Grevy's Zebra Threatened

The goal of the Grevy Zebra Project, in AWF-designated Samburu Heartland, over the past year has been to better understand the population and distribution of these magnificent animals. Found only in Africa north of the equator, Grevy's zebras are highly endangered.

A total of 450 Grevy's zebras have been documented in the communal lands around the Samburu National Reserve. They are on a relatively small part of their traditional range.

The research team discovered that Grevy's zebras are more frequently found with livestock than with other wild mammals. One result is that the zebras must compete with cattle for a restricted water supply.

Poaching and loss of habitat are the two biggest problems facing the Grevy's zebra population in Samburu.

"Because of the increase in the human population, there is a loss of the habitats being used mainly by the Grevy's zebras," says Fiesta Warinwa, AWF's Heartland Coordinator for Samburu Heartland.

Warinwa and the research team would like to expand their efforts, but are limited by several things. Their only transportation is an old vehicle that often breaks down, costing both money and time. The team's "wish list" includes a new vehicle, handset radios, binoculars, tents, water bottles, and boots.

They also hope to add more team members. This would help them better monitor Grevy's zebras across the whole landscape rather than in the current smaller area. They could also engage more people in the local communities in this critical conservation effort.