Provisional results of 2014 Tsavo Mkomazi of elephants

Provisional results from the just-concluded 2014 aerial census of elephants and other large mammals in Tsavo-Mkomazi ecosystem show that the elephant population is about 11,000, compared to 12, 573 in the previous census three years ago.

http://www.kws.org/info/news/2014/10feb2014.html

 This finding indicates that the elephant population in the Tsavo ecosystem is fairly stable and has potential for growth, according to Dr Erustus Kanga, the Kenya Wildlife Service Senior Assistant Director for Biodiversity.

Since 1999 when systematic counts were started, the elephant population has oscillated as follows: 1999 (9,447 elephants) 2002 (9,284), 2005 (11,742), 2008 (11,733), 2011 (12, 573), and 2014 (11,076).

This indicates that the Tsavo elephant population in the 48,656 square kilometre ecosystem has been stable despite numerous challenges related to poaching, livestock incursions into protected areas, charcoal burning and general change in land use patterns in the dispersal areas and corridors.

Going forward it's expected that with these results, stakeholders will join hands with Kenya Wildlife Service to actively address factors that are likely to negate conservation gains that have been made this far

The aerial counts have been conducted to establish the trends of elephants in the expansive Tsavo-Mkomazi ecosystem and they are held every three years. Mkomazi in Tanzania, Tsavo West, Tsavo East, Chyulu Hills national parks, South Kitui National Reserve as well as the adjacent areas of Taita ranches and Mackinnon area in Kwale were covered in the four days. The total aerial census counted elephants and other large mammals. 

The census was co-funded by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), African Elephant Fund (AEF), David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT) and Monitoring Illegal Killing of Elephants (MIKE. 

A total of 15 aircraft were used in the survey that included five from KWS and 10 from conservation partners namely: DSWT (4), Tsavo Trust (1), Masai Wilderness Conservation Trust - MWCT (1), Save The Elephants -STE - (1), William Craig (1), Peter Zennetti (1) and Rod Evans (1).

The 15 aircraft with GPS technology comprehensively covered 48,656 square kilometers of the ecosystem. Other animals counted besides elephants were zebra, buffalo, giraffe, wild dogs, rhino, eland and lion as well as large birds such as ostrich. 

The census participants numbering 130 were drawn from a multiplicity of disciplines: pilots, ecologists, conservation managers, aircraft technicians, GIS experts, data loggers, data analysts, security officials, radio operators, drivers, procurement officers, accountants, conservation education officers, workshop managers, community wildlife officers, aerial census experts (Marwell Wildlife), database officers, communication experts, etc.

Since this was a trans-boundary census, the Republic of Tanzania was represented by officials from Tanzania National Parks Authority

(TANAPA) and Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI).

Aerial counts of the Tsavo ecosystem have been carried out since the 1960's. The results help KWS and stakeholders to understand wildlife numbers, wildlife distribution, trends in wildlife numbers and trends in land use changes outside the Government protected areas. Armed with these information, policy makers and park management are able make sound decisions on resource allocation for operations and conflict management.

Mr Ben Kavu, the KWS Deputy Director in charge of Devolution and Community Wildlife Service, this morning announced the provisional results at census tallying centre at Sarova Taita Hills Game Lodge.

Sharon C

Kenya wildlife safaris

www.soinafricasafaris.com

Birding in Kenya Safaris.

Kenya safaris ranges from the world’s biggest bird, the Ostrich, to spectacular flamingos that congregate in their millions at the various Lakes of the Great Rift Valley and camouflage them in pink, Kenya holds some remarkable birding sights that you have to explore in the wild.

 Kenya’s birding safaris is one of the best attraction in Kenya and in the world as this have makes Kenya destination to be on a competitive edge.  

The various varieties of birds in Kenya are made possible by the favorable climate, diverse habitats and geographical features that make it a suitable migratory route for birds.
Even without venturing outside Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, more than 600 resident and migratory bird species are found more than in any other capital city, and more than in most countries.

In Nairobi you are guaranteed to find birds everywhere you travel. A stroll in hotel gardens, a trip to the Nairobi National Park or the grounds of the National Museum is likely to turn up bright black and yellow weavers, tiny iridescent sunbirds resembling flying jewels, Secretary Bird, Bustards and Mouse birds with long tails, which are unique to Africa.

