Warriors in Westgate have been engaged in conservation and part of our Warrior Watch programme since January 2010. The 5 warriors from Westgate Community Conservancy have remained enthusiastic and excited about their roles in conservation through 2010 as they reported on wildlife sightings, attended conflict cases and held meetings of their own with other warriors on the importance of wildlife. They attended training sessions, visited the reserves on educational tours and also spent weeks with us in camp learning and getting involved in research activities.
Following the success of Warrior Watch in Westgate in 2010, we recently expanded into the neighbouring Mpus Kutuk Conservancy in February 2011. Mpus Kutuk is located South of the Ewaso Nyiro River, directly opposite Westgate. Mpus Kutuk also hosts the crucial Kipsing corridor, where lions, elephants, endangered wild dogs and Grevy’s zebra connect between Samburu and Laikipia Districts.
Following an initial meeting with the Northern Rangelands Trust, we held a few meetings between us, Westgate Conservancy and the management of Mpus Kutuk. Soon after this, the Head of Security Teti and manager of Mpus Kutuk Peter, selected 6 new warriors to join the Warrior Watch Programme. At the same time, Stephen the Head of Security of Westgate selected an additional 3 warriors from Westgate. We had identified 3 gaps in Westgate Conservancy where we had no warriors and after managing to secure some funds, we now have 8 warriors active in conservation in Westgate supervised by our very own Jeneria Lekilele.
The Warrior Watch Programme group from Ewaso Lions, Westgate and Mpus Kutuk Community Conservancies
We held a 2-day training session with the new warriors. The training was an intensive 2-day event where we covered all the important topics related to wildlife conservation in the region. We also took the new warriors on a drive in the Westgate Conservation Area (thanks to Sasaab lodge for their vehicle) and they were very impressed with this wildlife zone and the grasses that were currently there in the midst of a drought.
Training the warriors
Taking a drive in the Conservation Area
Teti from Mpus Kutuk explains to the warriors about the importance of a Conservation Area
Following the training, the warriors returned to their homes. We met them 10 days later to hear their feedback and progress. All 9 new warriors were doing well and excited about their new wildlife conservation roles in their home regions. We’ll keep you posted on their progress.
We need funds to keep this vital programme going. Please consider making a donation towards the Warrior Watch programme so we can engage more warriors in conservation and create a network of warriors in conservation in Northern Kenya.