Aerial censuses of large ungulates in Masai Mara National Reserve, Personal Experience

Censuses of wildlife is critical for proper management of wildlife. Between 15th May 2017 and 28th May 2017, I participated in the censuses. Two light aircrafts were used for the exercise. The total number of participants averaged 30, including data loggers, front seat observers, rear seat observers and pilots. This also included drivers who drove people to airstrip and back to hotels not to forget the mechanics.

The exercise starts with an official launch to buy good will from the public and local politicians besides publicizing the exercise. After the launch, preparatory meetings follow where participants are taken through steps expected during the exercise to ensure quality data is produced. Mock exercises are carried out using power point presentation and tests administered to the participants  to test their eye sight and sense of judgement. After this, the real census exercise begins the following day. On day one, the media is also acquainted with how the censuses are carried out.

Wildlife census is a bulky exercise and the man power required is enormous. The scientists are aided in the air with voice reorders, cameras and in some cases binoculars to make sure they get everything right and minimize mistakes. The planes follow predetermined tracks that are usually per-logged into the planes GPS system. The are is divided into blocks and this ensures no area is left out at the end of the exercise. The plane will fly for about 3 to four hours. Once done, the data on data loggers,  the camera and gps is then uploaded into a computer where the data entry team takes over. They listen to the sound and make records on a sheet of paper before transferring the same into a database on computer. The data is compared to the photos taken to ascertain the true number of species observed.

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Is Wildlife Conservation Sustainable?

Private investors have shied away from investing in Wildlife conservation. This is because for quite a long time, it has been viewed as a loss making business and hence left to governments to run. Its no wonder then that many parks and reserves are managed and financed by governments.
However, with the increasing number of affluent people in the world, this is bound to change. Wildlife tourism is set to grow rapidly. Unlike manufacturing industries that have limitations on production, wildlife tourism is almost limitless. For example, millions of people could tour a single park within a short span.

There is no doubt than China will be the next superpower. Consequently, the number of Chinese tourists to Africa has been rising each day. Almost 500million Chinese travel around the globe as tourists. Most African countries are readying for the influx of Chinese tourists to Africa who come mainly for safari tours. Leading Safari destinations like Kenya and South Africa are investing heavily in infrastructure to accommodate the huge number of tourists that continue to visit. Universities and colleges have introduced Chinese languages to prepare guides for the Asian country. Hotels are springing up all around Kenya each day for similar reasons. Click on the link below to donate

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Hyena's Hated by Many, loved by Few!!

I like telling people about one of my most favorite animal-hyena. This is not only because of the persecutions they suffer but also the confusion and misinformation that exists about them. Whereas hyenas are regarded as gluttons, it will surprise many that this is a misconception. Hyenas rarely eat in solitude. They will always call the rest of the clan to share the meal. If that is not generosity, then I wonder what it is. Again, the mother hyenas, like most traditional African families, communally take care of the young. They will go as far as breastfeeding them, and so much more without hesitation nor discrimination.

 Were you ever told that hyenas do not hunt but wait for the lions kill? Don't believe that, it's a complete lie. Hyenas are formidable hunters. In the Aberdare, there are no lions. Hyena is the largest predator this park. They bring down buffaloes and other herbivores since this is their main food.

My three month study on Hyenas in Aberdare forest of Kenya completely changed my thinking about this lovely animals. Before then, I had scanty knowledge about them. Stories were given in books, tales about hyena and hare. The hare was projected to be clever and canning while hyena was always projected to be dump. Thanks to the three-month study and the interest I developed for this creatures. I could sue the authors of those books for feeding young children on lies with their books.

I believe that these story books about hyenas and the hare need to be abolished completely from schools. They are partly to be blame for the persecution of hyenas today. People come to hate hyenas and think they don't deserve to live.

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