Grevy’s Z ebra Conservation in Kenya 2014

Report and funding proposal prepared for supporters

and members of the Grevy’s zebra EEP conservation projects

Tanya Langenhorst EEP Coordinator & International Studbook Keeper for Grevy’s zebra

Dr Zeke Davidson Kenya Project Manager

Marwell Wildlife September 2014

www.marwell.org.uk/conservation

Acknowledgements We would like to thank the following for their ongoing and very generous support during 2013 and 2014: Amersfoort Zoo Amsterdam Zoo Dierenpark Planckendael Drusillas Park Fondazione Bioparco di Roma Friends of Banham Zoo IUCN SSG Equid Specialist Group Kolmardens Insamlingsstiftelse Koninklijke Maatschappij voor Dierkunde van Antwerpen Odense Zoo Quagga Rufford Foundation Stichting Vrienden Safaripark Beekse Bergen en Dierenrijk Wildlife Worldwide Wilhelma Zoologisch-Botanischer Garten Stuttgart and Zoologischer Garten Augsburg

Cover: Camera trap picture of two Grevy’’s zebra on their way to water

This page: Grevy stallion on Lewa © Marwell

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Introduction

We would like to welcome you to the latest Grevy’s zebra (Equus grevyi) conservation report. Much work has been done and progress made thanks to your contributions and continuous support.

The importance of your support is rarely more obvious than right now as we write this report. Yet another drought has struck Northern Kenya and Grevy’s zebra, along all other wildlife and livestock are fighting for their survival. Our partners in country reported in mid August that the situation on the ground in Samburu is extremely dire at a time when the long dry season had only just begun. Emergency funding from the EEP has been transferred to provide supplemental feeding in an attempt to sustain the large Grevy population in this area together with the all important foals. You can read more about this later in the report. At this point we would like to thank you for enabling us to provide these vital funds without any delay.

You will also find information on all the positive developments that have taken place. The National Grevy’s Zebra Conservation Strategy that had previously been reviewed has now been published and is already widely in use. Projects like stripe ID, collaring and camera trapping which are of huge value to assessing the status of this endangered equid, but also allow continuous monitoring, are ongoing and we have expanded these methods into new areas. We are further increasing conservation capacity by bringing aboard another Masters student, a young teacher from the local communities, and we are hoping to continue and extend these efforts.

Thank you to all our donors and supporters for their loyalty. We could not do this work to protect the Grevy’s zebra without you.

Section A of this document contains a report of the activities of Marwell Wildlife and its partners regarding Grevy’s zebra conservation in the past year. At the end of this section is a list of these partners and, as ever, please feel free to ask Tanya for any further information you might require.

In Section B we are presenting our proposed activities for 2015 together with their associated costs.

First of all a brief summary of the current status of Grevy’s zebra. The Status of Grevy’s Zebra (Equus grevyi) The status and distribution of the species is being reviewed by the GZTC as a contribution to the IUCN listing process. As this is an ongoing effort we have not updated the status information provided since last years’ report. We anticipate that Grevy’s zebra will be re-listed by the IUCN as Critically Endangered in 2015, pending the forthcoming national survey and production of the updated range map. In line with the National Conservation Strategy for Grevy’s zebra (2012) which is proposing a national survey of the species every three years, we would like to support KWS with funding in 2015 and you will see more on this and our activities to gain more knowledge on the Ethiopian population in Section B. International Studbook In June 2014 the most recent edition of the international studbook for Grevy’s zebra was published and sent out to all holders. At the end of 2013, 191.317.0 (508) Grevy’s zebra were recorded in 112 institutions and some private collections in 28 countries (Langenhorst 2014). Of those, 86.161.0 (247) are kept in 51 institutions (20 countries) under the formally managed EEP, while the North American SSP coordinates 66.113.0 (179) animals in 38 institutions (US and Canada). These two populations provide a genetically and demographically healthy back up to their wild counterparts. A third population is managed in Japan and consists of 8.11.0 (19) animals in eight zoos. If you are interested in the studbook, please contact Tanya Langenhorst, the EEP Coordinator, or download a PDF from our website: http://www.marwell.org.uk/downloads/Grevyszebrastudbook2013doc.pdf

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Section A. Summary of Activities in 2013/14

In this section we are giving you a more detailed overview of all the projects we have carried out for the benefit of Grevy’s zebra conservation over the last year. Together with our partners from the Grevy’s Zebra Technical Committee and with your financial support we have extended the area in which we operate and provided crucial monitoring, cooperation with communities, support for the Kenya Wildlife Service and, last but not least, potentially lifesaving intervention for Grevy’s zebra. We would like to thank you for your support without which most of our activities would not be possible

National Conservation Strategy: Enhancing Population Census and Monitoring As reported in last year’s donor report (Langenhorst and Davidson 2013), the review of the first Conservation and Management Strategy for Grevy’s Zebra had been completed in 2013 and is now published by KWS: Conservation and Management Strategy for Grevy’s Zebra (Equus grevyi) in Kenya, (2012-2016) 2nd edition. pp.40, Kenya Wildlife Service, Nairobi, Kenya While the document is not available on the KWS website yet, it can be either requested from the EEP coordinator or downloaded from the Marwell website using the link below: http://www.marwell.org.uk/downloads/GrevysZebraStrategy2012-2016.pdf

Grevy’s zebra Liaison Office Support The Grevy’s Zebra Technical Committee received an official request from KWS to provide financial support to the Grevy’s Zebra Liaison Office. Many of you might remember that the EEP was instrumental in setting up this role nearly 10 years ago as well as providing the funding to employ a full time officer who represents the linkage between all Grevy’s zebra conservation partners and the guardian of Kenyan wildlife, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). He is responsible for organising, running and minuting meetings of the Grevy’s Zebra Technical Committee as well as seminars and workshops. The current officer, George Anyona (Fig 1), has been in place for two years now and is a very active and committed member of the Grevy conservation team. We were therefore very happy to provide further funding from the EEP to enable George to travel to meetings, collaring missions and other field projects in 2014. GZTC is looking to expand his role for e.g. specific data collection like the tracking the Grevy’s zebra collars, collecting sightings and confirming group composition, reproductive status and collar condition etc. as capacity in this area is still lacking. Just over the summer George has delivered the following for the GZTC: 1. Workshop on Grevy’s zebra disease and other factors limiting the population. 2. Mapping of GZ population and anthrax mortality cases in Northern Kenya. 3. Supplementary feeding of Grevy’s zebra in Meibae Community Conservancy: member of

planning and organising team 4. Verify reports of Grevy’s zebra in areas where their occurrence is so far unconfirmed

Ideally, George would need his own vehicle for this, so we are looking into funding possibilities for this.

