Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust

Journey Along the Mau Eburu Rhino Ark Fence Line Rhino Ark fence plays a crucial role in protecting wildlife and conserving this unique ecosystem. The electric fence is a lifeline, safeguarding endangered species like the mountain bongo and elephants while preventing human-wildlife conflict with neighboring communities. ???? #WildlifeFence #RhinoArkFence #RhinoArk #ConservationInAction #ProtectWildlife #HumanElephantConflict #HumanWildlifeConflict #HumanWildlifeCoexistence Rhino Ark UK

The proposed Ihithe - Ndunyu Njeru road project, with approximately 9.8% of its route passing through the Aberdare National Park - approximately 49 kilometers - raises significant concerns about its potential environmental, social, and economic impacts. ENVIRONMENTAL & ECOLOGICAL THREATS: 1?? Disruption to Wildlife & Habitat: The Aberdare National Park is a biodiversity hotspot, home to various wildlife species, including endangered animals like the mountain bongo. A road through this ecosystem increases the risk of habitat fragmentation, disturbing natural migration patterns and exposing wildlife to dangers like vehicle collisions and poaching. 2?? Water Catchment Areas at Risk: The Aberdare Range is one of Kenya’s vital water catchment areas, providing water to major rivers such as the Tana and Athi. The construction of the road could lead to deforestation, soil erosion, and siltation of rivers, severely affecting water supply for millions of people. This would compromise water security, affecting agriculture, urban centers, and industries dependent on this resource. SOCIAL & ECONOMIC CONCERNS: 1?? Increased Risk of Human-Wildlife Conflicts: By traversing through the park, the road poses a significant risk of accidents between vehicles and wildlife. The presence of a high-traffic route may cause animals to wander onto roads, leading to fatal accidents. This puts both humans and animals at risk. 2?? Impact on Local Livelihoods: The communities surrounding the Aberdare region depend heavily on tourism, agriculture, and water resources. Any adverse effects on the park’s ecosystem would diminish its tourism appeal, leading to a reduction in income for local businesses, jobs in eco-tourism, and the overall economy. The alternative Nyandarua - Kariamu - Ndunyu Njeru road route represents a more balanced approach, addressing both developmental needs and environmental preservation. Aberdare Yetu advocates for this alternative to safeguard the region’s biodiversity, local livelihoods, and water resources, all of which are critical for the future sustainability of the area. #CancelNEMALicence #SupportAberdareRoadAlternative #SaveTheAberdares #AberdareYetu Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust

Our field team in the SW Mau ecosystem carried out an inspection of three key rehabilitation sites; Kapkembu, Tirigoi A, B, and Tirigoi D; to assess tree growth, fence integrity, and tree survival rates. We’re thrilled to report that the trees are flourishing, fences are in excellent condition, and the overall survival rates are very encouraging. ?? Why These Assessments Matter: Regular field assessments are essential for tracking the progress of ecosystem restoration efforts. They help us: ?? Ensure tree survival: Healthy forests begin with robust tree growth. By monitoring survival rates, we can adapt our efforts for maximum impact. ?? Maintain boundary integrity: Fences safeguard regenerating areas from external threats, ensuring that wildlife and livestock do not damage the new growth. ?? Protect vital water catchments: The SW Mau forest is a critical water source for many communities and wildlife, and its health is key to supporting these populations. This project is supported by Biodiversity Challenge Funds, whose backing is crucial in advancing our efforts to restore ecosystems, improve livelihoods, enhance biodiversity, and combat climate change. These routine checks help us stay on track to meet our long-term conservation goals and ensure that the land can continue to provide for future generations. #RhinoArkPartnerships #ConservationInAction #ForestReforestation #SWMauRehabilitation #EcosystemRestoration #SustainableForests #RhinoArk #WaterCatchmentProtection Rhino Ark UK

?? Tick-Borne Pathogen Study Underway at Ragati-Chehe, Mt. Kenya This crucial research effort, conducted in close collaboration with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), involves two veterinarians and one lab technician in the field. The team is working to identify the pathogens present in ticks that feed on cattle living adjacent to the forest. The findings from this study will allow us to effectively treat cattle and create a disease-free buffer zone. This step is vital in our ongoing mountain bongo recovery efforts, as it will help prevent the spread of harmful diseases from livestock to wildlife. By ensuring the health of both domestic animals and the surrounding ecosystem, we are paving the way for a successful reintroduction of the endangered mountain bongo into the forest. This research not only contributes to wildlife conservation but also supports the local communities who rely on livestock for their livelihood, fostering a harmonious balance between human activity and environmental preservation. ?? Rhino Ark / Wilder Institute Calgary Zoo Mountain Forest Conservation Partnership #RhinoArkPartnerships #ConservationInAction #TickBorneDiseases #RagatiChehe #CommunityConservation #LivestockAndWildlifeCoexistence

