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{{Short description|National Reserve in Narok County, Kenya}}
⚫ {{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}}
{{Infobox protected area {{Infobox protected area
| name = Maasai Mara National Reserve | name = Maasai Mara National Reserve
| photo_alt = Maasai Mara scenery | photo_alt = Maasai Mara scenery
| photo = Maasai-Mara-Typical-Scenery.JPG | photo = Masai Mara at Sunset.jpg
| photo_caption = Typical "spotted" Maasai Mara scenery | photo_caption = Typical "spotted" Maasai Mara scenery
| map = Kenya | map = Kenya
Line 12: Line 14:
| coordinates = {{coord|1|29|24|S|35|8|38|E|format=dms|display=inline,title}} | coordinates = {{coord|1|29|24|S|35|8|38|E|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
| area_km2 = 1510 | area_km2 = 1510
| area_ref = <ref name=WDPA>{{Cite web |url=http://www.protectedplanet.net/1297 |date=2018 |author=Protected Planet |title=Masai Mara |publisher=United Nations Environment World Conservation Monitoring Centre |access-date=6 August 2015 |archive-date=2 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102094653/https://www.protectedplanet.net/1297 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| area_ref = <ref name="WDPA"/>
| established = 1961 | established = {{start date and age|1961}}
| visitation_num = | visitation_num =
| visitation_year = | visitation_year =
| governing_body = Trans-Mara and ] Councils | governing_body = ], Mara Conservancy LTD
|alt_name=Maasai Mara}}
}}

] at ](])]]
'''Maasai Mara''', also known as Masai Mara, and locally simply as '''The Mara''', is a large national ] in ], ], contiguous with the ] in ]. It is named in honor of the ], the ancestral inhabitants of the area, who migrated to the area from the Nile Basin. Their description of the area when looked at from afar: "Mara" means "spotted" in the local ], due to the many short bushy trees which dot the landscape. '''Maasai Mara''', also sometimes spelt '''Masai Mara''' and locally known simply as '''The Mara''', is a large national ] in ], ], contiguous with the ] in ]. It is named in honour of the ],<ref name="GANP">{{cite web |title=Masai Mara National Park|url=https://national-parks.org/kenya/masai-mara |publisher=Global Alliance of National Parks |access-date=28 April 2024}}</ref> the ancestral inhabitants of the area, who migrated to the area from the Nile Basin. Their description of the area when looked at from afar: "Mara" means "spotted" in the local ], because of the short bushy trees which dot the landscape.


Maasai Mara is one of the most famous and important wildlife conservation and wilderness areas in Africa, world-renowned for its exceptional populations of ], ], ] and ]. It also hosts the ], which secured it as one of the ], and as one of the ten ]. Maasai Mara is one of the wildlife conservation and wilderness areas in Africa, with its populations of ], ], ] and ]. It also hosts the ], which secured it as one of the ], and as one of the ten ].


The Greater Mara ecosystem encompasses areas known as the Maasai Mara National Reserve, the ], and several Maasai Conservancies, including Koiyaki, Lemek, Ol Chorro Oirowua, Mara North, Olkinyei, Siana, Maji Moto, Naikara, Ol Derkesi, Kerinkani, Oloirien, and Kimintet. The Greater Mara ecosystem encompasses areas known as the Maasai Mara National Reserve, the ], several Maasai group ranches, and ].<ref name=UNESCO>{{cite web |title=Maasai Mara Game Reserve |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/6679/ |publisher=UNESCO |access-date=28 April 2024}}</ref><ref name=BirdLife>{{cite web |title=Masai Mara |url=http://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/masai-mara-iba-kenya |publisher=BirdLife International |access-date=28 April 2024}}</ref>


==History== ==History==
When it was originally established in 1961 as a wildlife sanctuary the Mara covered only {{Convert|520|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}} of the current area, including the Mara Triangle. The area was extended to the east in 1961 to cover {{Convert|1821|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}} and converted to a game reserve. The Narok County Council (NCC) took over management of the reserve at this time. Part of the reserve was given National Reserve status in 1974, and the remaining area of {{Convert|159|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}} was returned to local communities. An additional {{Convert|162|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}} were removed from the reserve in 1976, and the park was reduced to {{Convert|1510|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}} in 1984.<ref name="Walpole_2003_X"/> When Maasai Mara was originally established in 1961<ref name="rough guide">{{cite web |last1=Trillo |first1=Richard |title=The Rough Guide to Kenya |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8BqfCwAAQBAJ&dq=maasai+mara+converted+to+a+game+reserve&pg=PT587 |publisher=Rough Guides Ltd |access-date=28 April 2024 |date=May 2016}}</ref> as a wildlife sanctuary, it covered only {{gaps|520|km²}} of the current area, including the Mara Triangle. The area was extended to the east in 1961 to cover {{gaps|1821|km²}} and converted to a Game Reserve. The Narok County Council took over management of the reserve at this time.<ref name="rough guide" /> Part of the reserve was given National Reserve status in 1974,<ref name="WDPA" /><ref name="UNESCO" /> and the remaining area of {{gaps|159|km²}} was returned to local communities. An additional {{gaps|162|km²}} were removed from the reserve in 1976, and the park was reduced to {{gaps|1510|km²}} in 1984.<ref name="Walpole_2003_X" />


⚫ The Maasai people make up a community that spans northern, central and southern Kenya and northern parts of Tanzania. The Maasai rely on their lands to sustain their cattle, as well as themselves and their families. Before the reserve's establishment, the Maasai were forced to move out of their native lands. Some of this was due to ] outbreaks among the people as well as ] outbreaks among the ].<ref name="rough guide" />
In 1994, the TransMara County Council (TMCC) was formed in the western part of the reserve, and control was divided between the new council and the existing Narok County Council. In May 2001, the not-for-profit Mara Conservancy took over management of the Mara Triangle.<ref name="Walpole_2003_X"/>


⚫ Tradition continues to play a major role in the lives of modern-day Maasai people, who are known for their tall stature, patterned shukas and beadwork. In 2008, an estimated half a million individuals<ref name="language">{{Cite web|title=Maa Language,University of Oregon|url=https://pages.uoregon.edu/maasai/Maa%20Language/maling.htm|website=University of Oregon, Doris.L.Payne|language=en|access-date=2024-04-27|archive-date=10 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191210025522/https://pages.uoregon.edu/maasai//Maa%20Language/maling.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> spoke the ]. This number includes not only the Maasai but also ] and ] in Kenya.<ref name="language" />
⚫ The Maasai people make up a community that spans across northern, central and southern Kenya and northern parts of Tanzania. As pastoralists, the community holds the belief that they own all of the cattle in the world. The Maasai rely off of their lands to sustain their cattle, as well as themselves and their families. Prior to the establishment of the reserve as a protected area for the conservation of wildlife and wilderness, the Maasai were forced to move out of their native lands.

⚫ Tradition continues to play a major role in the lives of modern day Maasai people, who are known for their tall stature, patterned shukas and beadwork. It is estimated that there are approximately half a million individuals<ref>{{Cite web|title=Maa Language,University of Oregon|url=https://pages.uoregon.edu/maasai/Maa%20Language/maling.htm|website=University of Oregon, Doris.L.Payne|language=en|access-date=2020-05-04}}</ref> that speak the ] and this number includes not only the Maasai but also Samburu and Camus people in Kenya.


==Geography== ==Geography==
]]] ]]]
] ]
The total area under conservation in the Greater Maasai Mara ecosystem amounts to almost {{cvt|1510|km2}}.<ref name=WDPA/>


The total area under conservation in the Greater Maasai Mara ecosystem amounts to almost {{Convert|1510|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}}.<ref name="WDPA"/> It is the northernmost section of the Mara-Serengeti ], which covers some {{Convert|25000|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}} in Tanzania and Kenya. It is bounded by the Serengeti Park to the south, the Siria / Oloololo ] to the west, and Maasai pastoral ranches to the north, east and west. Rainfall in the ecosystem increases markedly along a southeast–northwest gradient, varies in space and time, and is markedly bimodal. The Sand, Talek River and ] are the major rivers draining the reserve. Shrubs and trees fringe most drainage lines and cover hillslopes and hilltops. It is the northernmost section of the Mara-Serengeti ],<ref name="GANP" /> which covers around {{Cvt|25000|ha}} in ] and Kenya.<ref name="UNESCO" /> Maasai pastoral ranches are to the north, east and west.<ref name="UNESCO" /> To the south is the Serengeti Park, the Siria/Oloololo ] is to the west. The ], along with its tributaries the Sand and Talek rivers, are the major rivers draining the reserve.<ref name="UNESCO" /> Shrubs and trees run along most drainage lines and cover the hills.<ref name="UNESCO" />


The terrain of the reserve is primarily open grassland with seasonal riverlets. In the south-east region are clumps of the distinctive ] tree. The western border is the Esoit (Siria) Escarpment of the ], which is a system of rifts some {{convert|5600|km|mi|abbr=on}} long, from Ethiopia's Red Sea through Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi and into Mozambique. Wildlife tends to be most concentrated here, as the swampy ground means that access to water is always good, while tourist disruption is minimal. The easternmost border is {{Convert|224|km|1|abbr=on}} from ], and hence it is the eastern regions which are most visited by tourists. The terrain of the reserve is primarily open grassland with seasonal riverlets. In the south-east region are clumps of the distinctive ] tree. The western border is the Esoit (Siria) Escarpment of the ], which is a system of rifts some {{gaps|5600|km}} long, from ]'s Red Sea through Kenya, Tanzania, ] and into ]. Wildlife tends to be most concentrated here, as the swampy ground means that access to water is always good, while tourist disruption is minimal. The easternmost border is {{Cvt|224|km}} from ], and hence it is the eastern regions which are most visited by tourists.


The rains are biannual, with two distinct rainy seasons. Local farmers have referred to these as the 'long rains' which last approximately six to eight weeks in April and May and the 'short rains' in November and December which last approximately four weeks. It has a ] with biannual rains and two distinct rainy seasons.<ref name="UNESCO" /> The 'long rains' last around six to eight weeks in April and May and the 'short rains', in November and December, last around four weeks.<ref name="UNESCO" /> There is a significant rainfall gradient: around {{cvt|800|mm}}/year in the east to {{gaps|1200|mm}}/year in the west.<ref name="BirdLife" />


Elevation: {{convert|1500|-|2180|m|ft|abbr=on}}; Elevation: {{gaps|1500|-|2180|m}}; Rainfall: {{gaps|83|mm}}/month; Temperature range: {{cvt|12|-|30|°C|°F}}
Rainfall: {{convert|83|mm|in|abbr=on}}/month;
Temperature range: {{convert|12|-|30|°C|°F|abbr=on}}


==Wildlife== ==Wildlife==
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|image1=GnusAndZebrasInMaraMasai.jpg |caption1=A scene with scattered bushes, animals, cloud shadows, and ] trees |image1=GnusAndZebrasInMaraMasai.jpg |caption1=A scene with scattered bushes, animals, cloud shadows, and ] trees
|image2=Wbeest Mara.jpg |caption2=Aerial view of a herd of ] following a few leading ]s |image2=Wbeest Mara.jpg |caption2=Aerial view of a herd of ] following a few leading ]s
|image3=Masai Mara National Reserve 20 - Mara river crossing.jpg|caption3=Zebras
|image3=Cheetah with cubs.jpg |caption3=East African cheetah with cubs |image4=Cheetah with cubs.jpg |caption4=East African cheetah with cubs
}} }}
{{More citations needed section|date=October 2022}}


⚫ ] are the dominant inhabitants of the Maasai Mara.<ref name="GANP" /> Around July of each year, these animals migrate north from the Serengeti plains in search of fresh pasture, and return to the south around October. The Great Migration is one of the most impressive natural events worldwide.<ref name="UNESCO" /> It involves some 1,300,000 blue wildebeest, {{gaps|500|000}} ]s, {{gaps|97|000}} ], {{gaps|18|000}} ]s, and {{gaps|200|000}} ]s.<ref name="maratriangle_wildebeest"/>
], ], ], and ] migrate into and occupy the Mara reserve, from the ] plains to the south and ] in the pastoral ranches to the north-east, from July to October or later. Herds of all three species are also resident in the reserve.


