Author Archives: beaty limo

Why Giraffes Have Such Long Necks

Posted on by

Why Giraffes Have Such Long Necks.

By Duncan Oduor

Soysambu Conservancy Research Centre

Giraffes are generally said to have evolved to enable them eat high leaves that their rivals could not reach (enable them to eat hard-to-reach food). The evidence supporting this theory is weak.Studies have shown that giraffes in most part of Africa rarely browse the tips of trees even when lower leaves are scarce.

Another theory does with sexual selection. Giraffes’ necks begin to grow and once they reach certain length, males begin to use them as weapons. The animals compete for female favors(Dominancy). The male ones thwacking(Necking) each other’s ribs and legs with their heads, which are reinforced with horn-like growth called ossiccones. Male Giraffes’ with longest necks deliver hardest blow. This theory does not explain why females also have long necks but not long as males.

 

MALE NECKINGNECKING MALES

rothschild giraffe now endangered

Posted on by

Giraffe and bird species in danger

By Nation Reporter

Posted Thursday, August 12 2010 at 21:00

Some species of bird and giraffe are on the brink of extinction unless urgent measures are taken to conserve them.

Scientists working in Kenya said the Sokoke Scops Owl, a small member of the species, faces extinction in East Africa due to illegal logging in indigenous forests in the Coastal and North East Tanzania.

Dr Munir Virani of The Peregrine Fund and the National Museums of Kenya found an estimated 1,025 pairs during his study in the early 1990s, and during this recent study, he and his colleague’s estimated only 800 pairs.

“The Sokoke Scops Owl is considered a flagship of the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest and is an indicator of the health of the forest” Dr Virani said.

The Rothschild’s giraffe is the latest African mammal to be declared “endangered” by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

There are nine recognised giraffe sub-species and the Rothschild’s is the second most endangered, with less than 670 remaining in the wild, says Kenya Wildlife Service.

The situation in Soysambu Conservancy

Out of the remaining 670 rothschild giraffes the Soysambu conservancy has a population estimate of 70,currently most of the adult females have young ones ranging five months to 2 years old.This is an indication of a healthy population and quick measures should be put in place to help conserve them.We are infact optimistic that one of the females is  calving soon,the was reported by one of the researchers who is currently taking her studies on the same.We are welcoming more students,consevationists,stakeholders and donors who have interest in helping Soysambu conservancy and the world to improve their population.Enough data has to be collected and analyzed for mitigation measures. 

Rothschild Giraffe Now An Endangered Species.

Posted on by

Giraffe and bird species in danger

By Nation Reporter

Posted Thursday, August 12 2010 at 21:00

Some species of bird and giraffe are on the brink of extinction unless urgent measures are taken to conserve them.

Scientists working in Kenya said the Sokoke Scops Owl, a small member of the species, faces extinction in East Africa due to illegal logging in indigenous forests in the Coastal and North East Tanzania.

Dr Munir Virani of The Peregrine Fund and the National Museums of Kenya found an estimated 1,025 pairs during his study in the early 1990s, and during this recent study, he and his colleague’s estimated only 800 pairs.

“The Sokoke Scops Owl is considered a flagship of the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest and is an indicator of the health of the forest” Dr Virani said.

The Rothschild’s giraffe is the latest African mammal to be declared “endangered” by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

There are nine recognised giraffe sub-species and the Rothschild’s is the second most endangered, with less than 670 remaining in the wild, says Kenya Wildlife Service.

 Situation in Soysambu Conservancy

By Duncan Oduor and Beatrice Limo

Out of the remaining 670 rothschild giraffes the Soysambu conservancy has a population estimate of 70,currently most of the adult females have young ones ranging five months to 2 years old.This is an indication of a healthy population and quick measures should be put in place to help conserve them.We are infact optimistic that one of the females is  calving soon,this was reported by one of the researchers :Zoe Muller who is currently taking her studies on the same.We are welcoming more students,consevationists,stakeholders and donors who have interest in helping Soysambu conservancy and the world to improve their population.Enough data has to be collected and analysed  for mitigation measures.

conservation of giraffe,rothschild giraffe in soysambu.

Rothschild giraffe in Soysambu Conservancy.

Invasive plant (Cactus Plant)

Posted on by

Invasive plant

Cactus plant is in the family: Cactaceae, it originates from Mexico. It grows like a tree. The plant has succulent stem while the leaves are spined hence adapted to extremely arid or semi arid conditions. The spines prevent it from being eaten (humans know how to go about nature) and reduces rate of transpiration. They can be used as ornamental plants as some produce beautiful red flowers and their fruits are edible.

The cactus plantation is coming up very quickly and it is taking over the grazing fields creating competition for pasture thus posing risks to both wildlife and livestock (a population of approximately 17,000) during dry seasons.

The cactus fruits are green and turn yellow when ripe. One has to put in mind that everything that glitters is not gold, the fruits have small spines if not handled with care they are pricky and painful. Christine one of my cousin had never seen this plant before when she saw the ripe fruits, she couldn’t help picking them afterwards she couldn’t close her mouth which was full of spines ha! ha! ha!…….aaaaaaaa.

May be your suggestion on how to control /eradicate this invasive plant will be of great help to Soysambu. Any suggestions are welcome.

LAKE ELMENTEITA SERENA CAMP

Posted on by

The Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp luxury Tented Camp construction commenced in April and is scheduled for opening in December 2010.
As the construction is coming up, you can imagine the magnificence of the Camp when it will be completed. Talking to one of the engineers the plans they have, makes me dream rather wish of spending just a night in the Camp. My imagination tells me it will be a small paradise on earth.

The Camp is located along the shores of Lake Elmenteita which hosts the beautiful Lesser and Greater Flamingos and the Breeding site of the Pelican and other water fowls As you sit back and relax, you can see the beautiful sceneries and its reflection in the lake that nature offers.

It’s approximately 120km from Nairobi and 25 km from Nakuru. The Soysambu Conservancy is centrally located as tourists can easily access the Central, Mountain, Eastern tourist circuits and the Mara.

The Serena’s will be exclusively offer their customers the best services and nature will ensure you relax and forget all your sorrows, fears and stress. I hope the moment you leave this place you will be a new you, ready to face the future with courage and confidence.