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Great Southern Bioblitz Photo by Tobby Odhacha

The Great Southern BioBlitz 2024: A Transformative Experience for Young Naturalists

in: Citizen Science, Research by: Giraffe Centre

The Great Southern BioBlitz 2024 edition, Kenyan chapter was a remarkable event for young naturalists and nature enthusiasts in Nairobi, Kenya. it was organized through collaboration with the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW) and local universities’ nature and environment clubs. The event spread out over four-day September 20th – 23rd). It drew students from institutions; including the Wildlife Clubs of Kenya (Center for Tourism Training and Research), University of Nairobi, Africa Nazarene University, Nature Kenya, and the Giraffe Centre.

Great Southern Bioblitz Photo by Tobby Odhacha

The BioBlitz main mission is to highlight the rich biodiversity of the Southern Hemisphere in the flourishing spring season while engaging the public in science and nature education through the citizen science platform iNaturalist mobile application.

An Eye-Opening Encounter with Nature

During the BioBlitz activities, participants explored diverse ecosystems within the Nairobi metropolitan area, Kiambu and Kajiado counties. The key locations included the Giraffe Centre Nature Trail, the Nairobi National Museum, the Ondiri Wetlands, and the Naretunoi Conservancy a wildlife dispersal area for Nairobi National Park. Over the course of four days, armed with smartphones, cameras and binoculars participants observed, documented, and collected data on the natural flora and fauna of these ecosystems with a lot of passion

For many first-time participants, this was a profoundly transformative experience. Many described it as “eye-opening” and a catalyst for a deeper connection with the environment.

Through hands-on experience, the participants’ determination to preserve and protect nature was solidified. AFEW’s youth-focused engagement model has proven successful, with more than 85% of participants under 30.

Integration of technology through the use of the iNaturalist mobile app to document and identify species in real time was a powerful tool for helping beginners familiarize themselves with the wonders of the natural world and biodiversity in the areas explored.

 

Fostering the Future of Conservation

The Great Southern BioBlitz is more than an event; it represents a commitment to nature conservation through citizen participation. By integrating aspects of young people, AFEW Kenya has not only boosted awareness but also contributed valuable data for monitoring biodiversity in Kenya. The initiative is a testament to how grassroots efforts can significantly contribute to environmental protection through quality data that can contribute to research and policy decisions on nature areas.

Sir David Attenborough, the renowned British naturalist, once said:

 “It is that range of biodiversity that we must care for—the whole thing—rather than just one or two stars.”

This quote resonates deeply with the purpose of the BioBlitz, which aims to appreciate and document the richness of ecosystems as a whole.

Looking Ahead: A Call to Action

As we await the final data from the 2024 edition, it’s clear that more and more citizens are becoming involved in nature conservation efforts. We urge all stakeholders, institutions, and individuals to participate in future editions of the Great Southern BioBlitz.

Additionally, events like bird ringing and environmental cleanups offer further opportunities for hands-on involvement in conservation. More information about these events can be found on the AFEW-Giraffe Centre’s social media platforms and website.

Let us come together to foster a society that exists in harmony with nature, ensuring a future where biodiversity flourishes and ecosystems thrive. By contributing to initiatives like the Great Southern BioBlitz, we take important steps toward safeguarding our planet for generations to come.

Author’s contact:

Kelvin Munene Njeru

njrkelvin@gmail.com

0729844844

 

Photographer:

Tobby Odhacha

instagram: @tobbyodhacha

World Giraffe Day: A Reflection on the Rothschild Giraffes

in: Activities by: Giraffe Centre

Happy World Giraffe Day! Today, we celebrate and stand tall for the majestic giraffes, the tallest animals on Earth. Despite their towering presence, giraffes are facing a silent extinction. Organizations like the Giraffe Centre have been at the forefront of conservation efforts for over 41 years, working tirelessly to prevent this silent extinction. One of the key initiatives has been the rewilding of the Rothschild Giraffes, along with  supporting research on giraffe conservation in Africa.

