Conservation Program Update - Rangeland Monitoring Workshop

In MWCT's efforts to preserve the grassland ecosystem of Kuku Group Ranch, it is just as important to protect the vegetation as it is to protect the wildlife.  Plant life forms the foundation of the food chain, feeding insects and birds as well as the larger grazers and browsers that are hunted by predators.  The grasses are also vital to the goats and cattle herded by the Maasai.  MWCT is working with the community to develop a rangeland management plan that includes vegetation monitoring and rotational grazing.

MWCT Conservation Managers Lana Müller and Dirk van der Goes recently conducted an in-house training for ten staff members to teach them about vegetation monitoring.  Participants received basic information about the ecology and functioning of grassland systems.  They also learned to recognize indicators of rangeland deterioration and rangeland improvement.  Finally, they learned why rangeland monitoring is important and what it entails.  In the afternoon, a practical vegetation monitoring exercise was conducted in the field.  The workshop was educational and enjoyable for all participants.

Conservation Manager Lana Müller taught workshop participants
about rangeland monitoring and its importance.

After Lana's presentation, participants took a written test
to demonstrate their understanding of the material.

Conservation Manager Dirk van der Goes trained participants
in the field by demonstrating rangeland monitoring methods.

The participants put their new knowledge to use by completing
a practical rangeland monitoring exercise in an overgrazed area.