Rhino Ark officers led symbolic forest protection and surveillance activities at St. Andrew’s School Turi during Round Square Week. The event focused on poaching and snaring, using modern technologies and methods to combat forest crimes and improve community livelihoods. Students participated in a patrol, guided by Rhino Ark scouts, to detect snares and a mock poachers’ hut. Equipped with GPS and radios, the students followed the scouts through the forest, uncovering a neck snare and leg snare, leading them to a symbolic poachers’ camp, where a staged ambush took place. Two poachers were apprehended, with snares and tools collected as evidence. This exercise illustrated the work of the South Western Joint Surveillance Unit, Kenya Forest Service (KFS), and Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). The students learned about Rhino Ark’s conservation efforts, including forest patrols, rehabilitation, fencing, and protecting endangered species like the Mountain Bongo. Rhino Ark’s Conservation Education Programme, now benefiting 184 schools, aligns with St. Andrew’s values of environmental stewardship and leadership. #ConservationEducation #RhinoArk #YouthMentorship #WildlifeConservation #SustainableLivelihoods #CommunityEngagement #EnvironmentalLeadership

?? Forest Reclamation Success ?? Through the Wanjohi-Shamata Fence alignment, we’ve successfully reclaimed over 50 acres of forest land previously encroached upon by nearby farmers. After noticing encroachment during the initial clearing, Rhino Ark collaborated with the Kenya Forest Service to reinstate boundary beacons. Thanks to their support, we recovered this vital forest land, securing it for future conservation. #RhinoArkFence #ForestRestoration #RhinoArk #WanjohiShamataFence #KenyaForestService #EnvironmentalStewardship

At the Kakamega Fence Project - Phase II build at Kaptik, Vihiga County, we're proud to see women working hand-in-hand with the men, showcasing strength, unity, and resilience. Together, they're building a brighter, more secure future for the Kakamega Forest and its surrounding communities. This inclusive spirit drives Rhino Ark's mission to protect Kenya's precious ecosystems, ensuring that conservation knows no gender boundaries. #KakamegaFenceProject #WomenInConservation #BuildingTogether #RhinoArk #CommunityEmpowerment #KakamegaForest

Plans are underway to expand the Geta Forest Station Indigenous tree nursery capacity to 100,000 tree seedlings, ensuring we continue to scale up our reforestation work for even greater environmental impact. This project is made possible with the support of Biodiversity Challenge Funds , whose backing helps us drive long-term conservation and sustainability. The tree nursery currently has a capacity of 82,350 indigenous seedlings, significantly boosting our efforts to restore degraded areas of the Aberdares. We have also constructed a new greenhouse, capable of nurturing 350 indigenous bamboo seedlings, which will play a key role in biodiversity restoration and sustainable forest management. #RhinoArkTreePlanting #RhinoArkPartnerships #ForestRestoration #GetaForest #TreeNursery #ConservationInAction #Reforestation #SustainableForestry #RhinoArk Rhino Ark UK

We had the pleasure of hosting renowned naturalist and media personality Brian Keating and his wife Dee for an immersive tour of Ragati forest. They experienced the incredible biodiversity and got hands-on with our camera trapping project, capturing the magic of wildlife monitoring in action. ?? Rhino Ark / Wilder Institute Calgary Zoo Mountain Forest Conservation Partnership #CameraTrapping #RhinoArkOperations #WildlifeConservation #WildlifeResearch

In the 19th century, the African elephant population was estimated to be around 27 million. By the late 20th century, however, this number had drastically decreased due to poaching and habitat loss. In Kenya, the elephant population in the early 1900s was estimated to be around 120,000, but by the 1970s, this number had reduced to approximately 30,000 due to extensive poaching. The Aberdares ecosystem is a unique and vital part of Kenya's natural heritage, hosting one of the highest elephant densities in the country, with 2.04 elephants per km2. This translates to approximately 3,568 elephants, with a 95% confidence interval ranging from 2,764 to 4,605. These elephants, along with numerous other species, rely on the diverse and interconnected habitats within the Aberdares for their survival. The proposed Ihithe - Ndunyu Njeru road threatens to disrupt this delicate balance. The forest and national park area crossed by the proposed road has a medium to high elephant density along its entire alignment. Building a road through this area would fragment their habitat, posing significant risks to the elephants and other wildlife that depend on the continuity of the ecosystem. #CancelNEMALicence #SupportAberdareRoadAlternative #ElephantConservation #WildlifeConservation #SaveTheAberdares #AberdareYetu Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust