Nakuprat-Gotu Community Conservancy is a 393 km² (39,300 hectares) conservancy located in Isiolo County, Kenya. It was formally registered in 2010 and later became a not-for-profit company in 2014.
Location and Community:
- Situated in Isiolo County.
- Home to approximately 15,000 semi-nomadic pastoralists, primarily from the Turkana and Borana communities.
- The conservancy was founded through the collaborative efforts of leaders from both the Turkana and Borana communities in the Ngare Mara and Gotu locations.
Conservation Significance:
- Acts as a crucial wildlife buffer area for the neighboring Sera Conservancy, Shaba National Reserve, Samburu National Reserve, and Buffalo Springs National Reserve.
- Designated as a critical wildlife dispersal area, offering significant opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Wildlife:
The conservancy is home to diverse wildlife, including:
- Elephants
- Giraffes
- Beisa Oryx: The eastern flank of the conservancy supports one of the largest remaining herds in Kenya. Focused conservation efforts are in place to protect this endangered species, including anti-poaching patrols and community awareness programs. Aerial counts have shown an increase in the Oryx population due to these efforts.
- Lions
- A variety of bird species, including the Sandgrouse.
Conservation Efforts and Community Impact:
- The conservancy implements a management and community development plan developed through a participatory process.
- Employs a security force of rangers for daily patrols.
- Focuses on sustainable grazing methods, combining traditional practices with modern techniques to combat drought and rehabilitate rangelands.
- Addresses human-wildlife conflict.
- Runs awareness programs in schools, emphasizing sustainable land management and the importance of Beisa Oryx conservation.
- Supports alternative revenue streams for charcoal sellers and hunters through vocational training programs.
- Improves water availability for livestock, people, and wildlife.
- Works towards peaceful coexistence between the Turkana and Borana tribes.
Tourism:
- Nakuprat-Gotu offers opportunities for wildlife viewing in a less crowded setting.
- Points of interest include the diverse flora along the Ngare Mara River, Gotu Falls, Akunoit Forests, Boji Dera Springs and Campsite, Simpirre Camp, and the Magado Crater.
- Camping is possible within the conservancy. Budget accommodation is available at Camp Simpirre in Gotu.
The Nakuprat-Gotu Community Conservancy is a vital area for wildlife conservation and a testament to the power of inter-community cooperation in protecting natural resources and improving livelihoods.