{{nowrap|All members of the}} "]" – ], ], ], ] and ] – are found all year round.
{{nowrap|All members of the}} "]" (], ], ], ], ] and ]s) are found here all year round.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.nationalgeographiclodges.com/lodges/africa/mara-plains/about-the-destination/#.WZ2hy9_RaHs|title=About the Masai Mara National Reserve {{!}} National Geographic Lodges|work=National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World|access-date=23 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170823204316/http://www.nationalgeographiclodges.com/lodges/africa/mara-plains/about-the-destination/#.WZ2hy9_RaHs|archive-date=23 August 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> The population of black rhinos was fairly numerous until 1960, but it was severely depleted by poaching in the 1970s and early 1980s, dropping to a low of 15 individuals. Numbers have been slowly increasing, but the population was still only up to an estimated 23 in 1999.<ref name="Walpole_2003_17"/> The Maasai Mara is the only protected area in Kenya with an indigenous black rhino population, unaffected by translocations, and due to its size, is able to support one of the largest populations in Africa.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.maratriangle.org/maratriangle/black-rhino|title=Black Rhino|website=Mara Conservancy|language=en-US|access-date=2020-04-07}}</ref>


The Maasai Mara is the only protected area in Kenya with an indigenous black rhino population unaffected by translocations.<ref name="rhino">{{Cite web|url=https://www.maratriangle.org/maratriangle/black-rhino|title=Black Rhino|website=Mara Conservancy|language=en-US|access-date=2020-04-07|archive-date=7 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407103811/https://www.maratriangle.org/maratriangle/black-rhino|url-status=live}}</ref> Due to its size, the Mara can support one of the largest populations in Africa. The population of black rhinos was fairly numerous until 1960, but it was severely depleted by poaching in the 1970s and early 1980s, dropping to a low of 15 individuals. Numbers have been slowly increasing, but the population was still only up to an estimated 23 in 1999.<ref name="Walpole_2003_17"/> The Mara Conservancy, one of the managing bodies of the reserve, reported 120 black rhinos in 1971 and 18 in 1984.<ref name="rhino" /> They claimed one black rhino in 2001 when they began management and a stable 25-30 in 2023.<ref name="rhino" />
⚫ ] and ]s are found in large groups in the Mara and Talek rivers. ], ]s, ]s, ] and ]es can also be found in the reserve.<ref name="guideforafrica"/> The plains between the ] and the Esoit Siria Escarpment are probably the best area for game viewing, in particular regarding lion and cheetah.


⚫ ]es and ]s are found in large groups in the Mara and Talek rivers. The plains between the Mara River and the Esoit Siria Escarpment are probably the best area for game viewing, in particular regarding lion and cheetah.
⚫ Wildebeest are the dominant inhabitants of the Maasai Mara, and their numbers are estimated in the millions. Around July of each year, these animals migrate north from the Serengeti plains in search of fresh pasture, and return to the south around October. The Great Migration is one of the most impressive natural events worldwide, involving some 1,300,000 ], 500,000 ]s, 97,000 ], 18,000 ]s, and 200,000 ]s.<ref name="maratriangle_wildebeest"/>


Large carnivores are found in the reserve. Lions are the most dominant and are found here in large numbers.<ref name="GANP" /> ]s are another abundant carnivore, and will often compete with lions for food. Leopards are found anywhere in the reserve where there are trees for them to escape to. ]s are also found in high numbers on the open savanna, hunting gazelle and wildebeest. African wild dogs are quite rare here due to the widespread transmission of diseases like ] and the heavy competition they face with lions, who can often ravage their populations. Their packs also roam and travel far distances throughout the plains, making it hard to track them. Smaller carnivores that don't directly compete with the latter include ], ]s, ]s, ]s, ]s, ]s, ], ]s, ]s, ]es, ]s, ]s, ]s, several ] species, and ]s.
⚫ ] can be found, including Grant's gazelles, ]s, ]s and ]s. The plains are also home to the distinctive ]. The large ] and the nocturnal ], rarely present elsewhere in Kenya, can be seen within the reserve borders.


⚫ ] can be found, including ]s, ]s, ]s and ]s. The plains are also home to the distinctive ]. The large ]<ref name="GANP" /> and the nocturnal ], rarely present elsewhere in Kenya, can be seen within the reserve borders.
⚫ More than 470 species of birds have been identified in the park, many of which are migrants, with almost 60 species being ]s.<ref name="maratriangle_bird-list"/> Birds that call this area home for at least part of the year include: ]s, ]s, ]s, ]s, ], ]es, ]s, ]s and the ], which is the national bird of Kenya.

⚫ The area has been named an ] by BirdLife International.<ref name="BirdLife" /> More than 500 species of birds have been identified in the park,<ref name="BirdLife" /> many of which are migrants, with almost 60 species being ]s.<ref name="maratriangle_bird-list"/> It is an important area for the threatened birds that call this area home for at least part of the year. These include: ]s, ]s, ]s, ]s, ], ]es, ]s, ]s and the ], which is the national bird of Kenya. The resident ] is endangered.


==Administration== ==Administration==
The Maasai Mara is administered by the ] government. The more visited eastern part of the park known as the ] is managed by the Narok County Council. The ] in the western part is managed by the Trans-Mara county council, which has contracted management to the ] since the early 2000s.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Angama - The Story of the Mara Triangle|url=https://angama.com/blog-posts/the-mara/against-all-odds-mara-triangle/|date=2017-02-14|website=Angama|language=en|access-date=2020-05-04}}</ref> As of 2023, Mara Conservancy manages the Mara Triangle on behalf of the county, while the County Government of Narok manages the Narok Sector.<ref name="UNESCO" /> The more visited eastern part of the park, known as the Maasai Mara National Reserve, is managed by the Narok County Council. The Mara Triangle in the western part is managed Mara Conservancy, on behalf of the county, since the early 2000s.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Story of the Mara Triangle|url=https://angama.com/blog-posts/the-mara/against-all-odds-mara-triangle/|date=2017-02-14|website=Angama|language=en|access-date=2020-05-04|archive-date=12 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812114447/https://angama.com/blog-posts/the-mara/against-all-odds-mara-triangle/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Walpole_2003_X" /><ref name="rough guide" />


The outer areas are conservancies that are administered by Group Ranch Trusts of the Maasai community, although this approach has been criticised for benefitting just a few powerful individuals rather than the majority of landowners.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Greater Mara Ecosystem|url=https://www.maraconservancies.org/the-greater-mara-ecosystem/|date=2017-05-21|website=Maasai Mara Wildlife Conservancies Association|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-04}}</ref> Although there has been a rise in fencing on private land in recent years<ref>{{Cite web|title=March 2020|url=https://www.maratriangle.org/november-2016-1/march-2020|website=Mara Conservancy|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-04}}</ref>, the wildlife roam freely across both the reserve and conservancies. The outer areas were administered by ranches of the Maasai community. The land was then subdivided, though some members received greater benefits than the majority of landowners.<ref name="greater ecosystem">{{Cite web|title=The Greater Mara Ecosystem|url=https://www.maraconservancies.org/the-greater-mara-ecosystem/|date=2017-05-21|website=Maasai Mara Wildlife Conservancies Association|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-04|archive-date=4 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804003316/https://www.maraconservancies.org/the-greater-mara-ecosystem/|url-status=live}}</ref> This weakened regulatory system threatens sustainable management of the Mara.<ref name="greater ecosystem" />


