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Some call it a green hell: As the invasive cactus species Opuntia engelmannii spreads in Kenya, it covers everything. It spreads across the plain and outcompetes native plants. Formerly diverse habitats are now nothing but cacti.

The last two weeks have seen worldwide coverage of the black leopards recorded on San Diego Zoo Global remote cameras in Laikipia, and has resulted in intense interest in the sighting and science behind it.

Researchers from San Diego Zoo Global have been using camera traps at Loisaba Conservancy and neighbouring properties in order to understand population dynamics of leopards, and the mechanisms that drive human-wildlife conflict to assess the efficacy of management decisions aimed at mitigating conflict. We are very excited to hear that thesecamera traps have captured rare footage of melanistic leopards, otherwise knownas black panthers!

Huge influxes of cattle during the drought in 2017 meant that many of the African wild dogs in Laikipia were wiped out by canine distemper virus (CDV) spread from the herdsmen’s domestic dogs. However, after nearly a year of no sightings, staff at the Loisaba Star Beds were excited to hear the unique calls of a pack of wild dogs on Monday!

Loisaba Conservancy is a hub for applied conservation research in the north Kenya landscape.  

Last week, our brilliant security Manager Daniel Yiankere was invited to KWS Headquarters in Nairobi to celebrate #worldrangerday in recognition of being one of the 50 rangers to have won an award in the 2018 African Ranger Awards by Paradise International Foundation.

Since October, 144 students and 24 teachers from our surrounding communities have attended conservation education days at Loisaba’s Conservation Centre. These days aim to connect those children living alongside wildlife with the conservation projects that are ongoing at Loisaba.

In May, Loisaba Conservancy hosted a ‘Fly In’ organised by the Aero Club of East Africa, an event normally held once every two years.

Current estimates are that over the past 20 years the reticulated giraffe population has declined by over 70%, from 36,000 to less than 9,000 today. It is thought the main drivers behind the decline are habitat loss and fragmentation, land degradation, and poaching. However, relatively little is known about reticulated giraffe movements, or their ecology.

Land Connected; Life Protected Migration is an essential element in sustaining viable wildlife populations. Today, many of Kenya’s wildlife populations exist in isolation, having been separated completely by increasing human populations and infrastructure development. Wildlife corridors are critical in connecting habitats, protecting life and maintaining diversity.

Tracker dogs are one of the most effective tools for wildlife security, often deterring poachers from even entering an area. Over the years our two bloodhounds Warrior and Machine have proved invaluable to Loisaba’s security team.

Lion Landscapes' #collaringforcoexistence program tests boma alarm stations to deter lions from livestock, aiming to protect both lions and livelihoods in Laikipia.

In February, a rare leopard congregation occurred at Loisaba, with 5 leopards sharing a kill, showing their capacity for sociality.

Peter Ekidor, a Loisaba guide, blends conservation with tourism, promoting wildlife education, sustainable land use, and youth involvement.

Paul Wachira supports neighboring communities around Loisaba with healthcare, education, and rangeland management.

The first #Lionlandsapes #collaringforcoexistence collars were deployed last month on Loisaba Conservancy and Sosian Ranch.

Onyango Stanley Omondi, a Loisaba Community Conservation Foundation scholarship student, came 10th in Nationwide Examinations.

Loisaba Conservancy opens a new Conservation centre raising awareness of challenges facing Elephants and Giraffes .

Morijo Primary celebrated new desks & books from SDZG! A joyful day of speeches, dancing & hope, plus updates on giraffe & leopard research

Human-leopard conflict is real at Loisaba. Research blends community insight with conservation to protect both people and leopards.