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Furthermore, George is also currently engaged in a MSc programme at the University of Nairobi, in the School of Biological Sciences. He has submitted a project proposal on “Movements and distribution of Grevy’s zebra (Equus grevyi) in South Hoar, Samburu County” to the university. For this he is planning on combining the camera trap data delivered through our Northern Kenya Grevy’s Zebra Project (NKGZP) with those of collared Grevy’s in the same region. We are looking to support George with a stipend and some equipment and field related costs which we will be asking for assistance with.

Fig 1: George Anyona with Zeke Davidson during a collaring operation © Marwell

National Survey of Grevy's zebra Tsavo National Park In March this year the Kenya Wildlife Service asked Marwell’s Dr. Zeke Davidson to consult on the method for the Triennial Aerial Wildlife Census of Tsavo National Park which covers over 60 000 square kilometres. As part of the continued monitoring of Grevy’s zebra populations in Kenya, the GZTC used this survey as an opportunity to investigate a small Grevy’s zebra population in the park which had not been studied for many years. Together with Zeke, Lizbeth Mate (Stripe ID Database Manager) and George Anyona (KWS Grevy’s zebra Liaison Officer) several scouts were deployed to Tsavo National Park with Marwell’s vehicle and equipment. Their mission was to co-ordinate with aircraft flying the survey, and locate all groups of Grevy’s zebra sighted from the air. Two translocations in the late 1960’s and 1970’s introduced 77 Grevy’s zebra to the Park. They were to act as a reserve population for this endangered species. Since that time the population has gone relatively unmonitored. The Marwell team was able to document 26 individuals remaining in five groups on the boundary of Tsavo East National Park with Galana Ranch (Fig 2 & 3). Despite this small number, we are hopeful for the future of this subpopulation as the team did find several foals and juveniles.

Fig. 2&3: Grevy’s zebra in Tsavo National Park © Marwell

Digital Stripe Pattern Identification Database Marwell continues to support the National Stripe ID Database logistically, with technical advice and training, and a stipend for the database manager Lizbeth Mate (Fig. 6&7) facilitated by funds raised within the EEP and Quagga. This ensures that there is continuity in the collection, storage and analysis of data which is essential for maintaining a collaborative approach with all the partners of the GZTC.

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We have begun to clean up the central database to ensure accurate ID entry, and to remove any duplicate images and identifications through the use of a new tool developed in collaboration with Princeton University, called IBES (Image Based Ecological Information System. A number of redundant individuals have already been identified. Additionally, two new study sites have been added to the Stripe ID project including the Ndoto Mountains in the north of Kenya and Tsavo National Park in the South. Both sites have shown how the database is capable of informing conservation actions in remote and unsupported areas as you will see below. Analysis of data collected from various organisations within the last 12 months has yielded the following results: 1. Total number of images entered into the database: 15937 (The number of individuals does not

represent the total number of animals in the population at the present time. This is because it includes older photos and it is impossible to know which of those Grevy’s identified are still alive).

2. Total number of unique individuals identified in the database: 3751

3. Sex ratio of the individuals: 1:1.5 males to females (n = males- 1431, females- 1645, unknown- 675). The number of unknowns has also started to decrease as we check on each entry and remove any unclear photo and do correct sexing.

4. Individual identification frequency has shown a rapid increase followed by a flattening off or decrease in the detection of new individuals , showing that we are no longer seeing many new individuals in the population. This indicates that these areas have been well sampled now.

Fig. 4 & 5 : Examples of camera trap photos that are usable for stripe identification © Marwell

Lewa Study Site Grevy’s Zebra monitoring in Lewa has been ongoing for the last 15 years with focus on lactating females and foals. However, in the past one year Lewa has transitioned to taking photos of all Grevy’s zebra age classes and sexes in line with the national database. Monitoring of this species is based on capture – recapture method. The objective of conducting monthly surveys in the areas within Lewa has been to estimate population size, determine inter-birth interval, and understand resource hot spots and to determine movement patterns. The Stripe ID project has been instrumental in entering, identifying and analysing the data that the Lewa research team has been collecting. The analysed data have provided crucial information necessary for effective protection of these endangered species. Olpejeta Study Site As mentioned in our last report, Marwell Wildlife had undertaken an exercise to take photographs of the Grevy’s zebra in Ol Pejeta Conservancy. This was planned as an initiative of capturing all Grevy’s zebra into the national database. Grevy’s zebra have over the years been translocated to Ol Pejeta Conservancy to provide a viable population and through the Stripe ID project we have

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been able to document this population. Analysis of the data collected established that there is a small but steadily growing population of this species and through the Stripe ID project we can efficiently monitor its growth and health.

Fig. 6 & 7: Lizbeth, data manager, during photo collection and stripe pattern extraction © Marwell Ndoto Mountains Study Site The results from expanding the database into this area confirm the indications that several Grevy’s zebra subpopulations are surviving in a zone that extends northward from the foothills of the Ndoto Mountain Ranges between Losai National Reserve and the town of South Hoar (Figure 16). The information gathered is crucial to inform decision making on the conservation of Grevy’s zebra in this remote area that has little known about it biologically, and where no previous focused research into the species has been conducted. The confirmation of this subpopulation indicates that there could be greater numbers of Grevy’s than previously thought, particularly since no animals were detected here in the last national census of the species (Ngene et al. 2013). An increase in numbers may signify that the conservation interventions put in place in adjacent areas are being effective. Tsavo National Park Study Site All Grevy’s zebra sighted and recorded during the Tsavo survey (please see relevant section above) have been incorporated to the Stripe ID database and in cooperation with conservation NGO’s operating in the area (David Sheldrake Wildlife Trust, Tsavo Trust and the Tsavo Elephant Project) they are being monitored and regularly re-sighted. We hope to establish a population estimate and conservation strategy for these hardy survivors in the near future. The Stripe ID project is evolving as a tool relevant to all Grevy’s zebra conservation work in Kenya. It has been adopted by all parties in the GZTC and is seen as an important part of the collaboration, and of our efforts to ensure that the species persists. We hope to be able to continue this work with the support of the EEP, and to continue improving our results and understanding of the species.

