Restored grasslands to cut down wildlife conflicts in Kenyan communities

In a discovery that could reshape African wildlife conservation and community safety approaches, new research suggests that restoration of degraded grasslands can greatly reduce conflict between humans and wildlife, while also alleviating tensions within local communities.

The 16-month study, published today in the field of environmental science, tracked over 1,500 families in the Chyulu Hills area of ​​Kenya, and the Marseille community shared the land of their ancestors with African elephants, black rhinos and other iconic wildlife. . The team found that as more grassland areas recovered, the reduction in reported conflicts decreased significantly.

“We now know that as the recovery areas increase, the number of reported human wildlife conflicts has decreased, suggesting that grassland recovery may play a role in reducing human wildlife conflicts,” said Camila, principal investigator and senior researcher of climate change. ·Camila Donatti said. Adaptation in the International Moore Science Center for Conservation.

Studies show that nearly 89% of surveyed families have experienced some form of wildlife conflict, with giant elephants being the most common source of encounters. These conflicts range from crop damage to livestock predation, highlighting the daily challenges faced by communities in wildlife-rich areas.

However, studies have shown that areas where grasslands are recovering have dropped significantly in such events. This suggests that improving habitat quality can help reduce competition for resource competition between humans and wildlife, as climate change exacerbates pressure on natural resources.

“Prairie restoration is helping to restore balance between our land and our people,” said Samson Parashina, chairman of Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust. “With healthier pastures, we see less conflict – both with wildlife and our own There is less conflict within the community. Although challenges still exist, having more grazing land means less competition, making it easier for people and wildlife to share the land without continuing struggles.”

The study also found important gender differences in how communities encounter these conflicts. Women-led families reported significantly higher rates of social conflict and insecurity than male-led families, suggesting the need for more targeted support in conflict mitigation strategies.

The study is part of a larger plan in the mountains of Chilu, which has restored 11,000 hectares of degraded pastures. The project is backed by Apple and aims to restore 20,000 hectares by 2027.

The environmental challenges in the region are enormous. The Chyulu Hills region is considered one of the most climate-rich regions in Kenya, with drought frequency increasingly threatening wildlife and human livelihoods. About 70% of Kenya’s wildlife lives outside the reserve, which inevitably overlaps with human settlements.

Research shows that strategic grassland restoration can provide practical solutions to these challenges. As Donatti noted, “Our discovery is very promising and we hope to continue exploring the potential of grassland recovery to mitigate climate, adaptation and biodiversity.”

The study recommends continuing to monitor human wildlife conflicts in recovery areas and calls for expanded recovery efforts in areas facing similar challenges. The results show that investment in ecosystem restoration can not only bring considerable returns to biodiversity conservation, but also significant returns to community security and social stability.

Conservation International’s work in the region is not limited to restoration, but also includes a carbon credit project that supports forest conservation and livelihood improvement programs, demonstrating the potential of an integrated approach to conservation and community development.