.Trollope; for the Center for Wildlife Management, University of Pretoria, South Africa and, the Department of Botany of the University of Pretoria, South Africa. The study was conducted from March 1994 to March 1995. The studies used the Braun-Blanquet method (Bredenkamp 1982) to gather their data, which they could use to compare their research with other “veld” ecosystems in southern Africa. The vegetation survey included all shrub, tree and grass species found in each of the 171 sample plots or relevés. The 8000 hectares surveyed stretched from an altitude of 1,707m (near the Mara River) to 1,768 (the slopes of Kileleoni Hill). The survey did not include the mountain forest habitat on Kileleoni reaching to 2,194m.

In short, the study was written to assist future management objectives in context of understanding of the ecology of the area; to make effective land-use planning and management decisions. As plant communities react in a unique way to factors such as rainfall, grazing pressure and burning they are the best indicators for ecosystem status on recognized quantifiable scales. The study concluded that the most prevalent habitat on Ol Choro Oiroua is grassy plans with a mean standing dry matter crop of grasses to be 2,422kg/ha with a maximum of 3,956kg/ha and a minimum of 508kg/ha. The minimum was found at Nampaso’s’, an area with 3 cattle and sheep bomas in close proximity to each other, and the maximum on the base of Kileleoni hill. When comparing the area to “veld” habitat in southern Africa with the same rainfall and altitude, Ol Choro’s standing crop values were low. The authors indicated that this may be due to severe drought in 1993 and that the area is still in a recovery period, and different dominant species of grass. The mean rainfall over a 13-year period was 43.4 inches (Roberts pers. comm.) Further identified research by other institutes will help assist with sustainable stocking numbers which will be presented next month.

On MNC Seiya will propose areas for cattle grazing that are acceptable by both tourism partners and landowners.
The second stage will be do develop sustainable stocking numbers.
Eventually, MNC will form a cattle company, which is ecologically sound and makes lucrative income for the landowners. Much work is still needed to make this a reality, but it can now start. A sub committee is proposed to handle cattle management issues. Next month an area for grazing and cattle traversing will be proposed to the MNC directors and the Committee members.

Cattle numbers have reached roughly 30,125 head. Sheep and goats have not been counted. As cattle plans are made, a sustainable number for the area will be proposed; and stock-upgrading plans will also be proposed for adoption by landowners.

Security
This month no poachers were caught but poaching continues in the area. The biggest concern is the elephant poaching in the Lemek hills. On the 21st a section of bloodhounds, based in the Mara Triangle, was brought to Fairmont Mara Safari Club to demonstrate their abilities and to introduce necessary procedures in case of future security breaches. The following K9 procedures will assist with their work.

When a crime has been committed in a Lodge area and K9s are to be utilized to pursue a suspect; follow these rules:
1. Check victims for injuries and clear the affected area of all unnecessary staff and guests.
2. Make sure guests and staff leave the area in an orderly fashion that will not contaminate the K9s trail or the crime scene.
3. Secure area with security personnel. Do not touch or handle any items in or around the crime scene.
4. Security staff securing the scene should not contaminate the crime scene by walking in or around the area.
5. Do not attempt to search for any suspects that may be in the area or have fled from the area.
6. Do not walk around the area perimeter.
7. Call the nearest Ranger Post to have the K9 unit dispatched from Ngiro-Are immediately.
8. Identify any witnesses to the crime and keep them available for an interview when the K9 unit arrives.
9. Follow all instructions from K9 unit handlers when they arrive.

An insurance scheme will be stated to facilitate rapid K9 response.

It has been decided that 3 areas are in need of gates to stop illegal entry into MNC. Sites will be identified and construction is proposed to begin next month.

Staff

14 rangers, a warden and a cook were employed from the 1st of this month. All previous staff members were interviewed in May of whom the above number was hired. All staff members have been performing well but more information about individual success will be better assessed in the future.

The warden in-charge of all operations is special agent James Ekriu. He has exceptional experience with conservation activities for Chief Executive Brian Heath for the last 25 years on Laikipia, Galana, and Taita Ranch.

The community liaison officer’s activities and tasks will also be the responsibility of Seiya Ltd.

Daily patrols are being conducted from the HQ but most of the ranger’s time this month has been spent chasing cattle.

Ranger training in Nanyuki with the British Army has been put on the shelf due to the lack of blanks in Kenya for our .303 and .3006 calibre rifles. It is recommended that the rangers are trained for the first two days in using the SA-80, the assault rifle the B.A. army currently use.

Development

Developments made by non-MNC members will be visited and recorded.

Seiya Ltd. has made no Structural developments this month.

The manager will be based permanently near the HQ, and will set up his tented camp there.

Focus for June

∑ Occupy MNC offices at ranger HQ-still moving in
∑ Employ and pay ranger force-done
∑ Make sure rangers furnished daily patrols-done
∑ Cattle data-started
∑ Assessing boma structures-started
∑ Assessing and recording infrastructure-started
Meet with the Committee and Directors of MNC-done, twice.

Focus for July
∑ Implement a curfew and enforce stricter traversing access.
∑ Construct signage
∑ Develop and propose grazing and non-grazing areas for adoption.
∑ Identify sites and start work on three possible gates.
∑ Patrol and man southern boundary with Maasai Mara National Reserve, Olare Orok Conservancy and around Musiara gate. A “fly” camp and ranger post will be manned next month by a section of rangers.
∑ Work more closely with other armed Seiya rangers in the area.
∑ Evaluate the cost of finishing a kitchen at the local school.
∑ Assign tasks to Community Liaison Officer Dennis Mako. Ex: Disseminating information, organising meetings, getting remaining landowners to sign special rights of attorney, register each landowner with bank accounts, etc.
∑ Assessment of an existing airstrip will be conducted for future rehabilitation.
Develop and present a 3-month work-plan

Tuesday, November 17, 2009