Grevy’s Zebra Collaring In March of this year a team comprising a vet from KWS, colleagues from Marwell Wildlife and also veterinary colleagues from Kolmarden Zoo undertook the latest collaring operation to deploy 10 new collars to inform regional development of the LAPSSET (Lamu Port to South Sudan Ethiopia Transport ) corridor * in the West Gate Conservancy. Despite the rough terrain, they managed to collar five Grevy’s zebra (Fig 8, 9 & 10). Another five collars were deployed in a separate operation by KWS. In addition, biological data were collected (blood samples, body measurements, stripe pattern photos, etc.) as is now routine during these activities. We were also very pleased to host vet colleague Louise Guevara from our funding partners Kolmarden Zoo, Sweden. She took part in the capturing and collaring as well as discussing the potential for developing a collaboration on Equine Herpes Virus study together with the KWS vet colleagues.

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*The LAPSSET Corridor project is a plan to develop a new transport and infrastructure corridor from the new port of Lamu through Garissa, Isiolo, Mararal, Lodwar and Lokichoggio to branch at Isiolo to Ethiopia and Southern Sudan. It will comprise a new road network, a railway line, oil refinery at Lamu, oil pipeline, Isiolo and Lamu Airports and a free port at Lamu (Manda Bay) in addition to resort cities at the coast and in Isiolo. Once completed, it will become Kenya’s second national transport corridor and will form the backbone for opening up Northern Kenya and integrating it into the national economy (http://www.vision2030.go.ke/index.php/pillars/project/macro_enablers/181). The transport corridor’s development will impact directly on the core habitats and rangelands where Grevy’s zebra are currently thriving. It would bisect the Wamba area- if not carefully adapted for animal migrations - will potentially form a physical barrier to all wildlife, separating Kenya into two manmade geographic zones. The collaring data is being used to contribute vital planning information to the developers about where concessions need to be made for wildlife to be able to cross the corridors’ route. This can be achieved either by raising the oil pipeline above ground level by several meters, or by burying it below the surface. Road and rail crossing points can also be factored in to allow Grevy’s zebra and other animals to safely cross these potentially lethal barriers.

In May 2014 the West Gate Community Conservancy (WGCC) Manager reported to Grevy’s Zebra Trust (GZT) seeing a collared Grevy’s zebra with its collar over its ears and resting on its forehead. GZT managed to locate the zebra and contacted the KWS vet Matthew Mutunda who was on site the very next day. The animal in question was captured and the collar was removed; The Grevy’s zebra had some abrasion wounds on her neck behind her jaw and on the side of her forehead. She was treated with antibiotics. Her wounds were cleaned and gauze was placed on top to protect them from flies. The collar was not deployed to another individual as it needed to be cleaned and sterilised. It also needed to be sent to Nairobi to be fitted with another strap as it seemed to be too small causing the problem in the first place. This incident showed that the monitoring of collared animals is working and any necessary intervention can take place swiftly due to the close network of partner organisations and the presence of a KWS vet on Lewa.

Fig. 8, 9 & 10: Grevy’s zebra during and after collaring © Marwell

As we said before, the collaring data are extremely useful to a wide variety of projects and national decision making. We are highly dependent on the EEP contributions to this work and are enormously grateful for the support to date. Please consider this project as a top priority in the long-term conservation of the wild, free ranging populations of the species. The hard evidence of their use of the environment, selection of habitats and resource needs is a critical factor in the wide-scale protection of their ecosystems, and cannot be replicated as efficiently by any other means.

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Disease Response Committee (DRC) The Disease Response Committee is not only responsible for producing guidelines for the prevention, early detection and management of disease in wild Grevy’s zebra populations, but has also written guidelines on supplementary feeding as ever more frequent droughts are expected across the Grevy’s zebra range

Drought Relief We did receive a request for funding of supplementary feeding from the GZTC in June. The initial alert came from the Grevy’s Zebra Trust. They reported that the situation on the ground in Samburu was extremely dire at a time when the long dry season had only just begun. There was hardly any forage left in the Wamba region (Westgate, Meibae, Kalama, Mpus Kutuk) and most livestock had migrated. There is a large concentration of Grevy’s zebra (around 200) in the reserves but the rest is dispersed. GZT scouts had noted the death of one lactating female in Meibae (though this appeared to be disease-related) and one adult male. The female had a foal of about 5 months old and this was seen to join a nearby herd of Grevy’s zebra – it was sighted several days later again with a territorial male and appeared to be in good condition. However, another foal less than 3 months old was found with no mother in the same area. The scouts monitored it but the mother did not re-appear. GZT was sending one of their staff to follow up on this. It was thought that the distance Grevy’s zebra are travelling between water and grazing is far and will start to have an impact on lactating females and foals. GZT have already done a water assessment and will be actively managing three water points but otherwise water availability is not too bad. The real issue is lack of pasture. For the first time since the formation of the DRC and the publication of the new strategy, the newly installed guidelines on supplementary feeding as issued by the DRC last year, were activated. They stipulate that the decision to intervene should be made in consultation with KWS, NRT, the National Reserves, the community conservancies and the Grevy’s Zebra Technical and Disease Response Committees. The colleagues from GZT therefore requested permission to proceed with developing a proposal for funding and to mobilise a supplementary feeding program to start in Meibae and potentially expand to other areas as the drought intensifies. During similar conditions in the year 2009 no intervention took place and there was a huge loss of Grevy’s zebra as a result. For these reasons, permission was granted and the EEP, via Marwell, was the first to receive a call for funding support. As we have reported in previous year, funding for such interventions is usually required during existing crises based on unpredictable conditions. For this reason Marwell retains an emergency fund out of EEP donations to enable us to contribute to such crises rapidly and a transfer of monies to cover the initial phase of supplementary feeding was arranged without any delay. This has bought our colleagues on the ground some time to apply for further funding from other sources.

