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.