Habitat Loss
Habitat Loss
The biodiversity of the Greater Mara Ecosystem is facing several threats. Studies suggest that the best approach to conservation of biodiversity is not only through conservation of plant and animal species, but also through conservation of habitats. Moreover, experience shows that the best way to conserve species is through protection of their critical habitats.
Elephants play a key role in structuring habitats and no habitats are more important to Kenya’s well-being than its forests, which often act as the water tower for key rivers and lakes in Kenya.
One of MEP’s key operational areas, the Mau Forest, is at the head of the entire water shed for the Mara and the Mara River, which is the primary water source for the ecosystem.
Mau Forest Patrol
“This area is a pristine rainforest, the Mara River almost stopped flowing in 2019, because the Mau is being destroyed. All the millions of wildebeest and all other life here in the Mara depend on the Mara River. If that’s destroyed there will be no Mara ecosystem.”
– CEO Marc Goss
The expansion of the human footprint and the associated habitat loss means free ranging areas for elephants and other wildlife are becoming increasingly rare. Deforestation including illegal logging, charcoal production and conversion of land for agriculture and livestock remains a key threat.
