ROTHSCHILD GIRAFFE MONITORING

AT SOYSAMBU CONSERVANCY

INTRODUCTIONThe Rothschild giraffe(Giraffa camelopadalis

rothschildi) also known as Baringo giraffe is the only species of giraffe found in the conservancy and is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Animals

It has no main predator in the conservancy except when lions cross from the neighboring Lake Nakuru National Park. Leopard may prey on young

They have no competitors for food since they utilize the forage from acacia trees, while most herbivores here are grazers.

The monitoring is carried out every Tuesday and Friday by the ecology department in the field study center after which reports are compiled weekly and monthly, they are then used for decision making and for analysis.Its also important in predicting the future trends

Why monitor?To keep the population in check

To be alert in case of a disease outbreak

To ensure the giraffes live in a good habitat this is by assessing the vegetation and water conditions.

Female heard with juveniles

Rothschild giraffe in the conservancy

CHALLENGES FACING GIRAFFESPoachingHabitat destructionHuman population growthHybridization

Recommendations The livestock in the farm should be monitored closely to avoid the transmission of diseases from the livestock to the wild animals

In future there should be a veterinary officer on standby to deal with health problems facing wildlife

The management should set aside emergency funds in case of an outbreak

The poaching menace should be taken more seriously

Additional information is welcomed to furnish this presentation

Prepared by Ruthy