Grevy’s zebra

The Grevy's zebra is the largest of the world's zebra species, and also the most endangered. Marwell Wildlife works on the ground in Kenya with various measures to preserve the species for the future, and the Kolmården Foundation supports their work since 2011. In the 1970s there were around 14,000 Grevy's zebras in the world, but today the number down to only about 3,000 individuals. Today, they remain mainly in the north Kenya, with a few isolated populations in Ethiopia. The Grevy's zebra is threatened when they are pushed out by increased human presence, and hit hard by competition from domestic animals for pastures and water resources. They are exposed also for illegal hunting.

Marwell Wildlife studies the zebras and hires scouts

Marwell Wildlife studies the zebras with the help of mounted cameras and locally employed scouts who follow the animals and document important information on, among other things, behaviour, migration patterns, important grazing areas and water resources. The information can then be used for quick interventions, such as laying out hay during periods of drought, but also as longer-term work when new roads or buildings are to be planned. The exposed cameras make it possible to identify which individuals move in the areas - a step in building a national register of which zebras are found in Kenya.

An extensive educational activity aimed at both children and adults in the surrounding areas increases commitment to conservation work locally.

The support saves lives

As a result of the worst drought in 40 years, the Kolmården Foundation has in 2023 paid out extra money to the project, and continued with it support feeding that began in 2021. During the year, there was also increased monitoring to counter poaching has been done – and additional zebras have been fitted with GPS collars. According to reports, the efforts have meant that the number of zebras that have died is significantly fewer than expected.