Samburu Morans engaged to protect wildlife

The Samburu Warriors have already reported on an unknown population of cheetah.

In June, nearly 200 people from across Ngutuk Ongiron Group Ranch in Samburu District gathered for the launch of Warrior Watch programme. Warrior Watch is a unique conservation programme in Samburu that engages warriors, or morans, in active wildlife conservation. Warrior Watch was co-founded in early 2010 by the Westgate Community Conservancy and Ewaso Lions, a project that takes a community-based approach to predator research and conservation in northern Kenya. The launch event brought together warriors with wildlife authorities in a context that built partnership for the two groups which are often at odds on wildlife issues.

Wildlife sightings
Through Warrior Watch, warriors report on wildlife sightings and issues such as conflict in exchange for educational lessons and a food stipend. The warriors were trained on data collection, basic wildlife ecology, conservation and security issues within the Group Ranch, and the economic value of wildlife through tourism.

Cheetahs found
Warrior Watch has already reported a small, previously unknown, population of cheetahs, as well as caracal and lesser kudu, which are both considered very rare in the area.

Some 125 Samburu warriors were present and had the opportunity to speak about their roles in wildlife conservation. Members of Warrior Watch called on the warriors present to assist in securing a future for wildlife in the region.

Co-operation
Success in wildlife conservation relies on the involvement of local people. Samburu warriors have long been neglected in conservation management. Warrior Watch is the first programme to actively involve warriors in wildlife conservation in the region, effectively making them wildlife ambassadors within their communities. Engaging the Warriors aims to instil positive attitudes towards wildlife, with an emphasis on the importance of lions and predators, and this message is spread to other morans in their communities. Through Warrior Watch, wildlife has a secure future in balance with local people in this part of Kenya.

The launch was attended by representatives of Kenya Wildlife Service, including the Samburu District Warden, Mr Mohamed Kheri, who was the guest of honour. Others present included representatives from Samburu National Reserve, Sasaab Lodge, Samburu District councillors and chief, Northern Rangeland Trust, Grevy's Zebra Trust, and Ewaso Lions donors and friends.