==Research== ==Research==
The Maasai Mara is a major research centre for the spotted hyena. With two field offices in the Mara, the ] based Kay E. Holekamp Lab studies the behaviour and physiology of this predator, as well as doing comparison studies between large predators in the Mara Triangle and their counterparts in the eastern part of the Mara.<ref name="maratriangle_research"/> The Maasai Mara is a major research centre for the spotted hyena. With two field offices in the Mara, the ] based Kay E. Holekamp Lab studies the behaviour and physiology of this predator, as well as doing comparison studies between large predators in the Mara Triangle and their counterparts in the eastern part of the Mara.<ref name="maratriangle_research"/>


A flow assessment and ] basin management plan between Kenya and Tanzania was completed for the river to sustain the ] and the basic needs of 1 million people who depend on its water.<ref>{{cite journal |authors=McClain, M.E., Subalusky, A.L., Anderson, E.P., Dessu, S.B., Melesse, A.M., Ndomba, P.M., Mtamba, J.O., Tamatamah, R.A. and Mligo, C. |year=2014 |title=Comparing flow regime, channel hydraulics, and biological communities to infer flow–ecology relationships in the Mara River of Kenya and Tanzania |journal=Hydrological Sciences Journal |volume=59 |issue=3−4 |pages=801−819 |doi=10.1080/02626667.2013.853121 |url=}}</ref> A flow assessment and ] basin management plan between Kenya and Tanzania was completed for the river to sustain the ] and the basic needs of 1 million people who depend on its water.<ref>{{cite journal |author=McClain, M.E. |author2=Subalusky, A.L. |author3=Anderson, E.P. |author4=Dessu, S.B. |author5=Melesse, A.M. |author6=Ndomba, P.M. |author7=Mtamba, J.O. |author8=Tamatamah, R.A. |author9=Mligo, C. |year=2014 |title=Comparing flow regime, channel hydraulics, and biological communities to infer flow–ecology relationships in the Mara River of Kenya and Tanzania |journal=Hydrological Sciences Journal |volume=59 |issue=3−4 |pages=801−819 |doi=10.1080/02626667.2013.853121 |s2cid=129652372 }}</ref>


The Mara Predator Project also operates in the Maasai Mara, cataloging and monitoring lion populations throughout the region.<ref></ref> Concentrating on the northern conservancies where communities coexist with wildlife, the project aims to identify population trends and responses to changes in land management, human settlements, livestock movements and tourism. The Mara Predator Conservation Programme also operates in the Maasai Mara, cataloging and monitoring lion populations throughout the region.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.livingwithlions.org/mara |title=Mara Predator Project |access-date=1 February 2012 |archive-date=2 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302154258/http://www.livingwithlions.org/mara/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Concentrating on the northern conservancies where communities coexist with wildlife, the project aims to identify population trends and responses to changes in land management, human settlements, livestock movements and tourism.


Since October 2012, the Mara-Meru Cheetah Project<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://marameru.org/|title=Mara Meru Cheetah Project|website=marameru.org|language=en-US|access-date=22 December 2017}}</ref> has worked in the Mara monitoring cheetah population, estimating population status and dynamics, and evaluating the predator impact and human activity on cheetah behavior and survival. The head of the Project, Elena Chelysheva, was working in 2001-2002 as Assistant Researcher at the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Maasai-Mara Cheetah Conservation Project. At that time, she developed original method of cheetah identification based on visual analysis of the unique spot patterns on front limbs (from toes to shoulder) and hind limbs (from toes to the hip), and spots and rings on the tail.<ref></ref> Collected over the years, photographic data allows the project team to trace kinship between generations and build Mara cheetah pedigree. The data collected helps to reveal parental relationship between individuals, survival rate of cubs, cheetah lifespan and personal reproductive history. Since October 2012, the Mara-Meru Cheetah Project<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://marameru.org/|title=Mara Meru Cheetah Project|website=marameru.org|language=en-US|access-date=22 December 2017|archive-date=23 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223102152/http://marameru.org/|url-status=live}}</ref> has worked in the Mara monitoring cheetah population, estimating population status and dynamics, and evaluating the predator impact and human activity on cheetah behavior and survival. The head of the Project, Elena Chelysheva, was working in 2001–2002 as Assistant Researcher at the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Maasai-Mara Cheetah Conservation Project. At that time, she developed original method of cheetah identification based on visual analysis of the unique spot patterns on front limbs (from toes to shoulder) and hind limbs (from toes to the hip), and spots and rings on the tail.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.catsg.org/cheetah/01_information/1_3_periodical-reports/cat-news/cat-news.htm |title=Cat News #41, 2004 |access-date=23 March 2014 |archive-date=28 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111228141212/http://www.catsg.org/cheetah/01_information/1_3_periodical-reports/cat-news/cat-news.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Collected over the years, photographic data allows the project team to trace kinship between generations and build Mara cheetah pedigree. The data collected helps to reveal parental relationship between individuals, survival rate of cubs, cheetah lifespan and personal reproductive history.


The resilience of the game park model and the impact of the covid pandemic have also been evaluated so as to include consideration of issues of equality, and environmentalism.<ref>Shreya Chakrabarti ''The sensitivity of the Maasai Mara Conservancy Model to external shocks'' (2021) https://uu.diva-portal.org/smash/record.jsf?pid=diva2%3A1567539&dswid=-2405 Retrieved 30 September 2021</ref>
==Tourism==
]
]

The Maasai Mara is one of the most famous safari destinations in Africa.<ref>{{Cite web|title=10 Best Safari Destinations in Africa|url=https://www.fodors.com/world/africa-and-middle-east/experiences/news/photos/10-best-safari-destinations-in-africa|last=Shah|first=Anisha|date=2014-02-10|website=Fodors Travel Guide|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-04}}</ref> Entry fees are currently ] 70 for adult non-East African Residents per 24 hours (if staying at a property inside the Reserve) or US$ 80 if outside the reserve, and $40 for children.<ref name="mara_fees"/> There are a number of lodges and tented camps catering for tourists inside or bordering the Reserve and within the various separate Conservancies which border the main reserve. However, the main reserve is unfenced even along the border with Serengeti (Tanzania) which means there is free movement of wildlife throughout the ecosystem.