Fig. 11 & 12: GZT scouts collecting & delivering hay for supplementary feeding in Wamba region © Marwell

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In similar situations in previous years - with the 2006 anthrax outbreak and the 2011 drought response – help was delayed as we had to apply for emergency funding from our donors and supporters first. To prevent any future delays and minimise loss of Grevy’s zebra, Marwell is now holding the above mentioned emergency funding pot. Some donations, which are not specifically earmarked and restricted to a particular project, will be held in this fund, no matter how small – so please consider your contribution vital to our readiness! This summer has shown the importance of such an emergency fund and we would like to thank you all for making this immediate response possible. Disease investigation

Our study on Babesiosis, a cooperation between Dr Elaine Hawkins and the DRC, has been submitted and accepted for publication by the Journal of Wildlife Diseases. The publication should be available for reading online this October and in print from January 2015.We will provide a full reference to you in the next studbook, next year’s donor report or on request.

Grevy’s Zebra Disease Workshop

Marwell participated in a two-day workshop on developing a Grevy’s Zebra Disease Management Strategy in July this year. The purpose of the workshop was to address the risk diseases can pose to the species and arrive at strategies to share knowledge and information regarding Grevy’s zebra disease management. The four key objectives were to:

1. Develop models and research approaches to understand the impact of disease on Grevy’s zebra population dynamics;

2. Identify Grevy’s zebra disease prevention and control measures; 3. Develop a framework for implementing disease mitigation and monitoring; and 4. Develop a long-term surveillance plan for diseases in Grevy’s zebra. It was agreed that to understand the true threat of diseases in Grevy’s zebra, we must begin to understand the impact this has on the population growth rate. Participants identified the most important disease risks facing Grevy’s zebra conservation in Kenya as:

1. Anthrax and clostridial infections 2. Tick-borne and viral infections and 3. Diarrheal diseases.

Research, surveillance and monitoring, and prevention and control measures were discussed for each of the three priority disease classes. A framework for implementing disease mitigation and monitoring were also discussed.

Recommendations included:

1. Enhanced research to understand the role of diseases on Grevy’s zebra population dynamics 2. Community livelihoods and public health; 3. Supporting and strengthening the surveillance and continuous monitoring of Grevy’s zebra

morbidity and mortalities by relevant stakeholders working with local communities; 4. Training frontline and other Grevy’s zebra monitoring personnel on biosafety and biosecurity

measures, and the recognition of diseases and reporting; 5. Strengthening laboratory diagnosis on Grevy’s zebra priority diseases; 6. Operationalising the established framework for Grevy’s zebra diseases surveillance, 7. Monitoring and research; 8. Supporting evidence-based diseases interventions in Grevy’s zebra and sympatric species; 9. Enhanced collaboration among different stakeholders in the management of diseases at the

Grevy’s zebra/domestic animals/human interface.

Marwell is centrally involved in the mitigation of disease threats in Grevy’s zebra and we hope to be in a position to both assist in times of emergency and prepare proactively for these times by contributing to the execution of these recommendations.

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Fig.13 : Grevy’s zebra on Lewa © Marwell

Professional Development Lizbeth Njeri Mate (Fig 6 & 7), the young Kenyan who works on the national stripe ID database for the GZTC, is now on the project phase of her postgraduate course of a Master of Arts in Project Planning and Management. For this she is researching ‘how conservation employment has affected Grevy’s zebra populations outside the conservancy of Lewa Downs’. After discussions with her supervisor and Zeke Davidson, it was decided to widen her thesis which was previously looking at ‘The Impact of The National Stripe ID Database Project for Grevy’s Zebra Monitoring’ as it was felt that the involvement and employment of communities for conservation activities (and this includes the gathering of stripe ID photos) will result in more relevant data. The research also dovetails nicely with that of another Master student, Enrita (see next paragraph) who is researching the subject matter from the people’s side of things. Lizbeth is working closely together with several Masters students from the Grevy’s Zebra Trust.

We reported in the previous donor report (Langenhorst and Davidson, 2013) that we were looking to provide another Kenyan national with the opportunity of a Grevy’s zebra related bursary. This covers their university fees, field cost and living expenses. We are very pleased to tell you that we have taken on one of the candidates who were short listed at the time of the last report: Enrita Naanyu Lesoloyia (Fig.14 & 15), a young teacher from the Samburu District, decided to give up her job in order to further her education and begin a career in conservation. Enrita has enrolled for a Masters degree in Environment and Community Development at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa. Her thesis will focus on “how employment in conservation can and has changed people’s lives”. As well as studying for her degree she is carrying out research into water hole usage by a variety of species (including Grevy’s zebras) in previously unstudied areas of Northern Kenya. She works closely together with scouts of the Milgis Trust under the Northern Kenya Grevy’s Zebra Project (see relevant section). As one of the very few girls to be educated in her community, Enrita’s ambition is to improve the lifestyle and living standards of her community and to become one of the first female conservationists among the Samburu people. She is a very hard working individual and has passed her first and second trimester with high marks. She recently showed her commitment to conservation education when - during a brief visit to her home village - she held a class at her old school to teach the children about Grevy’s zebra, their conservation and the importance of wildlife conservation for communities.

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Fig. Fig.14 & 15 : Enrita Lesoloyia. Teaching at her old school on

Grevy’s zebra conservation © Marwell

Lewa Research Department We’re pleased to report that four new monitoring officers have been employed by the Lewa Research Department in January this year. The first eight months of their work had been focused on training and implementing their roles as part of the research department’s development strategy. We have assisted with every aspect of this essential training period and provided both technical expertise and facilitation in the development of the department’s data collection, analysis and writing skills. Much new equipment has been purchased as well through Lewa fundraising, including three new motorcycles and a 4x4 Suzuki jeep, binoculars, GPS units and cameras. The officers have been schooled in digital data capture using Cybertracker (www.cybertracker.org) and a spatial monitoring and reporting tool (SMART) developed by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL).

