The contraction of wildlife dispersal areas by human structures and activities in Mbirikani Group Ranch in the Amboseli Ecosystem, Kenya

Abstract

The Amboseli ecosystem in Kenya has some of the largest concentrations of free-ranging large mammals in the country. National parks depend on the surrounding group ranches for wildlife dispersal. Mbirikani group ranch [MGR] is a key dispersal area for the Amboseli ecosystem, but it is not known exactly what area remains for wildlife dispersal or where that is. Data was collected using global positioning system (GPS) units to map roads, water points, bomas, institutions and human activities, including herds of livestock and agricultural farms. The distribution of wildlife was then spatially analyzed using geographic information systems (GIS). Eight human settlement clusters of multiple human activities were located mainly along roads and water sources, covering 20.43% of the group ranch. The actual area covered by all human structures and activities was 1.37%, leaving over 98% open for wildlife dispersal. The actual area covered by human structures and activities increased to 22.97% of the group ranch, leaving about 77% available to wildlife dispersal. Even though MGR had a large portion of area remaining for wildlife, the spatial orientation of human settlement was blocking wildlife migration corridors. In order to mitigate this, a negotiated land use plan in the context of compensation for the land owners is urgently needed. Key words: Amboseli, Dispersal areas, Kenya, Mbirikani group ranch.