The giant Marabou Storks, a frequent visitor to the city, now nests on the acacia trees along the streets which makes your safari realistic and memorable. Bird watching is good all year round in Kenya safaris tours. 

The rainy seasons of April and November coincide with migration of birds from and to Europe and Asia, and some of the top day’s totals have been recorded at that time.
Migrants make up only about ten percent of Kenya’s birdlife, however, and the spectacular birds of the bush –guinea fowl, go-away birds, rollers and barbets, to mention but a few – are active all year round.

Visits to a variety of habitats, such as the dry-country parks of Tsavo or Samburu, the western grasslands of the Maasai Mara, one of the Rift Valley lakes or one of the highland forests, will produce a long and varied bird list.

A surprisingly wide range of habitats can be visited on day trips from Nairobi. These include Lake Naivasha in the Rift Valley, the dry bush around the Olorgesailie Prehistoric Site, and the Escarpment Forests in the foothills of the Aberdare mountain range.

To see Kenya’s rarest, indigenous and unfortunately endangered birds, the bird enthusiast needs to seek out forests or highland grasslands tucked away amongst various farmlands. Arabuko-Sokoke Forest near Malindi, tops the list, with the six threatened bird species of the Sokoke Scops Owl, Sokoke Pipit, Spotted Ground Thrush, East Coast Akalat, Amani Sunbird and Clarke’s Weaver. 

Some other areas including the forest “islands” at the top of the Taita Hills, near Voi, is home to the beautiful but critically endangered Taita Thrush and Taita Apalis, as well as the endangered Taita White-eye. Sharpe’s Long claw and Aberdare Cisticola, native and endangered, live in the highland grasslands near the Aberdare mountain range. 

In western Kenya, Kakamega Forest is a little patch of Guineo-Congolian rainforest in Kenya. Among the many rainforest species found are spectacular Turacos and Hornbills, and the tiny, endangered Turner’s Eremomela.

The scarce and threatened Papyrus Yellow Warbler is found in papyrus swamps on the shores of Lake Victoria, alongside the Papyrus Gonolek, White-winged Warbler and Papyrus Canary, all papyrus endemics. Local bird guides are available at numerous of sites and are your best aid for locating and identifying the many species. They live at or near these sites and their birding interest is nurtured by that association with visiting scientists, birders and added to by some formal training. 

It is advisable to contact the local guides association if you will be spending time at a specific site. By using local guides, you increase your bird citing success. More importantly, you will be supporting the conservation of that site by the involvement of the local community in sustaining the areas ornithology. Professional bird guides and Tour Operators who can accompany you on safari also provide additional guiding services that will broaden your birding experience in the wild.

Sharon C

www.soinafricasafaris.com

Good news!! Taita Taveta County seeks partners to start 10,000 acre wildlife conservancy as boost to enhance wildlife management in Kenya safaris

The Taita Taveta County Government is seeking partners to start its own 10,000 acre wildlife conservancy in Bachuma area in Tsavo to tap into tourism revenues and improve the local community's livelihoods.
The county government owns the 10, 000 acres of land in Bachuma initially meant for livestock production. The parcel will be transformed to both livestock multiplication centre as well as wildlife conservation. http://www.kws.org/info/news/2014/10febconsevercytaita2014.html

Taita Taveta Governor John Mruttu announced this Tuesday (February 4, 2014) while presiding over the 2014 dry season trans-boundary Tsavo Mkomazi elephant and large mammals’ census at the Sarova Taita Hills Game Lodge tallying centre. He said plans to set up the conservancy were further evidence of his county government's commitment to conservation. "We are committed to conservation as this is our heritage and one of our major natural resources." Mr Mruttu added: "The census is very crucial in planning county natural resource management and in identifying workable strategies for the good of the County Government and Kenya at large." The Governor was speaking at the official flag off of the census that
will cover seven counties in the Tsavo ecosystem namely Taita Taveta, Kwale, Kilifi, Tana River, Kitui, Makueni and Kajiado as well as Mkomazi national park in Tanzania.
"My Government is committed to wildlife conservation.  The issue is resource sharing and mitigation against human wildlife conflict. These are the issues that we must address to make conservation and the Tsavo ecosystem sustainable. He noted that the new Wildlife Act would help to address some of these outstanding issues and pledged to partner with KWS in carrying out civic education in every sub-location in the county.

