Category: An Urgent Appeal | Date: Jul 18 2008 | By: William

1. The lion population is increasing.

When the Mara Conservancy started in 2001, the lion population in the Mara Triangle was down to around 40 individuals, and was so fragmented that there were no strong prides that could provide support to young cubs. With ongoing cooperation from the local communities, we have now seen a 50% rise in the population to more than 60 individuals over the age of one.

2. We have arrested more than 1,100 poachers.

Before the initiation of the Mara Conservancy, poaching was rife inside the Mara Triangle with permanent poacher camps inside the park’s borders, making many areas unsafe for both wild animals and tourists. Since 2001, with a security team of 40 rangers carrying out both daily and nightly patrols, poaching has been dramatically reduced. An improved ,trans-border working partnership with Serengeti rangers also better protects a larger area.

3. We collect thousands upon thousands of wire snares.

Wire snares are used by poachers to trap animals such as antelopes, zebras and hippos. Unfortunately however they are indiscriminate in what they catch, and we’ve seen many casualties including giraffes, hyaenas, lions, cheetahs and elephants. By collecting hundreds of snares weekly we have saved the lives and limbs of literally thousands of animals.

4. We have the support of the Local Community.

Cattle rustling was an enormous problem among the local communities, with hundreds of cattle lost each year to neighbouring Tanzania. The Mara Conservancy employed Community Scouts, equipped with radios, to report on all illegal activities including poaching and rustling. Rangers are then alerted each time rustling takes place and have been able to retrieve hundreds of cattle -saving livelihoods and improving security in the area.

5. We want that support to continue.

Predators such as lions and leopards frequently kill livestock belonging to the community. Until February 2008, we compensated communities living next to the Mara Triangle for cattle lost to predators, but have since not been able to do so because of lack of funds. The Cattle Compensation Scheme kept the critical balance needed between wildlife and people, and we thank the communities for their understanding so far.

6. We protect one of the highest concentrations of predators in Africa.

The Masai Mara is well known for its big cats and our work is focused on keeping these populations strong and healthy. Bad behaviour from visitors to the park can lead to a disruption in normal hunting, feeding and nursing activities, and this has become one of the biggest threats to our predator populations. Even with tourist numbers low, our Anti-Animal Harassment Patrol Teams must be out daily to ensure predator protection.

7. We work to safeguard our environment.

We believe that protecting our environment is crucial to the success and prosperity of the Mara Triangle, and are always looking for new ways to limit the environmental impact of visitors without lessening the enjoyment of their time here. We work with resident guides to help improve their game drives by maintaining or opening up new tracks that allow visitors to explore the Triangle with minimal damage to the area, and support initiatives by the Travel Foundation that encourage better guiding practices which will further protect the environment.

8. We have one of the greatest spectacles on earth.

Each year an estimated one and a half million animals migrate up through the plains of the Serengeti and into the Masai Mara. During their stay here, at any one time, tens of thousands of wildebeest will cross the Mara River with some of the weaker animals succumbing to the strong river currents or the eagerly waiting Nile crocodile. We are always working to protect the important and delicate river zone, and have fought against the development of camps along its edge.

9. We believe in transparency.

The Mara Triangle is a World Wonder and the responsibility of its protection belongs to us all, and we know that if we want you to be part of its protection we have to be transparent with our work. Since 2001 we have circulated our Monthly Reports, including accounts and revenue, and are also accountable to WildlifeDirect for all donations received through their website. We have also stopped corruption by employing Earthview to handle all park ticket sales, and in the first seven years of operation revenue collected from park entrance fees had tripled.

10. We want future generations to see the Mara Triangle.

The Mara Triangle is one of the most incredible places on earth. If you’ve read this far then you probably already have or want to visit and we want it to still be just as incredible when you arrive. And when your children arrive. And your children’s children.

It will be many months until tourism returns to a level that will sustain our work. Please help our work to continue by setting up a monthly donation today.

Thank you.

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