| |
 |
Photograph © The Northern Rangelands Endangered Species Program
|
The Grevy’s Zebra is an endangered wild equid, formerly widespread throughout eastern Africa. In the 1970's the total population was estimated to be about 15,000 animals. Today, the wild population is estimated to be less than 2,300 animals due to competition from domestic livestock, limited water availability, hunting and illegal trade. This trend represents an 86-89% population decline since 1980. The Grevy’s Zebra Conservation Program was initiated in 2003 with the goal to assist with the conservation efforts of the Grevy's Zebra in the semi-arid ecosystems of Kenya and Ethiopia.
The Northern Rangelands Endangered Species Program is the umbrella organization that coordinates the conservation efforts of six different communities in northern Kenya. The goal is to establish local community appreciation and initiate conservation activities to protect and enhance the remaining zebra populations as well as other indigenous ungulates. Activities that are funded for each community include research and monitoring, education, species protection, operational and technical support, and alternative income-generating activities.
In 2005, the Minnesota Zoo provided $2500 to start a seventh community project in Melako, Kenya. The people in Melako are enthusiastic about starting this “ground floor” conservation project but need funding. Funds were used to initiate security for wildlife and inhibit poaching efforts, as well as for wildlife monitoring and rangeland management. Many different savanna ungulates, including the giraffe and antelope species planned for the Minnesota Zoo's summer 2006 exhibit, benefit from this program. The inclusion of this community has expanded the protected area considerably in northern Kenya.
In 2006 we provided an additional $5000 to the project to be split between support for the Melako community conservation efforts and an anthrax emergency response effort which is working to vaccinate Grevy’s zebras against an anthrax outbreak currently occurring in the major Grevy’s zebra populations. Staff champion for this project is Tony Fisher, Collection Manager.
|