Borana Conservancy comprises 32,000 acres of arid grassland in Kenya’s Laikipia region. The conservancy started life as a cattle ranch. Borana was converted into wildlife havens and eco-tourism lodges throughout the 20th century. It is near Ol Jogi, Solio Game Reserve, and Ol Pejeta, all famous for their rhinos. Its closest neighbour, however, is Lewa, which, since the 1980s, has continued to protect a thriving black rhino population.
In 2013, the dividing fence between Lewa and Borana was taken down to open up a combined 94,000-acre new sanctuary. This was aimed at connecting the neighbouring ecosystems and providing enough space to ensure Kenya’s rhino population can continue to grow. This was a huge undertaking, made all the more worthwhile when, soon after the rhinos had settled into their new surroundings, a new rhino calf was born.
Cattle are important to local communities dependent on livestock for the local economy. Grazing land is in short supply, and tensions amongst ethnic and political groups can cause problems. Borana is one of many wildlife havens that actively works with neighbouring communities. The conservancy allows managed grazing within the Conservancy, thus generating income for the herders and a small share in profits from livestock sales for Borana. At the same time, the cattle dung enriches the grassland for all species.
Like all rhino conservation projects, the team at Borana has to manage and monitor the population and provide veterinary care if a rhino or calf is sick or injured. And, to counter the threat of poaching, they need to invest in security, including rangers. Borana works closely with its neighbour, Lewa Conservancy, on anti-poaching issues.
Borana’s rangers receive annual training alongside Lewa’s rangers, this includes military tactics as well as first aid and other field-craft techniques that will not only lead to anti-poaching successes but will also greatly enhance their safety and welfare.
