Pastoralists' Perceptions of the Endangered Grevy's Zebra in Kenya

Abstract

The Grevy's zebra (Equus grevyi) is an endangered equid found in northern Kenya and Ethiopia on rangelands often shared by pastoral populations. The Grevy's zebra population has experienced a significant decline in the past 40 years from approximately 15,000 individuals to around 2,000–5,000. For this trend to be reversed, local people that share the pasture-land with Grevy's zebra must be involved. This study sought to identify the beliefs and levels of importance ascribed to Grevy's zebra by local people. In-depth surveys conducted in the region indicated that males and those with fewer numbers of livestock viewed the Grevy's more favorably. In addition, most respondents identified few direct benefits of the zebra, but individuals from areas with minimal tourism perceived the Grevy's zebra as providing financial benefits (e.g., via safaris). Findings suggest that outreach to local communities is needed about the benefits of the species as well as its population decline.