Ms. Consolata Gathoni, a student researcher published a research paper on the Activity Time Budget and Foraging Patterns of the Rothschild’s Giraffe in Lake Nakuru National Park. The research  has provided invaluable insights into the behaviours, habitat, and ecosystem of the Rothschild giraffes.

The paper’s most significant finding was that:-

  • Giraffes exhibit different behaviors based on gender, with bulls spending less time feeding and more time resting, while cows focus more on browsing.
  •  Giraffes prefer browsing in the morning and evening, with increased resting time in the afternoon.
  • The Rothschild giraffes in Lake Nakuru National Park predominantly spend their time in the vachellia woodlands, with the remaining time divided between grasslands and bush woodlands.
  • Specific tree species like Vachellia Gerrardis and Grewia Similis are only browsed during certain seasons, highlighting their dietary preferences.
  • Male giraffes feed at higher points on trees, optimizing their access to leaf biomass.
  • Factors such as reproductive requirements and basal metabolism contribute to the differences in foraging behavior between male and female giraffes.

Nutritional Concerns

  • The debarking of Yellow Barked Acacia trees by giraffes in LNNP indicates nutritional deficiencies, leading to biodiversity loss.

 

  • Giraffes consuming Maytenus Senegalensis during the wet season highlights their adaptability to changing nutritional needs.

Challenges Faced by LNNP

  • Loss of forage space due to rising lake levels, resulting in a 2km loss of grazing land.
  • Nutrient deficiencies in the park, evidenced by giraffes foraging on toxic plants like Solanum Incanum, posing a threat to other wildlife.

On this World Giraffe Day, let us pledge to continue our efforts to protect these graceful creatures and ensure a sustainable future for the Rothschild giraffes and their habitat.

#StandTallforGiraffes #ProtectTheGiraffes: Safeguarding Giraffes for a Sustainable Future 🦒✨

Photo by Brian Siambi

2023 Prize Giving Day Trophies

Celebrating Kenya’s Environmental Champions: A Tribute to AFEW Participants

in: Announcements by: Giraffe Centre

It is with immense joy and gratitude that we extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you who participated in the 2024 AFEW Kenya Environmental Awareness Competition. Your dedication, passion, and commitment to environmental stewardship have not only inspired us but have also contributed significantly to the preservation and conservation of our planet.

From the bustling streets of Nairobi to the serene landscapes of the Rift Valley, your collective efforts have undoubtedly made a profound impact on raising awareness about the importance of environmental sustainability. Whether through innovative projects, compelling artwork, or insightful essays, your creativity and enthusiasm have shone brightly, illuminating a path towards a greener and more sustainable future for Kenya and beyond.

As the competition came to a close on March 31st, we were truly overwhelmed by the quality and diversity of entries we received. Each submission was a testament to your unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in the world around you. Your dedication to environmental conservation is not only commendable but serves as a beacon of hope for generations to come.

To all the participants, we offer our sincerest congratulations on your outstanding contributions. Your hard work and determination have not gone unnoticed. You are all winners in our eyes, and we are immensely proud of each and every one of you.

Now, as we eagerly anticipate the moment of celebration, we are thrilled to announce that the winners of the 2024 AFEW Kenya Environmental Awareness Competition will be feted on the 7th of June, 2024. This will be a day of recognition, appreciation, and celebration of your remarkable achievements. We cannot wait to honor your dedication and showcase your remarkable accomplishments to the world.

To those who emerged victorious, we extend our warmest congratulations. Your exemplary efforts have set a benchmark for environmental advocacy and activism. You are the trailblazers, the changemakers, and the guardians of our planet’s future. May your passion continue to ignite change and inspire others to join the noble cause of environmental conservation.

