Sera Wildlife Conservancy

The Sera Community-Based Conservation Project covers an area of approximately 300,000 hectares. Situated in northern Kenya , this extensive wilderness area straddles the Rift Valley and Eastern Provinces of Kenya , and incorporates trust land and group ranches from the three districts of Samburu, Marsabit and Isiolo. The perennial natural springs at 'Kisima Hamsini' or 'the fifty wells' are a remarkable geographical feature and support both resident and migratory populations of wildlife.

With its remarkable system of permanent springs, this remote semi-arid landscape historically supported a wide diversity and abundance of wildlife, including gerenuk, Beisa oryx, reticulated giraffe, buffalo, Grevy's zebra, wild dog and elephant. Resident populations of wildlife are still found in the area and large numbers of elephants continue to use the area on a seasonal basis.

Although traditionally used by pastoralist people as a seasonal watering point for livestock in times of drought, there has been no permanent settlement in the region, largely due to the isolation and insecurity of the area. The area has experienced decades of instability from armed gangs poaching wildlife and raiding livestock, and as a result most people settled closer to towns where they are afforded greater protection. The discovery of a 'Rock Gong' close to Kisima Hamsini has also highlighted the archaeological importance of the site and further investigations are likely to throw light on the prehistory and history of the area.

A plane lands in Sera

An inselberg at Sera

The project is entirely owned by the local communities, with technical support and facilitation provided by Lewa Wildlife Conservancy (LWC) and Fauna & Flora International (FFI). The initial focus of the project is with the Samburu communities who have formed the Sera Conservancy Trust (SCT), which will be the implementing organisation of the Sera project. Community mobilisation and awareness will continue with the other two ethnic groups, the Boran and Rendille, who also utilize the Sera area, with the long-term aim of linking all three historically rival ethnic groups with a common objective for the conservation, development and sustainable use of natural resources within the Sera area.

Establishing security for wildlife and the human population in the area is paramount to the long-term sustainability of the project. With its large size, existing wildlife and small pastoral human population, Sera has all the hallmarks to become a viable conservation area characterised by a recovery of species abundance and diversity; effective management; and a sustained flow of economic returns through the establishment of wildlife-based enterprises.

Sera is seen by conservation practitioners as an integral part of an emerging network of conservation areas that includes Samburu, Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserves, Meru National Park, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and the community conservation areas of Namunyak, Il Ngwesi, Lekurruki, Kalama and West Gate. It is vital to involve local communities in conservation to retain an ecosystem approach to conservation through the protection of large areas of land allowing for the continued migration of wildlife through their natural range. Establishment of security within Sera is integral to the overall security of wildlife in northern Kenya , and a buffer to conservation efforts to the south and west.

Ian Craig with a baby elephant at Sera.