Although one third of the whole Maasai Mara in the western part if the larger reserve, The ] has only two permanent lodges within its boundaries, namely the Mara Serena Lodge and Little Governors Camp (compared to the numerous camps and lodges on the ] side) and has well maintained, all weather gravel roads. The rangers patrol regularly which means that there is less poaching and excellent game viewing. There is also strict control over vehicle numbers around animal sightings, allowing for a better experience when out on a game drive. Most lodges within the region charge higher rates during the Migration season, although the Maasai Mara is home to prolific wildlife year-round.

There are several airfields which serve the camps and lodges in the Maasai Mara, including ], Musiara Airstrip and Keekorok, Kichwa Tembo, Ngerende Airport, Ol Kiombo and Angama Mara Airstrips, and several airlines such as SafariLink and AirKenya fly scheduled services from Nairobi and elsewhere multiple times a day. Helicopter flights over the reserve are limited to a minimum height of 1,500 ft.

Game drives are the most popular activity in the Maasai Mara, but other activities include hot air ballooning, nature walks, photographic safaris and cultural experiences.


==Big Cat Diary== ==Big Cat Diary==
{{Main|Big Cat Diary}} {{Main|Big Cat Diary}}


The BBC Television show titled ''"Big Cat Diary"'' was filmed in the Maasai Mara. The show followed the lives of the big cats living in the reserve. The show highlighted scenes from the Reserve's Musiara marsh area and the Leopard Gorge, the Fig Tree Ridge areas and the Mara River, separating the Serengeti and the Maasai Mara.{{Citation needed|date=December 2017}} The ] Television show titled ''"Big Cat Diary"'' was filmed in the Maasai Mara.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Holmwood |first=Leigh |date=2008-07-17 |title=Big Cat Live: BBC to film lions, cheetahs and leopards in Kenyan reserve |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2008/jul/17/bbc.television |access-date=2024-04-28 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> The show followed the lives of the big cats living in the reserve. The show highlighted scenes from the Reserve's Musiara marsh area and the Leopard Gorge, the Fig Tree Ridge areas and the Mara River, separating the Serengeti and the Maasai Mara.<ref>{{cite web |title=Big Cat Live Episodes |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00dyv47/episodes/guide |publisher=BBC |access-date=28 April 2024}}</ref>


== Photography competition == == Photography competition ==
In 2018, the Angama Foundation, a non-profit affiliated with Angama Mara, one of the Mara's luxury safari camps, launched the Greatest Maasai Mara Photographer of the Year competition, showcasing the Mara as a year-round destination and raise funds for conservation initiatives active in the Mara.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://thegreatestmaaasaimara.com/ |website=Angama Foundation |title=The Greatest Maasai Mara Photographer of the Year}}</ref> The inaugural winner was British photographer Anup Shah.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://nomadmagazine.co/the-greatest-maasai-mara-photographer-of-the-year-winner-announcement/ |newspaper=Nomad |title=The greatest Maasai Mara Photographer of the year winner announcement |date=2018}}</ref> The 2019 winner was Lee-Anne Robertson from South Africa.<ref>{{cite news |newspaper=Tourism Update |title=Maasai Mara 2019 Photographer of the Year announced |date=2019 |url=http://www.tourismupdate.co.za/article/197354/Maasai-Mara-2019-Photographer-of-the-Year-announced |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191205052126/http://www.tourismupdate.co.za/article/197354/Maasai-Mara-2019-Photographer-of-the-Year-announced |url-status=dead |archive-date=2019-12-05 }}</ref> In 2018, the Angama Foundation, a non-profit affiliated with Angama Mara, one of the Mara's luxury safari camps, launched the Greatest Maasai Mara Photographer of the Year competition, showcasing the Mara as a year-round destination and raise funds for conservation initiatives active in the Mara.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://thegreatestmaaasaimara.com/ |website=Angama Foundation |title=The Greatest Maasai Mara Photographer of the Year |access-date=17 June 2020 |archive-date=18 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118183046/https://thegreatestmaaasaimara.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The competition ran for six years, ending in 2023.<ref>{{cite web |title=Competition Closed |url=https://thegreatestmaasaimara.com/ |publisher=The Greatest Maasai Mara |access-date=28 April 2024}}</ref> The inaugural winner was British photographer Anup Shah.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://nomadmagazine.co/the-greatest-maasai-mara-photographer-of-the-year-winner-announcement/ |newspaper=Nomad |title=The greatest Maasai Mara Photographer of the year winner announcement |date=2018 |access-date=12 August 2019 |archive-date=12 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190812161157/https://nomadmagazine.co/the-greatest-maasai-mara-photographer-of-the-year-winner-announcement/ }}</ref> The 2019 winner was Lee-Anne Robertson from South Africa.<ref>{{cite news |newspaper=Tourism Update |title=Maasai Mara 2019 Photographer of the Year announced |date=2019 |url=http://www.tourismupdate.co.za/article/197354/Maasai-Mara-2019-Photographer-of-the-Year-announced |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191205052126/http://www.tourismupdate.co.za/article/197354/Maasai-Mara-2019-Photographer-of-the-Year-announced |archive-date=2019-12-05 }}</ref> Paolo Torchio won in 2020, Harry Collins in 2021, Preeti and Prashant Chacko in 2022, and Shravan Rao in 2023.<ref>{{cite web |title=Past winners |url=https://thegreatestmaasaimara.com/galleries/past-winners/ |publisher=The Greatest Maasai Mara |access-date=28 April 2024}}</ref>


==Threats== ==Threats==
A study funded by ] and conducted by ILRI between 1989 and 2003 monitored hoofed species in the Mara on a monthly basis, and found that losses were as high as 75 percent for ]s, 80 percent for ]s, 76 percent for ], and 67 percent for ]. The study blames the loss of animals on increased human settlement in and around the reserve. The higher human population density leads to an increased number of livestock grazing in the park and an increase in poaching. The article claims, "The study provides the most detailed evidence to date on the declines in the ] (hoofed animals) populations in the Mara and how this phenomenon is linked to the rapid expansion of human populations near the boundaries of the reserve."<ref name="Ogutu_2009"/> Between 1989 and 2003, ]s were monitored in the Maasai Mara on a monthly basis; the survey revealed a decline of ]s by 75%, of ]s by 80%, of ] by 76%, and of ] by 67%, attributed to the increased number of livestock grazing in the park and an increase in poaching.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Ogutu |first1=J. O. |last2=Piepho |first2=H. P. |last3=Dublin |first3=H. T. |last4=Bhola |first4=N. |last5=Reid | first5=R. S. |date=2009 |title=Dynamics of Mara-Serengeti ungulates in relation to land use changes |journal=Journal of Zoology |volume=278 |issue=1 |pages=1–14 |doi=10.1111/j.1469-7998.2008.00536.x}}</ref>