Unleash Your Creativity: Join the “Think Green Go Green for a Better Future” Essay and Art Competition!

in: Announcements by: Giraffe Centre

Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey of creativity and environmental consciousness? The Giraffe Centre invites you to participate in our eagerly awaited essay and art competition, themed “Think Green Go Green for a Better Future.” This is not just a chance to showcase your talents but an opportunity to contribute to a sustainable and eco-friendly future.

Competition Details:

– Theme: Think Green Go Green for a Better Future
– Submission Period: January 1st to March 31st
– Categories: Essay and Art
– Prizes: The winners will embark on a one-week fully paid Safari adventure!

How to Participate:

1. Choose Your Medium: Whether you’re a wordsmith or an artist, this competition caters to both! Craft an essay or create a captivating piece of art that aligns with the theme.

2. Express Your Vision: Dive deep into the theme and express your vision for a sustainable future. What does it mean to “Think Green” and “Go Green” in your eyes? Your unique perspective could make a significant impact!

3. Submit Your Entry: Send in your masterpiece between January 1st and March 31st. Details on submission methods and guidelines can be found on the competition poster.

Why Participate?

1. Environmental Impact: Your thoughts and creativity can inspire change. By participating, you become an advocate for a greener and healthier planet.

2. Skill Enhancement: Sharpen your writing and artistic skills under the theme of environmental sustainability.

3. Adventure Awaits: Imagine yourself on a one-week fully paid Safari, surrounded by the beauty of nature. The winners of the competition will experience this unforgettable journey.

Hosted by Giraffe Centre:

The Giraffe Centre is dedicated to environmental education and conservation. By hosting this competition, we aim to nurture the talents of Kenyan youth while fostering a deep appreciation for our planet’s well-being.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to make a difference while showcasing your creativity! Let your imagination run wild as you “Think Green” and “Go Green” for a better future.

Visit our website for more details on how to participate, submission guidelines, and updates on the competition. Together, let’s create a future where sustainability is at the heart of our actions.

Join us in the journey towards a greener, brighter tomorrow!

Bird Ringing at Giraffe Centre: A Growing Legacy

in: Animal Habitat, Birding Experience by: Giraffe Centre

For two consecutive days, the Giraffe Centre proudly hosted an esteemed event – the practice of bird ringing. This event unfolded on the 27th and 28th of October 2023, garnering extensive support and endorsement from a consortium of organizations, including Nature Kenya, the Conservation Education and Tourism Department affiliated with the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife, and the Nairobi Bird Ringing Group.

The event drew a diverse audience, with eager students and youth members all sharing a common enthusiasm for gaining insights into the world of bird ringing and birds in general. This collaborative endeavor held a dual purpose: firstly, to establish a foundational understanding of the vibrant birdlife across the expansive 120-acre sanctuary, encompassing its diverse habitats. Secondly, it aimed to empower the next generation of citizen scientists by imparting knowledge and skills in the realm of birds, birding, and the practice of bird ringing.

This marked the second occurrence of the bird ringing event at the Giraffe Centre. For insights into the first event, including its discoveries and outcomes, please click here.

Banding Together with Birds: The Spectacular Results of our Giraffe Centre Ringing Expedition

in: Animal Habitat, Birding Experience by: Giraffe Centre

Despite the inclement weather that tempered our expectations, our bird ringing exercise yielded remarkable results. We managed to capture 36 birds, representing 18 distinct species. This diverse assortment of avian treasures showcased the incredible biodiversity thriving within the Giraffe Centre sanctuary.

Among the feathered gems we had the privilege of netting and ringing, there was the elusive Tropical Boubou, gracing us with its presence from the upper scrub areas. Closer to the Centre, in the lower wooded regions, we encountered the delightful White Starred Robin, its distinctive presence adding a touch of enchantment to our day.

Our list of ringed species extended to include the Tawny Flanked Prinias, melodic Singing Cisticolas, the charming Ruppell’s Robin Chat, industrious Village and Spectacled Weavers, the elegant White-Eyed Slaty Flycatchers, and the ever-present Common Bulbul. Each bird told a unique story, a tale of life within this remarkable habitat.

