Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy

Last updated
Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy
LocationNanyuki, Kenya
Created2004
Owner Humphrey Kariuki [1]
mountkenyawildlifeconservancy.org

Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy, abbreviated to MKWC is a non-profit trust dedicated to preserving the environment and the wildlife within.

The Conservancy is located in Nanyuki, a UN World Heritage Site, and an important and rich biodiverse area. It is home to 28 different animal species, with a population of roughly 1,200 different animals. [2] Humphrey Kariuki is the owner and principal patron of MKWC. [3]

The Conservancy's three main programmes include a breeding and rewilding project for the critically endangered Mountain Bongo antelope, an animal orphanage, and a conservation education programme.

As poaching increased in the 1950s and 60s, a reserve was setup to protect orphaned animals, which today has evolved into MKWC. [3] It has become essential in the fight to protect and increase the numbers of wild Mountain Bongo, a critically endangered species; [4]   Working with the Kenya Government Kenya Wildlife Service National Mountain Bongo Recovery and Action Plan 2019 – 2023.

Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy is a member of IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature  – one of only 13 Kenyan conservancies to be granted this status.

Many other animals are also located at the conservancy which allows for the reintroduction of animals. [5] In November 2023, giraffes were reintroduced to Mount Kenya for the first time in 40 years. [6]

See also

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References

  1. "Milestone in mountain bongo conservation efforts". nation.africa. Retrieved November 21, 2024.
  2. Digital (2023-12-05). "Kenya Space Agency, Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy collaborate to intensify wildlife conservation efforts". Kenya Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 2024-02-16.
  3. 1 2 Nsehe, Mfonobong. "Meet Humphrey Kariuki, The Kenyan Multi-Millionaire Preserving Endangered Animal Species". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-02-16.
  4. Muiruri, Peter (2022-03-15). "Hope for Kenya's mountain bongos as five released into sanctuary". The Guardian. ISSN   0261-3077 . Retrieved 2024-02-16.
  5. "5 More Critically Endangered Mountain Bongos Released Into The Wild In Kenya's Successful Bongo Breeding And Rewilding Programme". www.africa.com. 2022-12-03. Retrieved 2024-02-16.
  6. Digital (2023-11-07). "Giraffes reintroduced to Mount Kenya conservancy after 40 years". Kenya Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 2024-02-16.