The rise of local populations in areas neighbouring the reserve has led to the formation of conservation organisations such as the Mara Elephant Project who aim to ensure the peaceful and prosperous co-existence of humans alongside wildlife. Human wildlife conflict is seen as a leading threat to the reserve as the population continues to grow.<ref>{{cite web |title=Our Mission|url=https://maraelephantproject.org/ |website=Mara Elelphant Project}}</ref> The rise of local populations in areas neighbouring the reserve has led to the formation of conservation organisations such as the Mara Elephant Project. The project aims to ensure the peaceful and prosperous co-existence of humans alongside wildlife. According to the project, human wildlife conflict is seen as a leading threat to the reserve as the population continues to grow.<ref>{{cite web|title=Our Mission|url=https://maraelephantproject.org/|website=Mara Elelphant Project|access-date=12 August 2019|archive-date=12 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190812104106/https://maraelephantproject.org/|url-status=live}}</ref> Tourism has increased exponentially. Less than 10 lodges were in the area in the late 1970s.<ref name="greater ecosystem"/> The end of the moratorium saw facilities increase to 140 in 2008, and nearly 200 in 2016.<ref name="greater ecosystem" />


The growth in population creates a demand for land and resources leading to unplanned infrastructure growth.<ref name="greater ecosystem" /> The weak cash economy creates a need to further subdivide the outlying ranch areas. These new owners have converted some land away from traditional grazing fields, negatively affecting wildlife migration.<ref name="greater ecosystem" /> A rise in fencing exacerbates the restriction in free movement for migration,<ref name="March 2020">{{Cite web|title=March 2020|url=https://www.maratriangle.org/november-2016-1/march-2020|website=Mara Conservancy|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-04|archive-date=24 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324073053/https://www.maratriangle.org/november-2016-1/march-2020|url-status=live}}</ref> and grazing opportunities are diminished.<ref name="greater ecosystem" />
⚫ {{Clear}}


The Mara Conservancy encourages conservation efforts in the Reserve and has accomplished several of their goals since taking stewardship. According to their website, as of 2022 they have arrested 4,500 poachers, vaccinated 100,000 dogs against rabies and distemper, improved access roads, and provided security for the local community and tourist facilities.<ref name="what we do">{{cite web |title=What We Do |url=https://www.maratriangle.org/what-we-do |publisher=Mara Conservancy |access-date=28 April 2024}}</ref>
==Gallery==

<gallery mode="packed">
⚫ {{Clear}}
File:Maasai Mara National Reserve Kenya.jpg|Hot air balloons over Maasai Mara at sunrise
File:León-Kenia.jpg|Male lion
File:Leopard climbing down from a tree.jpg|] climbing down a tree
File:Elephants in masai mara.jpg|]s
File:Giraffes in Masai Mara.jpg|]s in the open grassland
File:Wildebeests in the Masaai Mara.jpg|Wildebeest with zebras in distance
File:Hyenas at stolen impala kill.jpg|]s with an ] carcass and two ]s
File:Storm gathering over maasai mara.jpg|Storm gathering
</gallery>


==See also== ==See also==
* ] * ]
*]


==References== ==References==
{{Reflist {{Reflist
|refs= |refs=
<ref name="WDPA">{{Cite web |url=http://www.protectedplanet.net/1297 |date=2018 |author=Protected Planet |title=Masai Mara |publisher=United Nations Environment World Conservation Monitoring Centre |accessdate=6 August 2015}}</ref> <ref name="maratriangle_wildebeest">{{Cite web |url= http://www.maratriangle.org/wildebeest-migration |title=The Greatest Show on Earth |website=The Mara Conservancy |access-date=17 October 2010 |archive-date=19 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101019092007/http://www.maratriangle.org/wildebeest-migration}}</ref>
<ref name="mara_fees">{{Cite web |url=http://www.maratriangle.org/park-fees |title=The Mara Conservancy – Park fees |work=maratriangle.org |publisher=Mara Conservancy |accessdate=3 November 2009 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100108101636/http://www.maratriangle.org/park-fees/ |archivedate=8 January 2010 }}</ref> <ref name="maratriangle_bird-list">{{Cite web |url=http://maratriangle.org/maratriangle/bird-list/ |title=Bird List |work=maratriangle.org |publisher=The Mara Conservancy |access-date=16 June 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160307190625/http://maratriangle.org/maratriangle/bird-list/ |archive-date=7 March 2016 }}</ref>
<ref name="maratriangle_wildebeest">{{Cite web |url= http://www.maratriangle.org/wildebeest-migration |title=The Greatest Show on Earth |website=The Mara Conservancy |accessdate=17 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archivedate=19 October 2010 |df= dmy-all |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101019092007/http://www.maratriangle.org/wildebeest-migration}}</ref> <ref name="maratriangle_research">{{Cite web |url=http://www.maratriangle.org/research/ |title=Research |website=The Mara Conservancy |access-date = 17 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101017072850/http://www.maratriangle.org/research/ |archive-date = 17 October 2010 }}</ref>
<ref name="maratriangle_bird-list">{{Cite web |url=http://maratriangle.org/maratriangle/bird-list/ |title=Bird List |work=maratriangle.org |publisher=The Mara Conservancy |accessdate=16 June 2020|url-status=dead |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20160307190625/http://maratriangle.org/maratriangle/bird-list/ |archivedate=7 March 2016 |df= dmy-all}}</ref>
<ref name="maratriangle_research">{{Cite web |url=http://www.maratriangle.org/research/ |title=Research |website=The Mara Conservancy |accessdate = 17 October 2010 |url-status = dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101017072850/http://www.maratriangle.org/research/ |archivedate = 17 October 2010 |df= dmy-all}}</ref>


<ref name="Ogutu_2009">{{cite journal |last=Ogutu |first=J. O. | last2=Piepho | first2=H. P. |last3=Dublin | first3=H. T | last4=Bhola | first4=N. |last5=Reid | first5=R. S. |date=May 2009 |title=Dynamics of Mara-Serengeti ungulates in relation to land use changes |journal=Journal of Zoology |volume=278 |issue=1 |pages=1–14 |doi=10.1111/j.1469-7998.2008.00536.x}}</ref>
<ref name="Walpole_2003_X">{{Harvnb|Walpole|2003|p=X}}</ref> <ref name="Walpole_2003_X">{{Harvnb|Walpole|2003|p=X}}</ref>
<ref name="Walpole_2003_17">{{Harvnb|Walpole|2003|p=17}}</ref> <ref name="Walpole_2003_17">{{Harvnb|Walpole|2003|p=17}}</ref>
<ref name="guideforafrica">{{Cite web |url=http://www.guideforafrica.com/kenya/masai-mara.html |title=Masai Mara National Reserve |work=guideforafrica.com | publisher=Guide for Africa |accessdate=23 October 2010}}</ref>
<!-- The following references appeared in the reflist but were not used in the prior text. Please return them to the reflist once they have been correctly cited in the main article. <!-- The following references appeared in the reflist but were not used in the prior text. Please return them to the reflist once they have been correctly cited in the main article.