Notably, all the species we had the honor of ringing were local residents of the area. As September marked the early stages of the migratory season, these cherished inhabitants remained steadfast, offering us a glimpse into their world, unspoiled by the comings and goings of transient species.

                                                                                                                      – By Susan Ng’ang’a

Chiming in with Feathers: The Avian Adventure Chronicles

in: Animal Habitat, Birding Experience by: Giraffe Centre

Despite the less-than-ideal weather that greeted the Nairobi Ringing team that morning, their determination remained unwavering as they embarked on a groundbreaking venture at the picturesque Giraffe Centre in Karen. Being the inaugural ringing activity at this unique location, their gracious host, Daniel Mutua, extended a warm welcome on a Friday evening, allowing ample time to strategically position the mist nets. These nets were carefully situated to harmonize with the diverse habitats and ecosystems that define the sprawling Giraffe Centre sanctuary, which unfurls from the heart of the Centre and unfolds into a lush, sloping terrain, eventually giving way to the bushland areas as it ascends.

The meticulous placement of these mist nets was guided by a singular objective: to cast a wide net, so to speak, in order to beckon an array of avian species representative of the Centre’s rich biodiversity.

Beyond the act of capturing and ringing the birds, this exercise transcended the realm of mere activity—it evolved into a profound learning experience. The primary aim was to glean insights and knowledge, to pave the path for the most effective and informed approach to ringing within the Giraffe Centre in the days to come.

As the mist nets were carefully erected and the avian visitors were captured, the team forged a deeper understanding of the birds’ behaviors and movements within the sanctuary. This accumulation of knowledge, like the mist nets themselves, spanned the diverse range of habitats, painting a comprehensive picture of the avian tapestry within the Centre’s embrace.

Looking to the future, the Nairobi Ringing team envisioned a monthly commitment to this remarkable site. Their intention was clear: to cultivate a sustainable ringing program that would not only enrich our understanding of the avian world within the Giraffe Centre but also contribute to the conservation and preservation of this natural haven. In the grand tapestry of nature, every ringed bird became a stitch, weaving a story of insight, curiosity, and a commitment to nurturing and safeguarding the extraordinary diversity that graced the Giraffe Centre sanctuary.

                                                                                                               – By Susan Ng’ang’a

Commending the Victorious Participants of the 2023 AFEW Kenya – Giraffe Centre Annual Environmental Awareness Competition

in: Announcements4 Comments by: Giraffe Centre

We have had numerous environmental conservation programmes with the goal of altering mindsets throughout the last 40 years of The Giraffe Centre’s existence. These programmes are classified into three categories: funding, school programmes, and giraffe conservation.

The Annual Environmental Awareness Competition is one of the school programmes. This competition has been going on for 37 years. This competition seeks to provide students from Kenyan schools with an opportunity to express their opinions on environmental conservation based on a predetermined theme. They submit essays or artwork in response to level-specific questions. Students from Pre-school to Undergraduate can take part.

Ladies and Gentlemen, let’s give a round of applause to the outstanding winners of this year’s competition. These exceptional students truly shone among a pool of remarkable entries. Their compelling perspectives on the environmental conservation theme, “It Is Time for Change! Let’s Restore Our Mother Nature,” resonated powerfully.

Click here to get the list of winners

Changing Young Mindsets for Sustainable Tourism

in: 40th Anniversary by: Giraffe Centre

The tourism sector is a key pillar to Kenya’s socio-economic growth and recovery from the impact of the COVID19 pandemic. Revenues linked to tourism reached KES 268.09 billion in 2022 against 146.51 billion shillings in 2021, representing a growth of 83%. As home to a diverse range of wildlife, including giraffes, elephants, lions, rhinos, and many other species, Kenya continues to face numerous threats, including habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict.

The Giraffe Centre is acknowledged by the Kenya Tourism Board as a key partner promoting destination Kenya whilst creating awareness on giraffes and their habitats, and their Conservation efforts and impact. Established in 1979, it is one of the top 10 tourist destinations in Nairobi,  Kenya attracting an average of 200,000 domestic and international visitors annually.