This year's census will cover 48,656  square kilometers and starts in Mkomazi in Tanzania on Thursday morning. A total of 130 experts in park management, ecology, GIS, aircraft management and flying are taking part in the exercise that will cost Ksh 22 million. Five aircraft from KWS and 11 others from conservation partners are involved in the census. The trans-boundary Kenya-Tanzania exercise with the slogan "Trumpet and Be Counted" is part of the Kenya @50 celebrations, which have been marked since December 12 last year. Officials from Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) and Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI) are also involved in the census.

Aerial counts of large mammals in Tsavo ecosystem have been carried out since the 1960's. These counts have provided vital information to policy makers and park managers, facilitating sound management of elephants in the ecosystem. The decline of poaching and increase of elephant population have resulted in other management and conservation challenges.
The 2014 dry season census aims at monitoring of elephants and other
large mammals in Tsavo ecosystem by closely and accurately monitoring
the status and trends. The specific objectives include

1. To establish the current elephant and other large mammals population size and distribution and compare these results with the results of past aerial counts.
2. To determine the number and distribution of elephant carcasses.
3. To understand the distribution of elephants and other large mammals in relation to distribution of water sources.
4. To map human activities inside and outside the protected areas (e.g. logging, settlements, farming, and charcoal burning).
5. To document the distribution and numbers of livestock in relation to elephants and other large mammals in the ecosystem.
6. Interpret the information obtained and deduce sound management decisions for the continued existence of wildlife in this fragile ecosystem

Currently, Tsavo ecosystem has the largest single sub-population of elephants in Kenya destination and thus offers the best Kenya safaris

Sharon C

www.soinafricasafaris.com

Kenya safaris

EXPERIENCE THESE AMAZING CULTURES OF THE MAASAI PEOPLE IN KENYA SAFARIS.

 The Maasai are undoubtedly one of the most famous traditional cultures on earth followed by Agiriama people with amazing dancers which sell Kenya destination as the most preferred destination to witness authentic cultures.
In recent years, the distinctive Maasai beading and decorative jewelry has become a fashion item in the West, and remain one of the most popular items taken home by visitors to Kenya holidays. A part from beading, the Maasai people has become well distinct with many modern functional items thought traditionally including watchstraps,

Maasai Women dancers in Manyatta village.

belts, handbags and even mobile phone covers are being produced in Maasai designs and thus the Maasai culture remain as the famous traditional cultures.

Maasai villages or Manyatta are usually a circular encampment of long, low, rounded houses, created by daubing cattle dung over a framework of sticks.
Visiting a Manyatta is a good way to learn more about Maasai culture in Kenya safaris and everyday life. There are many Manyatta (often called cultural Manyatta) in this area are mostly visited by tourists for real life experience. It is worth arranging this through a reputable guide, and a guided visit will probably be much more informative.

The Maasai are indeed a truly independent and proud with cultures more complex and interesting than popular imagination would suggest. They once ranged widely across much of Southern and Central Kenya, extending north to Laikipia, and South across the border into Tanzania. Today most of the Maasai population lives throughout the South West of the country.

The Maasai have ancestral ties to the Samburu and the Njemps with whom they share a language Maa, from which the name Maasai comes. The Maasai are completely nomadic cattle herders, and it is only very recently that any move towards agriculture has become evident.

Cattle are very important to the Maasai, and are the subject of mystical beliefs and reverence. Maasai mythology tells of a time when the earth and sky were joined together, until they were suddenly torn apart, with only the wild fig trees left as bridges between the two. As a gift to the Maasai, God - called Enkai sent herds of cattle down through these trees to earth.

To the Maasai cattle are sacred and a direct gift from the heavens. Grass is also considered a blessing and sacred. When passing a fig tree, it is customary for the Maasai to push handfuls of grass between the roots, as homage to the source of their herds. One of the more common Maasai greetings is "I hope your cattle are well".

