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Conservation Partner

Grevy’s Zebra

Grevy's Zebra Trust (GZT)

While Africa is filled with zebras, few of them are Grevy’s. Dry northern Kenya is home to the unique Grevy’s zebra, distinctive by their larger size and round Mickey Mouse ears. Grevy’s zebra are very rare, with just over 3,000 remaining.

The Grevy’s is quickly distinguishable from its plains and mountain zebra counterparts due to its charming large round ears, and because it is tailor-made for the semi-arid climate where it lives. This zebra can survive for five days without water. However, even the hardy Grevy’s now struggles to live on land that has been overgrazed by livestock belonging to the local pastoralist communities. With drought always just a whisper away, the female Grevy’s zebra increasingly must leave her foal behind while looking for water. This increased search for water has amplified mortality rates, in turn leading to a dwindling population size.

Grevy’s Zebra Trust (GZT) is the only organization dedicated to conserving the endangered Grevy’s zebra. They engage local people to protect the remaining Grevy’s zebra and their habitat. GZT’s work is rooted in local values, capacity, and action.

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Solutions in Action

Regenerative Grazing

GZT builds on traditional livestock management methods used by pastoralists to address the root cause of land degradation in northern Kenya. Loss of grazing habitat is a major threat to Grevy’s zebra. By planning livestock herding, setting aside areas for dry and wet season grazing, giving grass recovery time, clearing invasive species, and reseeding bare land, livestock can be transformed into an eco-tool.

Scout Program & Nkiretten

GZT employs female Grevy’s Zebra Scouts, many of whom are widows and single mothers, to monitor and protect zebras, helping provide medical care and education for their families. In addition, GZT’s reusable sanitary pad program, the Nkirreten Project, helps women produce and distribute reusable sanitary pads throughout the community, keeping girls in school during their menstrual cycle, and providing an income to the women making the pads.

Grevy’s Zebra Warriors

As the next generation of leaders, engaging Samburu warriors in conservation is critical for long-term success. GZT employs Samburu Warriors to monitor wildlife, raise awareness, and provide protection. Their outreach to communities has created a large network of local support through which conservation messaging is disseminated and practical conservation action is implemented.

Quote

"We live in a region that is filled with breathtaking scenic beauty and different ethnic groups with a mosaic of cultures and traditions. My hope is that the future will bring healthy rangeland with lots of perennial grasses, a working water cycle, diversity of wildlife, a healthy Grevy’s zebra population, and a balanced ecosystem that supports community livelihood."

Peter Lalampaa, Executive Director Grevy's Zebra Trust

Photography Credits: Suzi Eszterhas/www.suz, Peter Lindsey, Natalia Mroz, Don Gagne, Andrew Peacock/footloosefotography.com, Grevy’s Zebra Trust, Andrew Peacock/footloosefotography.com, Mia Collis, Kevin Marsh