Ndera Community Conservancy is located approximately 42 kilometers north of Garsen, in the Tana River County of Kenya. It sits above the Tana Primate National Reserve, covering a 150 square kilometer area that extends equidistantly on either side of the Tana River, forming a rectangular shape.
Key Features of the Ndera Community Conservancy:
- Location: Tana River County, Kenya, north of Tana Primate National Reserve.
- Size: 150 square kilometers.
- Ecosystem: A mix of riverine forests, bushland, and grassland with diverse plant species. Key forests include Kimbu, Awalamunyo, Lalafitu, Nkambini, Sifa, Yutenye, Bulichani, Mkomani, Maramba, Nkanu, Kiluluni, Baguo, Buboya, Bajila, Kinyadu, Omara Gullu, Singo, Kakija, Mpangalani, and Matanama.
- Conservation Focus: A major focus is on saving the forest areas, which have faced significant loss. The conservancy aims to utilize traditional rules for sustainable forest use and develop by-laws for forest management.
- Wildlife: Key wildlife species include the critically endangered Tana River Mangabey, the Tana River Red Colobus monkey, and the distinct Hirola antelope, as well as elephants, buffalo, hippo, crocodile, reticulated giraffe, cheetah, leopard, lion, and hyena.
- Other Interests: The conservancy also features temporary lakes (Mkombani, Yokwa, Lemu, Mlonde, and Baomo) and oxbow lakes (Makange, Kilwa, Mchangani, Pacha, and Mkoleni).
- Community: The conservancy is home to the Pokomo and Wardei ethnic groups. The Pokomo are predominantly farmers, while the Wardei are pastoralists with some small-scale businesses and farming.
- Infrastructure: The conservancy headquarters are at Mnazini. Roads are murram and earth, often impassable during the rainy season. There is a short airstrip near the headquarters.
- Partnership: The Ndera Community Conservancy receives support from the Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT).
The Ndera Community Conservancy is working towards conserving its wildlife and forests, improving access to water, health, and education for the community, building peace and security, growing enterprises, and improving agriculture within its area.
