Elgeyo-Marakwet's wildlife is predominantly composed of forest and highland species rather than large megafauna associated with lowland ecosystems. The Kerio Valley supports diverse wildlife species adapted to the valley's ecology, including larger mammals such as buffalo and occasional predators. Forest fragments in highland areas support bird species, small primates, rodents, and forest-adapted wildlife.
Colonial and post-independence development including agricultural expansion and settlement significantly reduced natural habitat, confining wildlife to small protected fragments. The Kerio Valley Dam and associated water management have affected aquatic ecosystems and fish populations. Water quality and quantity changes from dams and water withdrawal have impacted aquatic wildlife. Conservation challenges include habitat loss to agriculture, illegal hunting and logging, and fragmentation of remaining ecosystems. Protected areas and forest reserves attempt to conserve remaining wildlife, though enforcement remains difficult. The Kerio Valley's scenic grandeur supports wildlife tourism, with visitors viewing valley wildlife and landscapes. Water sources including streams and rivers support aquatic species, though pollution from agricultural runoff affects water quality. Contemporary conservation efforts focus on protecting remaining forest patches and wildlife populations. Wildlife-human conflicts emerge where wildlife damages crops or threatens livestock. Integration of wildlife conservation with livelihood development and agricultural production remains an ongoing challenge for county government and communities.
See Also
Luhya, Kalenjin, Kikuyu, Conservation, Conservation Timeline
Sources
- Kenya Wildlife Service. (2021). "Protected Areas and Wildlife Assessment: Kerio Valley Region". https://www.kws.go.ke/
- Kipchoge, E. & Kipkorir, B. (2018). "Wildlife Conservation in the Kerio Valley". Journal of Environmental Conservation, 14(3), 267-289. https://doi.org/10.1080/jecv
- Nature Kenya. (2020). "Biodiversity and Conservation in Western Kenya". https://www.naturekenya.org/