Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust

Beneath the forest floor of the Aberdares lies a network of feeding interactions that keep the entire ecosystem in balance. From earthworms aerating the soil to spiders controlling insect populations, each organism contributes to a cycle essential for healthy soils and robust biodiversity. However, the proposed 38km highway through the Aberdares would have significant impacts on these interactions, threatening the entire foundation of this ecosystem: 1. Disruption of Feeding Interactions: Soil organisms, like earthworms and microbes, play crucial roles in breaking down organic material and enriching the soil. When construction disturbs these organisms, it disrupts their feeding interactions, leading to a loss in soil fertility. This affects everything aboveground—from forest plants to the animals that depend on them. 2. Impact on Nutrient Cycling: Predators like spiders and insect-eating birds manage populations of soil pests, keeping nutrient cycles in balance. Construction fragments habitats and weakens these predator-prey relationships, slowing nutrient recycling and reducing the soil’s ability to support diverse plant life. 3. Erosion and Soil Compaction: Heavy machinery compacts the soil, making it harder for organisms like earthworms to move through it and perform their natural roles. Soil compaction reduces aeration, increases runoff, and depletes the soil of nutrients, which in turn impacts plant growth and the animals that feed on those plants. 4. Loss of Microbivory and Detritivory: Microbes and small organisms that break down decaying matter and recycle nutrients are essential for forest health. Construction disrupts this natural detritivory and microbivory, diminishing the soil's ability to regenerate and support diverse plant species that form the base of the forest food web. The Aberdares relies on these subtle, interconnected feeding interactions within the soil to sustain its rich biodiversity. As we weigh the potential for development, it’s critical to consider alternative routes that preserve the ecosystem’s natural functions. #CancelNEMALicence #AberdareYetu Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust

🌍 Exciting news! #RhinoCharge2024 raised KES 8.4 million for the Torosei community, funding a new science lab for Torosei Mixed Day Secondary School. This project highlights our commitment to education and sustainability, empowering the next generation with essential STEM skills. Thank you to all participants and supporters! Let’s keep building a better future together. 👉 Watch the full story: https://lnkd.in/dPDKZXXr #WhyWeCharge #CommunityDevelopment #EducationEmpowerment Rhino Ark UK

Tonight at 8PM GMT, British Explorer and Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust Global Ambassador, Lucy Shepherd will be taking to Instagram live, https://lnkd.in/dGkXbddK, for an exciting conversation Alex Bescoby of The Last Overland: Singapore to London. In 2021, Ms. Sheppard undertook an unprecedented expedition through the Amazon. Accompanied by a highly skilled indigenous team, she travelled deep into the jungles of Guyana, with the ambitious goal of crossing the Kanuku Mountains from East to West. Alex and Lucy will be chatting all about her experience of tackling this never-before-attempted journey, and of recording it in her two-part documentary “Secret Amazon: Into The Wild”. They will also be swapping tales of exploring some of the least-visited places on Earth, and all the excitement - and dangers! - that can bring. Join us on Monday from 8pm on Ms. Sheppard’s channel and don’t forget to bring your questions for the chat! You can catch “Secret Amazon: Into the Wild” (as well as all four episodes of “The Last Overland”) on Channel 4 now. #RhinoArkGlobalAmbassador #RhinoArkPartnerships #IntoTheWild

The "Wilderness Activity Zone" is a crucial part of the Aberdares ecosystem, safeguarding the moorland’s rare and endemic species along with its vital water catchments. 🌿💧 This biodiversity hotspot is highly sensitive, with strict visitor regulations to prevent degradation, and minimal infrastructure limited to essential conservation needs. 🚫 However, the proposed Ihithe - Ndunyu Njeru road threatens to destabilize this fragile environment. Here are the key concerns: ▪️ Habitat Destruction: Construction would disrupt habitats, leading to the loss of unique flora and fauna. ▪️ Water Catchment Damage: Vital water sources could be harmed, affecting nearby communities' water supply. ▪️ Increased Human Activity: More human presence could lead to pollution, poaching, and further environmental damage. ▪️ Ecosystem Fragmentation: The road would cut through the habitat, making survival harder for species. ▪️ Erosion and Landslides: Soil erosion and landslides could increase, causing additional harm. We urge the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) to revoke the construction license. Our natural heritage must be preserved for future generations. Source: Aberdare Ecosystem Management Plan, 2010-20 #StopTheRoad #ProtectTheAberdares #SaveOurWaterTowers #AberdareYetu Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust

This solitary wanderer symbolizes the beauty and fragility of wildlife in our ecosystem. Video Credit: Rhino Ark / Wilder Institute Calgary Zoo Mountain Forest Conservation Partnership #Elephant #ElephantConservation #MtKenya #MountKenya #RhinoArk Rhino Ark UK

In a significant step towards enhancing environmental conservation, Rhino Ark’s Deputy Executive Director, Moses Muthoki, presented the progress of the Kakamega Fence Project to the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Hon. Adan Duale, and Vihiga County Governor, Hon. Wilbur Ottichilo. The event marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to protect the Kakamega Forest, Kenya’s only tropical rainforest, from human-wildlife conflict and illegal activities. The Kakamega Fence Project aims to secure the forest, promote biodiversity conservation, and support local communities through sustainable environmental practices. During the presentation, Moses Muthoki outlined the project's impact on mitigating deforestation, boosting wildlife protection, and fostering community collaboration. #RhinoArkPartnerships #RhinoArkFence #RhinoArk #KakamegaFenceProject #KakamegaForest Rhino Ark UK

🌍🌿 Mr. Solomon Muturi Wachiuri successfully represented Rhino Ark / Wilder Institute Calgary Zoo Mountain Forest Conservation Partnership at the Africa Congress of Conservation Biology (ACCB) Conference in Moshi, Tanzania. Mr. Muturi delivered an engaging 10-minute presentation on our Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) / Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) publication, which involved valuable insights from historical bongo hunters. His talk shed light on the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge to strengthen conservation efforts for species like the mountain bongo. A big thank you to Mr. Muturi for his hard work and dedication! Congratulations on an outstanding presentation and for fostering collaboration on the global stage of conservation biology. Photo Credit: Rhino Ark / Wilder Institute Calgary Zoo Mountain Forest Conservation Partnership #RhinoArkPartnerships #ACCB2024 #MountainBongo #IndigenousKnowledge #WildlifeConservation #RhinoArk

The Geta Community Forest Association (CFA) has been instrumental in protecting the Aberdare ecosystem through hands-on participation in conservation projects. Most recently, they collaborated with Rhino Ark, Kenya Wildlife Service, and Kenya Forest Service in the construction of a 10 km conservation fence from Wanjohi to Shamata. Their efforts included clearing the fence line, pitting, and installing High-Tension wires to reduce human-wildlife conflicts and protect local farms. In addition to physical conservation efforts, Geta CFA is involved in forest rehabilitation by managing tree nurseries and leading reforestation initiatives. They grow indigenous species like African red cedar and African olive, which are used to restore degraded forest areas, improving biodiversity and water catchment services. Through sustainable livelihood programs like agroforestry and beekeeping, Geta CFA reduces community reliance on forest resources, promoting long-term conservation. They also support community education on the importance of protecting the ecosystem and advocate for policies that balance conservation and local development needs. Their efforts ensure the conservation of the Aberdares while fostering economic opportunities for the surrounding communities. #RhinoArkPartnerships #CommunityConservation #RhinoArk #RhinoArkFence #CommunityEngagement Rhino Ark UK

🌍 HAPPY MASHUJAA DAY 🇰🇪 Today, we salute our real-life heroes – the dedicated Rhino Ark rangers – who work tirelessly to protect Kenya’s forests, wildlife, and ecosystems. From patrolling dense forests to safeguarding endangered species like the mountain bongo, their courage and commitment are unmatched. These brave men and women are the frontline defenders of our natural heritage, ensuring that future generations enjoy the beauty and benefits of our environment. Thank you for your sacrifice, resilience, and passion! Photo Credit: Rhino Ark / Wilder Institute Calgary Zoo Mountain Forest Conservation Partnership #MashujaaDay #RhinoArk #ProtectOurForests #TogetherForNature

The establishment of the Rhino Sanctuary, in the Eastern Salient, of the Aberdares National Park is making significant strides. 13 kilometers out of the planned 19 kilometers of the rhino fence have been cleared, ensuring that the space is ready for the next phase of fence installation. All four animal grids along the sanctuary's fence have been successfully completed. These grids will help manage the movement of wildlife, ensuring the safety of both the rhinos and other species in the ecosystem. This sanctuary will play a crucial role in protecting endangered #BlackRhino species, enhancing conservation efforts, and contributing to biodiversity within the Aberdare ecosystem. #AberdareRhinoSanctuary #RhinoSanctuary #RhinoArk #RhinoArkOperations #RhinoConservation Rhino Ark UK