The team is now in a position to provide monitoring and evaluation services to surrounding community conservancies and private ranches. As of January this year we began developing ties with Borana, Lekuruki, Leparua and Il Ngwesi Conservancies to begin providing these services. Monthly Grevy’s zebra patrols and counts have been taking place in Leparua for several months now and we hope to bring the remaining properties on stream in the final quarter of 2014.

This year the Lewa Research Department welcomed Laura Pratt, a UK student who is part of the very first cohort of students of a new degree course (MRes Wildlife Conservation) that is run by Marwell Wildlife and the University of Southampton. Laura spent 12 weeks on Lewa to study Grevy’s zebra behaviour with particular consideration for their predation by lions as this is having an ever increasing impact on the largest subpopulation of this species. Laura will submit her thesis in autumn and we will be sharing the results of her study with you next year.

The Milgis Ecosystem

Phase 1 of the Northern Kenya Grevy’s Zebra Project (NKGZP) The aim of Phase 1 of this project was to obtain data on the distribution, abundance and connectivity of Grevy’s zebra populations in southern and central Marsabit District of northern Kenya. We now know that potentially several Grevy’s zebra populations are surviving northward from the foothills of the Ndoto Mountain Ranges. The study site in the northern Ndoto Mountains and Hoar Valley borders Losai National Reserve and Marsabit National Reserve (Fig.16). The area is situated around important resources such as grazing sites and surface water sources. These resources are key for both animals and humans, especially during the dry seasons. Studying this area will provide information that will aid in the management of these sites to ensure that the Grevy’s zebra and, indeed, all other wildlife thrive here.

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It appears that Grevy’s zebra are using this area as a migratory route as they move northwards due to human population pressure and poaching in the area further south in Samburu District. It is important to understand the perceptions and attitudes of the communities living around the migratory routes as they interact with these animals and affect their access to vital food and water resources. Indeed, the future of Grevy’s zebra and other wildlife is dependent on sustainable coexistence with pastoral communities and their livestock.

Fig.16: Map showing locations of Marwell’s Northern Kenya Grevy’s Zebra Project

The project is progressing well with new information being added on a monthly basis to the

National Zebra Stripe Identification Database. Data were collected by means of remote camera trapping. Ten camera traps have been rotated between study sites at Loltepes and Anderi (Fig.16) to allow for repeat ‘capture’ events. Eight monitoring scouts who are working in teams of two deploy the cameras at wells and along known zebra movement routes. To date 1,455 images of Grevy’s zebra have been recorded in this study, representing a total of 1,045 camera trap nights. We have not yet collected sufficient data to generate a complete population estimate from capture re-capture methodology. However, we have been able to confirm the presence of small but persistent groups of Grevy’s zebra in the study area. Several individuals were detected multiple times returning to water points in the study area. This supports the idea that for a proportion of these animals, the study area is a central location in a permanent home range area. Further monitoring will develop the number of known individuals in the sample and give us population estimates. Based on initial results, the population demography of Grevy’s zebra in the study area is top heavy with adults (Fig.17). This is a common finding in wildlife populations persisting in human-dominated landscapes, and points towards a population in decline or at risk of severe depletion over the short term. Human pressures mean that foals and juveniles are compromised by the need to move greater distances between food and water resources. Water is typically close to human habitation and this means that, during daylight hours, wildlife, including Grevy’s zebra, is forced to retreat to areas well beyond the reach of human activity. Young Grevy’s zebra, and in particular those still dependent on their mother’s milk, are not as capable of making the regular migrations to water and

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so may be perishing in the process. This would also represent an increased predation risk as weakened foals and juveniles present easy targets to large carnivores such as hyena and leopard, both of which were detected in the study area.

Fig.17: The age structure of the Grevy’s zebra population

Fig.18: Grevy’s zebra moving to a water point in the Milgis area © Marwell

Sex ratios have been difficult to calculate accurately for the population so far. This is because identification of the animals is complicated by the angle of the photograph and time of day when the image is taken. It is likely that this number will decrease with time as more animals are identified and the ‘unknowns’ matched with animals whose sex has been correctly identified.

89.38%

9.73%

0.88%

Population Percentage

Adult

Juvenile

Foal

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We believe the study has provided enough evidence to support the continuation of this work in the knowledge that these populations have been able to persist, despite a lack of formal protection and low levels of community awareness prior to the project’s inception.

One of the most notable outcomes of this project so far has been the sensitisation of communities living in the northern Ndoto foothills and Hoar Valley areas to wildlife conservation. Our scouts have begun to perform useful community liaison functions, informing people about the role of the wildlife in the landscape and acting as ambassadors by promoting the value of wildlife for their family’s and community’s livelihoods. Where previously none of the scouts engaged in the project were employed and, therefore, generating regular and reliable incomes, there is now a strong positive attitude and regard toward wildlife.

The information and data collected thus far in the first phase of the Northern Kenya Grevy’s Zebra Project are shedding new and much needed light on the persistence of small populations in these areas and give rise to the hope that Grevy’s zebra could act as a flagship species for community-based conservation of wildlife in these parts. There is still good reason to believe that they can be maintained for both the survival of the species and the good of the people with whom they share the landscape.

Latakwen Clinic

We determined that a wind turbine was likely not the correct power solution for the Milgis Clinic in Latakwen as discussed in last year’s report. However, we are still intending to provide a power solution for the clinic and in the interim have solved the lighting problems with a solar light installation which provides enough light for emergency work to be carried out at night. Once we have found a more permanent solution for the power needs at Latakwen, we will re-deploy the solar lamps to the Milgis School to augment those already installed. This will improve study conditions for final year students who live at the school full time to take advantage of additional tuition and study hours.

Ethiopian Grevy’s zebra status and distribution A number of discussions are underway as to how best to assess, monitor and manage the connectivity between the Kenyan and Ethiopian Grevy populations going forward. One option is for an independent assessment of the populations to be made in partnership with Prof. Rubenstein’s research group at Princeton University (Professor Daniel Rubenstein, Director of the Department of Evolutionary Biology and Ecology). The group is planning to implement a PhD level study utilising stripe identification tools (IBES) and remote images collected by camera traps and drone aircraft. Should this go ahead, we will consider being the projects’ field based partner and hope to be able to participate in the development of a collaborative effort together with the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority (EWCA).

