Laikipia Predator Project Mugie Ranch is one of the core study areas for the Laikipia Predator Project, a research study aimed at
improving the conservation of large carnivores throughout Africa. Across most of Africa, people have eradicated predators such as lions, wild dogs & hyenas, largely because these animals are a threat to livestock. With human densities rising, even predators living inside national parks are threatened as reserve border areas are developed. Laikipia District is one of the few areas where
people, livestock & predators attempt to co-exist. The Laikipia Predator Project is aimed at understanding how such co-existence is possible. By studying the threat that predators pose to people’s livelihoods & the threat that human activities pose to predators, it hopes to identify techniques for co—existence that can be applied to other parts of Africa. So far the project has been relatively successful in conserving lions in the area. The number of lions killed has fallen dramatically from an average of 19% of the lion
population to a mere 2.3%!
Mugie Rhino Sanctuary In July 2004, Mugie Ranch set aside 22,000 acres of prime wildlife habitat to establish the Mugie Wildlife
Conservancy. This area was already home to most of Kenya’s Indigenous flora & fauna such as lions, leopards, cheetah, elephant, buffalo & a wide range of antelopes & other mammals including a strong population of the threatened Grevy’s Zebra & the Jackson’s Hartebeest. The creation of the Conservancy saw the translocation of 20 endangered black rhino to Mugie as part of a national effort to protect & enhance the black rhino population in Kenya. The rhino are closely monitored by a team of
rangers to protect them from poachers as well as check on their body condition at regular intervals. The information collected is shared with the Kenya Wildlife Service & is crucial to understanding & protecting these amazing animals. So far the story has
been one of success with the birth of 6 black rhino calves. Today the Sanctuary boasts a total of 26 black rhino & 2 white rhino.
