AERIAL SURVEY

Counting zebras

The last comprehensive survey of Grevy’s zebra in Kenya was undertaken in the year 2000 (Nelson & Williams 2003), resulting in an estimated national population of 2,571 (± 136). In response to this sharp decline in Grevy's zebra numbers, conservation efforts for the species were stepped up. With effective accounting of Grevy's zebra numbers, we can assess how successful these conservation efforts are proving to be, and we can plan future conservation action more effectively.

Elephants and Grevy’s zebra join forces!

Plans are afoot to implement a national survey of Grevy's zebra in Kenya using standard aerial survey methods. The Grevy's Zebra Working Group has teamed up with the MIKE (Monitoring of Illegal Killing) count of elephants in the same region. The collaboration with MIKE will institutionalize the national survey for Grevy’s zebra and will ensure it is repeated at four year intervals.

Outputs of the survey

A minimum count of Grevy's zebra by area for Kenya
A map detailing distribution of Grevy's zebra across Kenya. This will enable the identification of key habitats and refuges, leading to the effective distribution of conservation resources. It will also enable the assessment of conservation initiatives such as the newly established community conservancies.
Comparison of results with past surveys to identify which populations are increasing and which ones are declining. This will allow us to assess where conservation efforts have been successful and where further intervention is required.
Provision of the count data to IUCN authorities so that the global conservation status of Grevy's zebra may be updated.

Question Time

Pastoralist communities are key to the survival of Grevy’s zebra throughout their range and it is imperative that their interactions with this species are better understood. In partnership with Marwell Conservation and the Laikipia Grevy’s Zebra Project, interview surveys will be conducted with the different ethnic groups living across Grevy’s zebra range.

The surveys will explore the attitudes of pastoralist communities towards Grevy’s zebra and determine what level of support for Grevy’s zebra conservation exists among communities. In addition, the survey will quantify people’s awareness of the conservation status of Grevy’s zebra, providing the basis for future outreach and education programs. The survey will also investigate local uses of Grevy’s zebra and explore alternative products that could be used in their place.