"The situation is dire" said Samuel Mutisya, our Head of Conservation. Samuel is referring to a major issue facing Ol Pejeta Conservancy: water supply. A harrowing drought to the north of the Conservancy is driving wildlife south, in desperate search of food and water. Dry conditions on the Conservancy, combined with increased competition for resources, has caused a tidal wave of issues, stretching our teams to the limit.

Challenge

The Ewaso Ng'iro River, a major water source for the Conservancy, is drying up. Dams are dry. Grassland is diminishing. However, it's not just wildlife that is suffering. An influx of elephants entering Ol Pejeta has caused a dramatic rise in fence breakages, and therefore in human-wildlife conflict, as animals compete for limited food supplies, destroying farmers' crops and livelihoods. This is placing huge pressure on our rangers, who must react immediately to prevent further damage or injury.

Long-Term Impact

Droughts. Flooding. Rising temperatures. Conditions in Africa are set to worsen according to the UN's latest climate report. Here on Ol Pejeta, we need to prepare. Repairing fences and improving fence monitoring will help prevent elephants from raiding crops. Monitoring and improving our boreholes will ensure we don't waste a drop of water. Providing supplemental food to our Endangered species, particularly the Northern White Rhinos and Grevy's zebras, will ensure their survival.

References

1. http://www.olpejetaconservancy.org/
2. https://www.olpejetaconservancy.org/
3. https://issuu.com/olpejetaconservancy/docs/ol_pejeta_annual_report_2020_-_low_res_-_spread?fr=sOTdmZjIwMjIwNDE

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