Research Summary
Samburu-Laikipia Region, Kenya - Grevy’s zebras have undergone a rapid decline in numbers and range over the last four decades and the species is now classified as Endangered (IUCN Red List).
Since 2003, this project has been monitoring Grevy’s zebras in pastoral lands where they face many challenges, including habitat degradation, competition for resources with an expanding human and livestock population, disease outbreaks and predation by lions.
You’ll help scientists Dr. Nicholas Oguge and Dr. Paul Muoria enable a better understanding of the ecology of Grevy’s zebras. The ecological data gathered will provide a scientific foundation that will help in the conservation of this species in the Samburu landscape. It will also aid the community conservation efforts aimed at securing critical habitats used by Grevy’s zebras while fostering sustainable economic development for local communities.
In addition to your daily glimpses of African wildlife, you will also go on wildlife drives in nearby Reserves. In your recreational time, you might want to hike in the Mathews Range, visit a manyatta and enjoy the rich Samburu culture and dance, visit a local school or hospital, or simply relax in our comfortable camp.
“We enjoyed every bit of the time we spent in the field. It is an experience that will forever remain fresh in our minds. We have so much to share with colleagues, families and our organizations.”—John Abugbilla Parker Atingah
Meet the Scientists
Dr. Nicholas O. Oguge
Earthwatch Kenya Trust
Dr. Oguge, Kenya Trust. In 2003, Dr. Oguge was a Fulbright Fellow at Duke University, but a call from Earthwatch provided him with an opportunity to return to his homeland of Kenya. Dr. Oguge was born in 1960 in Nairobi, Kenya and was educated at the University of Nairobi. He received his Ph.D. in eco-physiology from Lincoln University in New Zealand and was Chair of the Zoology Department at Kenyatta University prior to his appointment at Duke University.
Dr. Paul Kimata Muoria
African Wildlife Foundation
Dr. Muoria, Research Scientist, African Wildlife Foundation. Dr. Muoria has been a research scientist with National Museums of Kenya. He has extensive field experience, having worked on different mammals including baboons, elephants, and the endangered Tana River Crested mangabeys and red colobus. His areas of interest include animal ecology, conservation and human-wildlife conflicts. In addition, Dr. Muoria has worked as an Earthwatch volunteer on two projects: South African Wildlife (August/September 2002) and Zebras of Kenya (January 2003).