Wildlife Conservation

The Maasai have traditionally lived in harmony with their land, which, for centuries was defended from outsiders by majestic and fierce Maasai warriors. Thus, Maasailand has remained one of the few unspoiled African ecosystems still in existence. However, the current threats to the ecosystem and to the Maasai way of life are proceeding at a stunning rate. These threats include overgrazing the grassland, diversion of water essential for wildlife, subdivision and land sales to non-Maasai, poaching for game meat, deforestation, and predator-human conflicts resulting in the killing of wildlife. The MWCT is focusing on conservation efforts to obtain protected conservation areas, recover wildlife populations and preserve the local ecosystem through a series of educational initiatives and programs.

PROJECT GOALS:

• Create conservancy zones to preserve wilderness, protect wildlife and maintain critical migration corridors
• Protect access to springs and other natural water sources for the wildlife
• Help limit conflicts where livestock, human beings and wildlife compete for the same sources of water
• Promote sustainable agriculture practices within the community