Socio-ecological dimensions of reticulated giraffe in northern Kenya

Northern Kenya serves as a model for wildlife conservation on community-managed lands, and is home to the less than 10,000 remaining reticulated giraffe. This presentation highlights recent results for a socio-ecological... [ view full abstract ]

Northern Kenya serves as a model for wildlife conservation on community-managed lands, and is home to the less than 10,000 remaining reticulated giraffe. This presentation highlights recent results for a socio-ecological project undertaken with two conservancies in northern Kenya, one community-owned and is part of the Northern Rangelands Trust (Namunyak), and one private conservancy (Loisaba).

Ecological methods document giraffe occupancy during different seasons, and human dimensions surveys capture community knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about, and behaviors towards giraffe. Sensitive questioning techniques (RRT, UCT) were employed to establish a baseline for giraffe part and product consumption, a information need as put forth in Kenya's Giraffe Conservation Strategic Plan.