<ref name="africanconservation">{{Cite web |title=Tanzania's Serengeti National Park facing 'collapse' due to highway plans |website=African Conservation Foundation |url=http://www.africanconservation.org/201009211957/conservation-news-section/tanzanias-serengeti-national-park-facing-collapse-due-to-highway-plans |accessdate=15 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101025093645/http://africanconservation.org/201009211957/conservation-news-section/tanzanias-serengeti-national-park-facing-collapse-due-to-highway-plans |archivedate=25 October 2010}}</ref> <ref name="africanconservation">{{Cite web |title=Tanzania's Serengeti National Park facing 'collapse' due to highway plans |website=African Conservation Foundation |url=http://www.africanconservation.org/201009211957/conservation-news-section/tanzanias-serengeti-national-park-facing-collapse-due-to-highway-plans |access-date=15 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101025093645/http://africanconservation.org/201009211957/conservation-news-section/tanzanias-serengeti-national-park-facing-collapse-due-to-highway-plans |archive-date=25 October 2010}}</ref>

<ref name="maratriangle_about">
{{Cite web
|url=http://www.maratriangle.org/about/
|title=The Mara Conservancy
|work=maratriangle.org | publisher=The Mara Conservancy
|accessdate=17 October 2010 }}
</ref>
--> -->
<!--Endangered Cheetahs (seems to support "Cheetahs are declining due to human encroachment, including tourist disruption of their hunting by not staying on established roads, and an expanding population of cattle as residents become better off.") <!--Endangered Cheetahs (seems to support "Cheetahs are declining due to human encroachment, including tourist disruption of their hunting by not staying on established roads, and an expanding population of cattle as residents become better off.")
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===Works cited===
{{Anchor|CITEREFWalpole2003}}{{cite book |last=Walpole |first=M. |last2=Karanja |first2=G.G. |last3=Sitati |first3=N.W. |last4=Leader-Williams |date=2003 |title=Wildlife and People: Conflict and Conservation in Masai Mara, Kenya |journal=Wildlife and Development Series |volume=14 |publisher=International Institute for Environment and Development |location=London |url=http://www.peopleandwildlife.org.uk/publications/CONFLICT%20w_and_p_masaimara.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060118235407/http://www.peopleandwildlife.org.uk/publications/CONFLICT%20w_and_p_masaimara.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 January 2006 |accessdate=23 October 2010 }} * {{cite report |ref={{harvid|Walpole|2003}} |last1=Walpole |first1=M. |last2=Karanja |first2=G.G. |last3=Sitati |first3=N.W. |last4=Leader-Williams |date=2003 |title=Wildlife and People: Conflict and Conservation in Masai Mara, Kenya |url=http://www.peopleandwildlife.org.uk/publications/CONFLICT%20w_and_p_masaimara.pdf |series=Wildlife and Development Series |volume=14 |location=London |publisher=International Institute for Environment and Development |isbn=978-1-84369-416-8 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060118235407/http://www.peopleandwildlife.org.uk/publications/CONFLICT%20w_and_p_masaimara.pdf |archive-date=18 January 2006 }}


==External links== ==External links==
{{Commons category|Masai Mara|Maasai Mara}} {{Commons category|Masai Mara|Maasai Mara}}
{{wikivoyage|Maasai Mara National Reserve}} {{Wikivoyage|Maasai Mara National Reserve}}
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{{National Parks of Kenya}} {{National Parks of Kenya}}
⚫ {{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}}

{{Authority control}} {{Authority control}}


Latest revision as of 08:31, 18 January 2025

National Reserve in Narok County, Kenya

Maasai Mara National Reserve
Maasai Mara
Maasai Mara sceneryTypical "spotted" Maasai Mara scenery
Map showing the location of Maasai Mara National ReserveMap showing the location of Maasai Mara National ReserveLocation of Maasai Mara National Reserve
LocationKenya, Rift Valley Province
Nearest townNarok
Coordinates1°29′24″S 35°8′38″E / 1.49000°S 35.14389°E / -1.49000; 35.14389
Area1,510 km (580 sq mi)
Established1961; 64 years ago (1961)
Governing bodyNarok County, Mara Conservancy LTD

Maasai Mara, also sometimes spelt Masai Mara and locally known simply as The Mara, is a large national game reserve in Narok, Kenya, contiguous with the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. It is named in honour of the Maasai people, the ancestral inhabitants of the area, who migrated to the area from the Nile Basin. Their description of the area when looked at from afar: "Mara" means "spotted" in the local Maasai language, because of the short bushy trees which dot the landscape.

Maasai Mara is one of the wildlife conservation and wilderness areas in Africa, with its populations of lions, leopards, cheetahs and African bush elephants. It also hosts the Great Migration, which secured it as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa, and as one of the ten Wonders of the World.

The Greater Mara ecosystem encompasses areas known as the Maasai Mara National Reserve, the Mara Triangle, several Maasai group ranches, and Maasai Mara conservancies.

History

When Maasai Mara was originally established in 1961 as a wildlife sanctuary, it covered only 520km² of the current area, including the Mara Triangle. The area was extended to the east in 1961 to cover 1821km² and converted to a Game Reserve. The Narok County Council took over management of the reserve at this time. Part of the reserve was given National Reserve status in 1974, and the remaining area of 159km² was returned to local communities. An additional 162km² were removed from the reserve in 1976, and the park was reduced to 1510km² in 1984.

The Maasai people make up a community that spans northern, central and southern Kenya and northern parts of Tanzania. The Maasai rely on their lands to sustain their cattle, as well as themselves and their families. Before the reserve's establishment, the Maasai were forced to move out of their native lands. Some of this was due to smallpox outbreaks among the people as well as rinderpest outbreaks among the cattle.