The endangered Rothschild’s giraffe species, which can only be found in Kenya and Uganda, is a popular attraction for tourists, who can interact with the giraffes in a safe and controlled sanctuary.

The non-profit Giraffe Centre provides a platform for the linkage between the conservation of the Rothschild’s giraffe and tourism. The Centre creates awareness amongst tourists on the fragility and inter-dependence of ecosystems and wildlife habitats by providing a safe environment to interact with and feed giraffes.

This nexus is useful in promoting sustainable growth of the tourism sector, as tourists are forced to confront the danger of extinction and are reminded of actions they can take to contribute to conservation. The revenue generated from tourism activities at the centre is used to support conservation efforts and the local community. To date, tourist activities at the Giraffe Centre have helped raise funds for community and conservation grants worth KES 250 million. Some key beneficiaries and partners who have benefited from these grants include: Eco-tourism Kenya, Sustainable Tourism Agenda, Uvumbuzi Club, The Netfund, National Museums of Kenya; and the Wildlife Clubs of Kenya.

As the only Capital City that is home to Giraffe’s, the Giraffe Centre is a proud custodian of 120 acres that are preserved for the cultural and natural heritage of Kenya. Located only 20 kilometres from the Nairobi Central Business District, the giraffe centre conveniently serves Conference Tourists who are unable to travel to national parks, making it ideal in championing for the sustainable planning and development of cities. Beyond the Giraffe, the sanctuary provides a green recreational space for both residents and nonresidents of Nairobi, who wish to interact with nature surrounded by indigenous trees. The sanctuary is also a bird lover’s haven and facilitates guided bird watching tours. 

The Giraffe Centre is a model sustainable tourism enterprise as it is fully sustained from tourism revenues. It provides direct employment opportunities to about 50 Kenyans, and indirect employment to many more. The Gift Shop embraces the celebration and showcase of local culture, Kenyan people and their talents and artefacts with proceeds from sales going directly towards boosting the incomes of rural women and people with disability. The Giraffe Centre also strives to be a fully green tourist destination having adopted policies for 100% efficiency in energy, water and waste management.

Nare Tunoi land owners at the lease payments event at Empakasi Primary

How land owners and Wildlife Conservancies work together in Athi Kapiti.

in: Activities by: Giraffe Centre

When people live side-by-side with wildlife, conflicts are bound to happen. This is a common scenario in the Athi Kapiti wildlife dispersal area of Nairobi National Park. Therefore there is a need to find peace between humans and wildlife. One way we seek to accomplish this is through leasing land in areas adjacent to wildlife protected areas like the Athi Kapiti area.

The land lease program has been running for the last 2 decades, under the stewardship of The Wildlife Foundation (TWF). TWF identifies prime wildlife habitat in the Sholinke area of the Nairobi National Park Wildlife Dispersal area. They then enrol the land owners in the Land Lease program. The land owners are given lease payments in 3 instalments, at the beginning of each school session. (September, January & April). In 2022-2023, Giraffe Centre committed to leasing 750 acres of local community land to support TWF’s lease program.

This program has been instrumental in promoting harmony between humans and wildlife in this area. The financial incentive for landowners gives them a chance to appreciate wildlife. As a result, both domestic and wild animals can seek pasture freely. This also allows open routes for migratory animals.

AFEW Kenya is proud to be part of this program, which has been a success in many ways. Human-wildlife conflict cases have fallen in this area as it’s a major dispersal area for the Nairobi National Park. Furthermore, it’s an income source for landowners. As a by-product of this initiative, land owners have become fierce protectors of wildlife on their land against poachers. More importantly, this program supports the Global Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 4 on quality education, SDG number 17 on multi-stakeholder partnership for sustainable development and SDG no. 15 on protecting, restoring and promoting sustainable utilizations of terrestrial ecosystems.