At present no plans have been made to travel to Ethiopia in the next 18 months, however any funds donated toward developing this collaboration will be welcomed and ring-fenced for this purpose.

Fig.19 : Grevy’s zebra in the Alledeghi Plain, Ethiopia © Marwell

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References and further reading

Hawkins, E. & R. Kock (2011). Do Grevy’s zebra (Equus grevyi) and co-grazing domestic donkey (Equus Africanus asinus) populations in the Samburu district of northern Kenya share the same tick species and are they infected by the same species of Babesia and Theileria? Unpublished report. Kenya Wildlife Service (2008). Conservation and management strategy for Grevy’s zebra (Equus grevyi) in Kenya 2007 – 2011. KWS, Nairobi, Kenya. www.kws.org/Grevy's Zebra June 2008.pdf Kenya Wildlife Service (2012). Conservation and Management Strategy for Grevy’s Zebra (Equus grevyi) in Kenya (2012 - 2016). Compiled by Grevy’s Zebra Technical Committee, Nairobi, Kenya Wildlife Service. Langenhorst, T. (2014). International studbook for Grevy’s zebra (Equus grevyi) 2013, current until 31.12.2013. Marwell Wildlife, UK. Langenhorst, T. & Z. Davidson (2013). Grevy’s Zebra Conservation 2013 Report & funding proposal prepared for supporters & members of the Grevy’s zebra EEP conservation projects. Marwell Wildlife, UK. Lelenguyah, G. L. (2012). Drought, disease and Grevy’s zebra (Equus grevyi) mortality – the Samburu people perspective. Afr. J. Ecol. 50: 371–376. Low, B., Muoria, P., Parker, G. & S. Sundaresan (2009). Report on the National Survey of Grevy’s Zebra in Kenya 24-29 November 2008. Grevy’s zebra Technical Committee, unpublished report. Low, B., Davidson, Z., Parker, G., Sundaresan, S., Fischer, M. and P. Lalampaa (2010). Reassessing the status of Grevy’s zebra (Equus grevyi), and other large mammals in the Marsabit region of northern Kenya. Unpublished report Ngene,S., Mukeka, J., Ihwagi, F., Mathenge, J., Wandera, A., Anyona, G., Tobias, N., Kawira, L., Muthuku, I., Kathiwa, J., Gacheru, P., Davidson, Z., King, J. and P. Omondi (2013): Total aerial count of elephants, Grevy’szebra and other large mammals in Laikipia-Samburu-Marsabit Ecosystem (November 2012). KWS, Nairobi. Our Grevy’s zebra conservation colleagues and partners

Marwell Wildlife works closely with Kenyan conservation partners with whom it develops joint conservation programmes. Our key partners – listed alphabetically – are described briefly below:

Disease Response Committee (DRC) The DRC is a subcommittee of the GZTC. The committee members were appointed by the Director of Kenya Wildlife Service, and include wildlife veterinarians, livestock veterinarians (Department of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Livestock Development), research institutions (University of Nairobi and Kenya Agriculture Research Institute - CVR Muguga), ecologists (KWS, NGOs such as AWF, GZT and Marwell Wildlife), and wildlife managers (KWS parks and reserves department).

Grevy’s Zebra Technical Committee (GZTC) Originally formed as the Grevy’s Zebra Working Group (GZWG) to support the national survey for Grevy’s zebra, this collaboration has since diversified into a range of Grevy’s zebra conservation activities. These include anthropological surveys, the testing of various survey methods, analysis of GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) radio collar data, and efforts towards a centralised Grevy’s zebra identification database (the National Stripe ID Database). In recognition of the key role GZWG played, Kenya Wildlife Service has requested that this working group becomes the Grevy’s Zebra Technical Committee (GZTC).

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The GZTC is a collaboration among seven organisations all committed to conserving Grevy’s zebra, including: Grevy’s Zebra Trust (GZT), Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Marwell Wildlife, University of Princeton/Denver Zoo (DZ/PU), Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT), Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), and the AWF. Marwell continues to play a key role in the coordination of this group and its activities.

Grevy’s Zebra Trust (GZT) The Grevy’s Zebra Trust (GZT) has been established to address the urgent need to conserve Grevy’s zebra in the community rangelands of Ethiopia and Kenya. GZT was tasked with implementing the national survey of Grevy’s zebra in 2008, and has become an integral part of the GZTC.

Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) The KWS is the country’s statutory wildlife body and is ultimately responsible for the conservation of Grevy’s zebra. In partnership with KWS, Marwell Wildlife and the EEP have contributed significantly to the development of the national Grevy’s Zebra Conservation Strategy.

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy (Lewa or LWC) The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy holds some 20 percent of the world’s remaining free-ranging Grevy’s zebra and hosts a dynamic research programme. Marwell continues to support Grevy’s zebra monitoring and research within Lewa, and many of the projects planned by the GZTC will be carried out in collaboration with the Lewa Research Department (LRD).

Milgis Trust The Milgis Trust is a non-profit organisation founded by wildlife conservationist and safari guide Helen Douglas-Dufresne and her partner Peter Ilsley to sustain the wildlife, habitat and the pastoral peoples’ way of life in northern Kenya. In January 2010 the Trust approached Marwell with a request to establish wildlife monitoring within the Milgis ecosystem and to assist with processing and analysing a backlog of wildlife data. As this area is ideal Grevy’s zebra habitat, we jumped at the chance to work with this dynamic, dedicated and intensely passionate team.

Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT) NRT supports the development of community conservancies. Marwell has partnered with NRT to implement a programme of training and capacity building to strengthen wildlife management within all member-community conservancies. In addition, it has co-developed a system for wildlife and vegetation monitoring which is being introduced to a selection of conservancies.

University of Princeton/Denver Zoo (DZ/PU) Our association with DZ and PU are coordinated through the GZTC, as they are represented on this committee. Both institutions have collaborated on a number of recent Grevy’s zebra conservation activities. These include the survey of northern Kenya, the collaring project, supplying six radio collars, and the stripe ID project, which is hosted at Mpala Research Centre in Laikipia thanks to Princeton’s close association there.

