predator-free sanctuary with less competition
from other grazers. Eventually,
when numbers grow, the roans can be
released into Ruma and other former
ranges, like the Maasai Mara National
Reserve.
To eliminate poaching, footpaths into
the park must be closed and cars using
the public road should be inspected.
There needs to be routine monitoring
and maintenance of the park’s electric
fence.
The park also needs intensive
de-snaring operations, and intelligence
networks need to be developed
to put an end to poaching. Camera
traps would be a useful resource.
To make the habitat more hospitable
for the roan, the Kenya wildlife service
needs to construct and rehabilitate
small reservoirs that catch surface runoff
water.
For good water supply, more must be
done to protect existing springs and
catchment areas from human degradation.
This water can then be pumped to
water troughs during the long dry season.
The park also needs a comprehensive
fire management plan and plan that
combats invasive species - such as Mauritius
thorn, Datura stramonium and Eucalyptus
fiscifolia - to protect the roan’s
grazing areas.
Vets should be brought in to diagnose
and treat sick animals.
Another step is to find ways for nearby
communities to generate income from
nature conservation activities such as
wildlife photography, bird-watching and
tour-guiding. This will help support the
long-term survival of the animals.
Kenya has a plan to protect the roan
antelope. Is it too late?
No, it is not too late. The roan population
was only 22 individuals in 1995 and
they’ve managed to grow and survive.
In South Africa, intensive management
of roans increased the population at a
rate of 20% per year.
I’ve modelled that a population of 43
roans could reach over 550 roans in 45
years if a 32 km 2 intensively managed
predator-free sanctuary is established in
Ruma National Park.
This would be coupled with re-stocking
roan groups from other countries, eliminating
poaching and predation, improving
habitat and increasing the human
resources to protect them.
Figure 1: Kenya has
Cathy Withers-Clark
Grassroots Vol 20 No 2 June 2020