Lekurruki Conservancy is a community-managed wildlife sanctuary situated in northern Kenya, on the eastern edge of the Laikipia Plateau. It’s located in Sieku location, Mukogodo Division, Laikipia North Constituency within Laikipia County.
Here’s a summary of key information about the Lekurruki Conservancy:
- Location: Northern Laikipia County, bordering the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy to the south and near other conservancies like Ol Donyiro and Il Ngwesi. It’s part of the greater Ewaso ecosystem.
- Size: Approximately 7,500.5 hectares (around 75 square kilometers or over 29,500 acres). Some sources mention a larger Lekurruki Group Ranch of around 15,872 hectares, with a core conservation area of 2,135 hectares and a buffer zone.
- Establishment: Established in 1999 and registered under the Land (Group Representatives) Act, it’s a significant community-led conservation effort.
- Governance: Owned and managed by the local Yaaku Maasai community.
- Conservation Focus: The conservancy aims to harmonize environmental stewardship with the well-being of the local communities. This includes:
- Protecting diverse ecosystems and endangered species.
- Restoring vital wildlife habitats.
- Implementing anti-poaching measures through community-led patrols.
- Promoting sustainable land use by integrating livestock grazing plans with wildlife corridors.
- Wildlife: Lekurruki is an important wildlife corridor and home to a variety of species, including:
- Elephants
- Giraffes
- Lions
- Grevy’s zebras
- Common zebras
- Elands
- Lesser and greater kudus
- Leopards
- Cheetahs
- Wild dogs
- Buffaloes
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- Warthogs
- A diverse array of bird species.
- Community Impact: Revenue from ecotourism initiatives, primarily through Tassia Community Lodge, directly supports conservation projects and community development, including education and healthcare for around 820 local families. The lodge employs a significant number of staff from the local Lekurruki Group Ranch.
- Tourism: Tassia Community Lodge is the main eco-lodge within the conservancy, offering an exclusive and off-the-grid experience with stunning views. Activities include game drives, guided walks, cultural visits, and bird watching.
- Unique Features: The conservancy is nestled within an important wildlife corridor and showcases a model of progressive conservation that blends traditional knowledge with modern conservation strategies.
The Lekurruki Conservancy stands as a testament to the resilience and commitment of local communities to coexist harmoniously with nature while striving for sustainable development.