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B. Proposed Activities for 2014 - 2015

As you may note from the report above, Marwell has been consolidating the focus of work in Kenya based on long term activities that will produce the most effective results for the conservation of the remaining Grevy’s zebra population. In order to achieve the most with the funds we do raise through the EEP, we have tried to limit spending in new areas and rather fortified our efforts in our core activities of monitoring, evaluation, education and emergency conservation response. Our students are progressing well and all efforts are being made to ensure that each new student project contributes directly to these objectives. This does not mean that our efforts have not expanded, however. Within these long term projects we have covered much new ground and been successful in raising funds to ensure the ongoing development of existing projects, studentships and collaborations. Several outstanding examples of this are available in the work of Lizbeth Mate and Enrita Lesoloyia, working to demonstrate how their database and project management work are impacting Grevy’s zebra conservation through community participation in monitoring and evaluation. Next year we hope that George Anyona's work will develop this approach to the next level and build on the work of the collaring project, the NKGZP and the Stripe ID project combined. To keep up the momentum in all of these initiatives we present here a list of the projected funds we will need to maintain our, and the EEP’s, contribution to the conservation of the Grevy’s zebra in Kenya. 1. Grevy’s Zebra Collaring Our collaring efforts in 2013 have been unanimously successful. We deployed 5 new collars in the Leparua conservancy, and 5 in Westgate Community Conservancy. These were further bolstered by an additional 5 collars contributed to the Leparua study by Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in December 2013. We have already seen some very interesting movements over the dry and wet seasons. The objective here was to try and see how the populations in Laikipia and Samburu counties were connected. To date, the data have not revealed any migration between these populations but we are still receiving important findings about areas of Grevy habitat previously unstudied.

The use of fixed wing aircraft and ground teams was essential and we are very grateful for the support we received to enable this. Once again, our main funding requirement will be for the cost of deploying the collars. We will also need to retrieve a number of collars from our Laisamis study site as their battery life is now coming to an end. We would like to re-collar these individuals; however, this may be difficult owing to terrain and to the need for a helicopter which is an exorbitant cost.

Outputs

Budgets for the capture of study animals and the deployment of collars

Fine-scale monitoring data Conservation impact The project enables us to determine the importance of key resources (water, vegetation) and critical seasonal ranges for the entire Grevy’s zebra population. The data generated by this project underpin crucial conservation decisions at a national level. Furthermore, samples collected from the immobilised animals during collaring are being used to study disease epidemiology, genetic fitness, and relatedness among other issues. It is vital that we maintain this important work.

1. Grevy’s Zebra Collaring £

5 x GSM GPRS radio collars (£1200.00 ea) 6,000.00

Flying time (10 hours @ £220/hour) 2,200.00

2 x Zebra capture and immobilisation operations 2,400.00

10,600.00

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2. National Photo ID Database for Grevy’s Zebra As reported above, new areas continue to be included in the data collection through the collaborative efforts of the GZTC and our efforts in Tsavo, Ol Pejeta and other areas. Grevy’s zebra conservation relies on this tool and the support of the EEP to ensure it is maintained and developed as it has been over the past four years. As we enter the crucial phase of consolidating this dataset, cleaning out duplicates and preparing the data for robust population estimates we are more aware than ever of this reliance. This function needs to be maintained and so, together with the collaring project, we prioritise this project for 2014-2015 as a core Grevy’s zebra conservation activity. Outputs

Maintenance of the Stripe ID database

Contributions to the National Conservation of Wildlife in Kenya

Analysis of movement patterns in conjunction with collar data

Improved GIS model of linkages between sub-populations and preferred habitats

Population census data

Revision of the species range map

Publication of reports and peer reviewed papers on the biogeography of Grevy’s zebra Conservation impact The Stripe ID database is a cost-effective means of monitoring movement, distribution and abundance of Grevy’s zebra. In time we anticipate that it may suffice as the main tool for population status determination and possibly become more useful than aerial counts owing to their cost, variability, and logistical challenges. We anticipate that our database manager will graduate with her MSc. degree this year, and with this qualification will become more versatile in our operations. We hope to expand her role to include several project management functions across the Grevy’s zebra conservation activities being undertaken. With this new responsibility and increased functionality will come a need to increase her stipend and travel budgets. Lizbeth has been a pivotal part of this project, and our Kenyan team for the past four years and we would be at a significant loss without her skills.

2. National Photo ID Database for Grevy’s Zebra £

Travel and subsistence to allow multi partner facilitation 2,000.00

Database (project) manager at £900/month, over 12 months (2015) 11,000.00

13,000.00 3. George Anyona - MSc. Support As the Grevy’s Zebra Liaison Officer, George Anonya is a dedicated and hard working officer in the KWS. His efforts to improve his education and ability to contribute meaningfully to conservation work are self motivated and have been largely self funded to date. He has received partial financial assistance from KWS in 2013; however he has also had to supplement these funds significantly from his own means as a junior officer in the KWS system. Not an easy task. His studies are tightly focused on conservation and demonstrate a commitment to a long term career in wildlife conservation and management. We anticipate that with the right circumstances George will be working alongside us in his career for many years to come. An invaluable relationship which has started at the level of hands on field work, as opposed to desk based administration. George has a personal and physical understanding of the threats facing the Grevy’s zebra, and has been instrumental in authoring the national conservation strategy for the species. Support for George’s MSc. translates not only into the development of an outstanding individual’s education and career potential, but also into a long term investment in the conservation of Grevy’s zebra and other wildlife in Kenya. Marwell sincerely hope to be in a position to assist George in his studies as they are key to our own project objectives, as his project is based on our NKGZP, and embedded within the National Conservation Strategy.

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Outputs

Movement corridor mapping

Resource mapping

Human impact (footprint) mapping

Population monitoring and evaluation

Development of community based monitoring and conservation in South Hoar area

MSc. Dissertation

Reports and papers published Conservation impact The MSc. level study will augment efforts for Grevy’s zebra conservation in the South Hoar area as part of the NKGZP. The collection of fine scale movement data for this population will represent the first detailed study of wildlife movement in the area and secure the population as part of the monitored Grevy’s zebra population in Kenya, thus providing it with conservation status and protection from governmental standards. Community participation will ensure ownership, scalability and legacy for the conservation of Grevy’s zebra in this area.

