Masai Mara Project Updates and Achievements from Q2 2018 - African Impact

Big Cat Monitoring Game counts Conservancy work Conservation Education KGS Guide school Data Entry

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Volunteers conducted grass monitoring surveys to measure the density of grass in different transects. m This is very helpful in looking at grass densities for grazing management plans.

Volunteers took part in uprooting the invasive plants in the entire conservancy. The plant species are harmful to the animals and also inhibits the growth of other plants.

Wildlife counts were done in 8 transects (sample areas). These are done to provide wildlife data that could be used to observe general wildlife distribution and trends over time.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would come within a few feet of lions, elephants and cheetahs and feel so nervous and safe and excited all at the same time. Francis, what can I say? What an amazing guy, if it wasnt for him I dont believe I would have loved my time here as much as I have.”

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Volunteer were able to find two sub-adult males during intensive predator monitoring at the boundary of the conservancy.

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The project managed to drive 265 km of which an effort map and map showing lion and cheetah sightings was produced.

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Volunteers joined in deploying 29 camera traps in the conservancy. This was a pilot study for a three week period.

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Camera traps are used to collect data of different animals.

It also allows continuous monitoring throughout the night.

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Nature Kenya joined our volunteers who held a presentation on wildlife poisoning response. Poisoning causes a threat to all the biodiversity in the ecosystem.

Creating awareness to the students helps them respond to poisoning incidences in their future careers.

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Volunteers spent time preparing and delivering lessons to primary schools. This encourages a passion for wildlife conservation and environmental care among the students through the use of interactive learning methods and fun activities.

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The following were achieved at Koiyaki Guiding School: 1. Presentation skills among students were developed which helped improve their confidence levels.

2. Students were introduced to foreign languages (basic phrases) that they could use in their line of duty as guides (French, German, Dutch, and Spanish).

3. Students were exposed to the different cultures, lifestyles, food and animals from around the world.

“As everything cannot just be "work" tasks, there is plenty of time for activities and even more adventures. I have been on a walking tour of the Mara plains and bush, visited one of the Maasai villages where we had the privilege of experiencing the Maasai jumping and got a snapshot tour of the life of a Maasai. The staff here brought us to a local restaurant and bar to give us even further insight into how Kenyan people live their everyday lives. The fun and joy I got from my time spent with the staff and fellow volunteers is indescribable. “

- Ashling O’leary

THE MARA TEAM