Amboseli-Tsavo, Kenya

NWNL WATERSHEDS

This world-renowned ecosystem is similar to (and just east of) the Mara River Basin, a NWNL African case-study watershed. Both regions support iconic, charismatic and endangered wildlife and Maasai communities. However, the Tsavo-Amboseli waters come – not from a river – but from springs fed by Mount Kilimanjaro, the “Rooftop of Africa.” However, climate change is diminishing the snows of Kilimanjaro and its Rebmann Glacier – seen by NWNL Director Alison Jones on her 2003 summit. Results from recurring and increasingly harsh droughts have already impacted wildlife populations and Maasai communities. 

Fortunately, this region includes several protected areas and conservation entities, including Amboseli National Park, Tsavo East and West National Parks, the Chyulu Hills (known as Hemingway’s “Green Hills of Africa”) and the Kimana Corridor communally owned by local Maasai. Kilimanjaro’s glacial water runoff fills swamps supporting many species, notably vulnerable herds of elephants. Fortunately, long-term studies conducted by Cynthia moss and her Amboseli Trust for Elephants are raising global awareness of the threats facing these denizens and their ecosystem. 

Many other strong conservation organizations in this ecosystem include the Tsavo Trust, Maasai Conservation, Big Life and other active groups such as NAGA, focused on water harvesting, soil conservation and “hydrologic corridors.” Yet this region and its fauna face more devastating droughts as climate change keeps wreaking havoc. Unless solutions are found to address climate change, the loss of Africa’s equatorial snows will permanently change this vital ecosystem.