Nasuulu Community Conservancy is a 35 km² conservancy located in Isiolo County, Kenya. It holds a strategic position between the Buffalo Springs National Reserve and the Samburu National Reserve, forming a crucial part of the greater Laikipia ecosystem. Established in 2012, Nasuulu is one of the younger conservancies supported by the Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT).
Location and Size:
- Location: Isiolo County, strategically situated between Buffalo Springs and Samburu National Reserves. Part of the greater Laikipia Ecosystem.
- Size: Approximately 35 km² (some sources indicate 34,568 hectares).
Conservation Focus:
- Nasuulu serves as a vital buffer zone for wildlife moving in and out of the Buffalo Springs National Reserve.
- The conservancy aims to promote the peaceful coexistence of local people and wildlife.
- A key focus is the protection of the Grevy’s zebra, which has a significant population in this area. The conservancy also provides refuge for notable numbers of elephants and various large herbivores.
- Nasuulu is actively involved in rangeland restoration through the Northern Kenya Rangelands Carbon Project, utilizing planned rotational grazing to improve vegetation and store carbon in the soil.
Wildlife:
- The conservancy hosts a prolific population of Grevy’s zebra.
- Significant numbers of elephants find refuge here.
- Various other large herbivores inhabit the area.
Community Impact:
- Nasuulu Conservancy represents a united front of four local communities, overcoming past inter-tribal conflicts and poaching.
- The conservancy provides employment for local communities, with 12 rangers representing the diverse ethnicities of the area.
- Through partnerships like the Northern Kenya Rangelands Carbon Project, Nasuulu has undertaken community development projects such as:
- Clearing roads.
- Furnishing school dormitories.
- Constructing tourism bandas to generate income.
- Disbursing bursaries to needy students.
- Improving water supply through shallow wells.
- The conservancy’s efforts contribute to improved security and better land management in the area.
Nasuulu Community Conservancy exemplifies a community-driven approach to conservation, fostering peace, protecting wildlife, and improving livelihoods in a critical ecological zone of Kenya.