 A guest in the Manyatta village

Wildlife is also considered sacred, especially the herds of wildebeest that regenerate the precious grasslands. Lions are considered a threat to cattle, which are enclosed in protective bomas of thorn at night. While Lions were traditionally respected, cattle raiding individuals were also hunted. They also practice various ceremonies .Among these are large ceremonial events which represented a chance for young Morani (warriors) to prove their courage. Lion hunting parties were traditionally made up of a group of moran, armed with spears and buffalo hide shields.

Bells stuffed with grass were worn on the legs of each Moran. The Moran would stalk silently up to a lion resting in thick cover, then remove the grass and begin a noisome charge into the bush. The Lion would inevitably charge and face the hunters.

Victory in a lion hunt was always great cause for celebration, and the returning hunters would perform a spectacular dance. This dance is based a deep rhythmic chant accompanied by a exaggerated thrust of the chest. As the dance progresses, Moran display their strength with a series of powerful vertical leaps. This dance is a remarkable sight, with gifted Moran having been known to leap up to four feet clear of the earth. Similar dances such as the dance to bless cattle and the war dance are cause for the same exuberant displays of strength.

There is a definite prominence given to the skills of warrior hood in Maasai culture, explaining their expansion and dominance of a wide range of lands throughout Kenya. They have a highly developed system of initiation, and age-sets. The first initiation for boys and their age mates comes with circumcision, a time of great celebration. This is followed by a period of convalescence, during which the boys wear black and decorate their faces with white powder.

The young men are then considered Junior moran. Moran distend their earlobes (as do women) and grow their hair into long braids, usually decorated with red ochre, which is also used to slather their upper bodies. Red is considered a sacred color, and is always the basic color of the Maasai shukka or blanket worn around the shoulders by both men and women.

The beading worn by the Maasai is also highly symbolic. There are around 40 varieties of beadwork, traditionally made by women to be worn by both women and men. As a rule, the two most common colours used are red, blue and green.Red is the colour of the Maasai, Blue beads are regarded as Godly, directly reflecting the colour of the sky, while green is the colour of God’s greatest blessing, fresh grass after rainfall.

Unmarried girls wear these necklaces when dancing, using the movement of the disc to emphasize their lithe movements. Women also have the one of the most common dances for women is the which women perform to attract blessings from community leaders.

Before marriage, a girl may decorate only the upper ear, and not the lobes. The upper ear is pierced with a large hole, and beading fastened to the ear. As a girl grows older, her ears are increasingly decorated. At adulthood, her lobes are pierced, and gradually distend with the weight of the beads.

Married women wear the long blue bead necklaces, and also decorate their earlobes with long beaded flaps. A married woman will also often carry a snuff container threaded onto her necklaces.

After marriage, the passage is made to Junior Elder, and then age dictates the passage to senior elder. The wisdom of elders is highly regarded, and elders will always carry a large stick or rungu to symbolize their position in the community.

Maasai warriors

The most revered of all elders were the laibons - traditional prophets, healers and seers. The role of the laibon was of paramount importance in traditional Maasai society.

Throughout Maasai life almost every rite of passage, from birth up to (though not including) death are greeted with celebrations and ceremony. These ceremonies are always elaborate and there are many recurring customs. Milk is also considered sacred, and either milk itself, or representative white dusts, are used to bestow blessings.

Many ceremonies involve the ritual slaughter of cattle or goats, with meat being distributed among the community according to social rank. At other times, live cattle are bled by opening a vein on the neck or flank with the point of an arrow. The blood is collected in a gourd, and the wound closed with ashes. The blood is either drunk immediately while fresh or mixed with milk. Even at slaughter, blood is collected and mixed with milk to be drunk later. Sour milk is also considered a delicacy.

The best way to experience and learn about the Maasai life is to take a foot safari or organized trek with an experienced Maasai guide in Kenya safari holidays. This is a good chance to get to know the area and to spend time among Maasai communities. It is also a great way to experience the bush and the wildlife from a completely different perspective as you witness other amazing

Sharon C

Kenya safari holidays

www.soinafricasafaris.com