May, 1, 2025. Our 2024 Annual Biodiversity Monitoring Report is Out!
This report highlights a year of both progress and pressing challenges across member conservancies which remain vital strongholds for wildlife.
From leveraging cutting-edge technology to confronting the realities of poaching, human-wildlife conflicts, and habitat degradation, the report offers a compelling narrative of resilience, collaboration, and impact-driven conservation.
Harnessing Technology for Conservation
At the core of the report is the effective use of the Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) in conservancies such as Mgeno, Maungu, Taita, Lumo, Dawida Ranch, Kasigau, and Mbale Ranch.
SMART has become synonymous with data-driven decision making, enabling managers to monitor wildlife sightings and analyze pressing threats. Choke Wildlife Conservancy, and other conservancies, meanwhile, have adopted Earth Ranger, further expanding their technological capabilities.
These tools have transformed conservation, allowing rangers to tackle poaching, human-wildlife conflicts, and wildlife mortality with precision. Whether identifying hotspots or planning patrols, these technologies are equipping teams with the insights necessary to safeguard biodiversity.
Emerging Threats
Despite technological progress, 2024 saw a rise in human-wildlife conflicts, especially livestock predation. Bushmeat poaching also increased, fueled by prolonged drought that left communities facing food insecurity and economic hardship.
Habitat degradation was notable, with 104 recorded cases of illegal logging, charcoal burning, and unauthorized grazing.
The report underscores the worrying frequency of fire outbreaks, with Mgeno Wildlife Conservancy experiencing six incidents in Q3 that destroyed approximately 20 acres of land. Similarly, Lumo Community Wildlife Conservancy faced a major fire in Q4, burning over 30 acres.
Other conservancies like Choke, Taita, and Kasigau also grappled with fire incidents, many linked to human activities.
These disruptions highlight the urgent need for proactive measures to prevent further habitat loss.
Collaboration in Action
Amid challenges, the report shines a light on inspiring moments of teamwork and community engagement. Rangers joined forces with local communities and neighboring conservancy teams to combat fire outbreaks, demonstrating the power of collective action in addressing conservation crises.
With capacity building and training of more rangers on advanced techniques in biodiversity monitoring and reporting, data verification, and ecological monitoring, we have strengthened data management and conservation planning across the Tsavo Landscape.
Looking Ahead
While technological advancements and collaborative efforts have bolstered conservation initiatives, persistent threats like poaching, habitat degradation, and human-induced fires demand ongoing vigilance.
The report emphasizes the need for continued investment in technology, ranger training, and community engagement to address these threats.
It also reaffirms TTWCA’s commitment to collaborative, data-driven conservation that protects Tsavo’s rich biodiversity for future generations.
Click the button below to access the report!