Background & History The Ishaqbini Hirola Sanctuary was established in 2013 as a critical conservation stronghold for the critically endangered hirola (Beatragus hunteri). With fewer than 500 individuals remaining in the wild, the sanctuary was created to protect a genetically viable population through a dedicated breeding and rewilding initiative. The founding population consisted of 48…
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The problem In the vast rangelands of North Eastern Kenya, drought has evolved from a cyclical challenge to an existential catastrophe. Climate change has transformed what were once manageable dry seasons into prolonged, devastating crises. While all life suffers, wildlife populations the brunt as the prolonged droughts lead to mass wildlife mortalities, increased human-wildlife conflict…
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Located at our main camp the Garissa Giraffe Centre, the Hirola Wildlife Education Centre stands as the first and only wildlife education centre in North Eastern Kenya. Dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding of local biodiversity, the centre provides a unique platform for children and communities to connect with nature, learn about conservation, and witness…
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It is critically endangered and has been listed among 10-top focal species at risk of imminent extinction (IUCN, 2008, Isaac et al. 2007). The likely extinction of the world’s most endangered and refugee antelope species could be the first loss of an entire mammalian genus in modern times. Even though the governments of Kenya and…
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In this post Jacob Goheen and Abdullahi Ali discuss their recent paper ‘Resource selection and landscape change reveal mechanisms suppressing population recovery for the world’s most endangered antelope‘. The arid climate of eastern Kenya is harsh and daunting to outsiders. In this part of Kenya, however, lie the only known haunts of the hirola, one…
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Our guide to the world’s most endangered antelope – the hirola, including why they are sometimes known as four eyed antelopes, and why their populations have declined. What are hirolas? Hirolas are antelopes belonging to the family Bovidae (hoofed mammals) that includes buffalo, cattle, goats, and sheep among others. They are medium sized slender antelopes…
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Arawale National Reserve (ANR) offered an important conservation area not only for the long-term recovery of the critically endangered hirola, but also for the conservation of other endangered species including the Grevy’s zebra, the Somali giraffe and the East African Wild Dog. Immediately after its short-lived operation, poaching increased considerably while wildlife populations in…
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Africa is home to 22 species of sting-less bees, many of which favor Kenya for its climate and landscape. These tiny creatures are vital pollinators, helping to spread the grasslands which are so important for the Hirola, as well as elephants and other wild animals. Not only dobees play a crucial role in hcp’s…
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We arrived in Dertu town at one of the completely dried water holes to find multiple carcasses of giraffes. Their skin scorched and appeared grey, lips cracked and body covered with skin liaisons. Dr. Ali and a team of scientists assess the carcasses and their initial diagnosis suggests Sarcoptes scabiei infestation which is an…
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On Monday (September 3,2018), Kenya wildlife service’s rangers in conjunction with the Bura East conservancy scouts and Kenya forestry service, tracked two problem lions that had caused havoc in parts of the hirola’s range. This search came after it was reported that a male lion had attacked and injured a 19-year-old local male teenager who…
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