3. George Anyona - MSc. Support £

University fees (1,500 per year) 1,500.00

Batteries 300.00

Laptop computer 900.00

Vehicle running & Maintenance 1,600.00

Stipend facilitation during field work 600.00

4,900.00 4. GZLO - Grevy’s Zebra Liaison Office Marwell is committed to maintaining KWS’s functionality in the Liaison Office for a number of reasons:, one of these is the fact that it has been influential in the national co-ordination of all species conservation programmes at KWS, since the model was replicated across all species offices, from Elephant to Large Carnivores, Giraffe and other antelope. The GZLO lead the field in establishing standards for the facilitation and, management of both state and NGO conservation activities for Kenya. Marwell, together with the assistance of the EEP is centrally responsible for making this happen, and as such we are committed to ensuring its future as a model for species management. While KWS has been quick to adopt the model of a conservation liaison office, and to incorporate these within the KWS organisational structure, they have been unable to sustain funding for the positions over the long term. The office was established in 2009, and incorporated into KWS in 2011. KWS still support the salary and station costs (Office), of the position but have been unsuccessful in maintaining any operational budgets for the officer to execute his duties off station and in the field. The GZLO is based in Nyeri, a town on the boundary of the Laikipia Plateau, and within the natural range of the Grevy’s zebra. However, the officer is required to make regular trips to Nairobi for administrative reasons and to facilitate the Grevy’s Zebra Technical Committee and Disease Response Committee. The officer is also needed in the field, in the north of Kenya for collaring, supplementary feeding, community liaison, and conservation planning and management activities. Without an operational budget the GZLO is tied to his desk and ineffective. Outputs

Multi-level GZTC Partner Liaison

GZTC co-ordination

GZTC WHIP

National strategy steering capacity

KWS oversight and permissions for field conservation activities

Minutes and action itemisation for all GZTC and DRC meetings

Document drafting, circulation and review co-ordination

Activity Reports

Funding Reports

Donor development and facilitation

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Conservation impact Facilitation of the operation of the GZTC, the formation of National Conservation Strategy in Kenya and Ethiopia, the development of a Disease Response Committee pursuant to a National Disease Response Strategy and the development of facilities, systems and guidelines for species conservation.

4. GZLO - Grevy’s Zebra Liaison Office per annum £

Local Travel & Accommodation 1,680.00

Purchase of Stationery 240.00

Vehicle Running Expenses 1,260.00

Workshops, meetings & Conference 560.00

Mobile Phone airtime 120.00

3,860.00 5. National Census of Grevy’s Zebra in Samburu and Marsabit Counties Since 2008 Marwell has been a facilitating partner in the execution of a national aerial census of Grevy’s zebra in Kenya. We have provided funding via the EEP and other sources for aviation fuel, participated in counting crews, delivered training for counting techniques and brought in external experts for improved and updated methodologies, assisted with data processing training and the implementation of automated database archiving tools and field vehicles and logistical support for simultaneous ground counts. The triennial national census is the only wide scale total count of the species undertaken and serves as the guiding population estimation technique for the species status and conservation effort globally. Despite the variation and other challenges associated with aerial census techniques, we believe this is an important tool in the management and conservation of the species as it provides the only trend data available for long term monitoring and evaluation of the species in its wild habitats. Aerial census is an expensive undertaking and requires manpower, large scale logistics and heavy consumable expenses. The budget listing below represents a full cost estimate, however, it is by no means inflexible. Donors can make part contributions to any aspect of the survey and we welcome any amount as every donation is essential to making this happen. Outputs

Determine population status and distribution of Grevy’s zebra

Identify trends in the Grevy’s zebra populations by locations

Establish a baseline for Grevy's zebra for future surveys in Kenya Conservation impact The survey provides a benchmark report detailing the total count for Grevy’s zebra, other large mammals and human and livestock presence in Laikipia, Samburu and Marsabit counties. There is a special focus on Grevy’s zebra. The report will include properly tabulated and mapped numerical and distributional data for all species counted and show a clear distinction between inside and outside of protected areas. Flight paths, dates and times flown will also be shown, allowing effort to be comparable with previous years and trend information to be established.

5. National Census of Grevy’s Zebra £

Aviation Fuel 40,000.00

Fuel transportation 1,100.00

Vehicle running & Maintenance 1,400.00

Hotel Accommodation 3,500.00

Conference facility/ Tea& Snacks 2,400.00

Report writing 1,500.00

Stationery 1,000.00

50,900.00

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Summary of funding proposal Grevy’s zebra conservation 2014/15

1. Grevy’s Zebra Collaring £

5 x GSM GPRS radio collars (£1200.00 ea) 6,000.00

Flying time (10 hours @ £220/hour) 2,200.00

2 x Zebra capture and immobilisation operations 2,400.00

10,600.00

2. National Photo ID Database for Grevy’s Zebra £

Travel and subsistence to allow multi partner facilitation 2,000.00

Database (project) manager at £900/month, over 12 months (2015) 11,000.00

13,000.00

3. George Anyona - MSc. Support £

University fees (1,500 per year) 1,500.00

Batteries 300.00

Laptop computer 900.00

Vehicle running & Maintenance 1,600.00

Stipend facilitation during field work 600.00

4,900.00

4. GZLO - Grevy’s Zebra Liaison Office per annum £

Local Travel & Accommodation 1,680.00

Purchase of Stationery 240.00

Vehicle Running Expenses 1,260.00

Workshops, meetings & Conference 560.00

Mobile Phone airtime 120.00

3,860.00

5. National Census of Grevy’s Zebra £

Aviation Fuel 40,000.00

Fuel transportation 1,100.00

Vehicle running & Maintenance 1,400.00

Hotel Accommodation 3,500.00

Conference facility/ Tea& Snacks 2,400.00

Report writing 1,500.00

Stationery 1,000.00

50,900.00

OVERALL TOTAL 83,260.00