Question

whT is the resident HCP and progress report

Answer 1

The Hirola Conservation Programme (HCP)is a non-governmental organizationbased in Garissa Countyin north-eastern Kenya. The HCP is primarily dedicated to promoting conservation of the endangered hirola antelope (Beatragus hunteri)in the region. Towards this, HCP commits itself to improving hirola’s habitat in partnership with the local pastoralist groups. The main goal of HCP is to establish and sustain a conservation programme that wil lmake a lasting contribution to the future of hirola antelope and also the livelihoods of the local communities living within hirola’s geographical range.

THE HIROLA CONSERVATION PROGRAMME (HCP) PROGRESS REPORT, OCTOBER, 2015The Hirola Conservation Programme (HCP) is a non-governmental organization based in Garissa County in north-eastern Kenya. The HCP is primarily dedicated to promoting conservation of the endangered hirola antelope (Beatragus hunteri) in the region. Towards this, HCP commits itself to improving hirola’s habitat in partnership with the local pastoralist groups. The main goal of HCP is to establish and sustain a conservation programme that will make a lasting contribution to the future of hirola antelope and also the livelihoods of the local communities living within hirola’s geographical range.One of the key concerns for conservation of hirola antelope is that,their population have declined from approximately 15,000 individuals in 1970 to between 300 and 500 individuals currently.That is why our programme focuses on in site conservation within the species historic geographical range to ensure that we achieve our objective in partnership with local communities.Specifically, for long-term monitoring of this critically-endangered species, the programme intends to protect and increase the numbers and distribution of hirola through local participatory conservation, education, and international support in north-eastern Kenya.

Our core functions include:
A)Conservation
Our conservation efforts are threefold
1) The protection and restoration of habitat for the endangered hirola antelope
2) Anti-poaching programme for hirola, elephants and other wildlife and,
3) Capacity building and technical advice to both local government officials and local groups.

B)Research
Our research programme is a locally supported conservation research effort that aims at understanding the underlying factors influencing hirola declines and to explore the best management interventions to improve their population.In particular, our research work focuses on hirola range collapse, habitat use, and the effects of land-use change in north-eastern Kenya. In addition, we are conducting participatory research with local communities to better understand social factors that are affecting the future conservation of hirola in the region. These are knowledge gaps that we have consistently identified and prioritized for hirola conservation. We employ GPS telemetry using Vectronic GPS PLUS collars, analysis of long-term satellite imagery, mark-resight and sight-resight analyses to gather information and understand the demographic drivers of hirola declines. GPS-telemetered individuals are enabling us to collect data on habitat selection and demographic dynamics of this unique antelope.

C)Education
The hirola conservation programme conducts an intensive outreach programme consisting of lectures, video shows, and public discussions on hirola conservation. We also conduct educational seminars, meetings and workshops in the villages within the range.We work with local elders in each village and the local leaders to facilitate the availability of meeting venues and also to bring people together. We on many occasions use local language to communicate with locals as this makes it easier to follow and understand the discussions. We also use graphics, drawings and other materials such as pictures or photographs to illustrate conservation issues.

D)Network and partnership for hirola

To strengthen our work, we recently partnered with a number of international organisations that provide direct support to hirola conservation programme. These include; People's Trust for Endangered Species(hereafter referred to as “PTES”), Rufford Foundation, Houston Zoo and the Garissa County Government, Kenya. We anticipate to approach more other organisations for new partnerships and to enable us achieve our long-term conservation goals.