Tradition continues to play a major role in the lives of modern-day Maasai people, who are known for their tall stature, patterned shukas and beadwork. In 2008, an estimated half a million individuals spoke the Maa language. This number includes not only the Maasai but also Samburu and Ilchamus people in Kenya.

Geography

View of Mara River
Sunrise over Maasai Mara National Reserve

The total area under conservation in the Greater Maasai Mara ecosystem amounts to almost 1,510 km (580 sq mi).

It is the northernmost section of the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem, which covers around 25,000 ha (62,000 acres) in Tanzania and Kenya. Maasai pastoral ranches are to the north, east and west. To the south is the Serengeti Park, the Siria/Oloololo escarpment is to the west. The Mara River, along with its tributaries the Sand and Talek rivers, are the major rivers draining the reserve. Shrubs and trees run along most drainage lines and cover the hills.

The terrain of the reserve is primarily open grassland with seasonal riverlets. In the south-east region are clumps of the distinctive acacia tree. The western border is the Esoit (Siria) Escarpment of the East African Rift, which is a system of rifts some 5600km long, from Ethiopia's Red Sea through Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi and into Mozambique. Wildlife tends to be most concentrated here, as the swampy ground means that access to water is always good, while tourist disruption is minimal. The easternmost border is 224 km (139 mi) from Nairobi, and hence it is the eastern regions which are most visited by tourists.

It has a semi-arid climate with biannual rains and two distinct rainy seasons. The 'long rains' last around six to eight weeks in April and May and the 'short rains', in November and December, last around four weeks. There is a significant rainfall gradient: around 800 mm (31 in)/year in the east to 1200mm/year in the west.

Elevation: 1500-2180m; Rainfall: 83mm/month; Temperature range: 12–30 °C (54–86 °F)

Wildlife

A scene with scattered bushes, animals, cloud shadows, and umbrella acacia treesAerial view of a herd of wildebeest following a few leading zebrasZebrasEast African cheetah with cubs
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Blue wildebeest are the dominant inhabitants of the Maasai Mara. Around July of each year, these animals migrate north from the Serengeti plains in search of fresh pasture, and return to the south around October. The Great Migration is one of the most impressive natural events worldwide. It involves some 1,300,000 blue wildebeest, 500000 Thomson's gazelles, 97000 topi, 18000 common elands, and 200000 Grant's zebras.

All members of the "Big Five" – lions, African leopards, African bush elephants, African buffaloes and black rhinoceros – are found all year round.

The Maasai Mara is the only protected area in Kenya with an indigenous black rhino population unaffected by translocations. Due to its size, the Mara can support one of the largest populations in Africa. The population of black rhinos was fairly numerous until 1960, but it was severely depleted by poaching in the 1970s and early 1980s, dropping to a low of 15 individuals. Numbers have been slowly increasing, but the population was still only up to an estimated 23 in 1999. The Mara Conservancy, one of the managing bodies of the reserve, reported 120 black rhinos in 1971 and 18 in 1984. They claimed one black rhino in 2001 when they began management and a stable 25-30 in 2023.

Hippopotamuses and Nile crocodiles are found in large groups in the Mara and Talek rivers. The plains between the Mara River and the Esoit Siria Escarpment are probably the best area for game viewing, in particular regarding lion and cheetah.

Large carnivores are found in the reserve. Lions are the most dominant and are found here in large numbers. Spotted hyenas are another abundant carnivore, and will often compete with lions for food. Leopards are found anywhere in the reserve where there are trees for them to escape to. East African cheetahs are also found in high numbers on the open savanna, hunting gazelle and wildebeest. African wild dogs are quite rare here due to the widespread transmission of diseases like canine distemper and the heavy competition they face with lions, who can often ravage their populations. Their packs also roam and travel far distances throughout the plains, making it hard to track them. Smaller carnivores that don't directly compete with the latter include African wolves, black-backed jackals, African striped weasels, caracals, servals, honey badgers, aardwolves, African wildcats, side-striped jackals, bat-eared foxes, Striped polecats, African civets, genets, several mongoose species, and African clawless otters.

Antelopes can be found, including Grant's gazelles, impalas, duikers and Coke's hartebeests. The plains are also home to the distinctive Masai giraffe. The large roan antelope and the nocturnal bat-eared fox, rarely present elsewhere in Kenya, can be seen within the reserve borders.

The area has been named an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International. More than 500 species of birds have been identified in the park, many of which are migrants, with almost 60 species being raptors. It is an important area for the threatened birds that call this area home for at least part of the year. These include: vultures, marabou storks, secretary birds, hornbills, crowned cranes, ostriches, long-crested eagles, African pygmy-falcons and the lilac-breasted roller, which is the national bird of Kenya. The resident Martial eagle is endangered.

Administration

As of 2023, Mara Conservancy manages the Mara Triangle on behalf of the county, while the County Government of Narok manages the Narok Sector. The more visited eastern part of the park, known as the Maasai Mara National Reserve, is managed by the Narok County Council. The Mara Triangle in the western part is managed Mara Conservancy, on behalf of the county, since the early 2000s.

The outer areas were administered by ranches of the Maasai community. The land was then subdivided, though some members received greater benefits than the majority of landowners. This weakened regulatory system threatens sustainable management of the Mara.

Research

The Maasai Mara is a major research centre for the spotted hyena. With two field offices in the Mara, the Michigan State University based Kay E. Holekamp Lab studies the behaviour and physiology of this predator, as well as doing comparison studies between large predators in the Mara Triangle and their counterparts in the eastern part of the Mara.

A flow assessment and trans-boundary river basin management plan between Kenya and Tanzania was completed for the river to sustain the ecosystem and the basic needs of 1 million people who depend on its water.

The Mara Predator Conservation Programme also operates in the Maasai Mara, cataloging and monitoring lion populations throughout the region. Concentrating on the northern conservancies where communities coexist with wildlife, the project aims to identify population trends and responses to changes in land management, human settlements, livestock movements and tourism.

Since October 2012, the Mara-Meru Cheetah Project has worked in the Mara monitoring cheetah population, estimating population status and dynamics, and evaluating the predator impact and human activity on cheetah behavior and survival. The head of the Project, Elena Chelysheva, was working in 2001–2002 as Assistant Researcher at the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Maasai-Mara Cheetah Conservation Project. At that time, she developed original method of cheetah identification based on visual analysis of the unique spot patterns on front limbs (from toes to shoulder) and hind limbs (from toes to the hip), and spots and rings on the tail. Collected over the years, photographic data allows the project team to trace kinship between generations and build Mara cheetah pedigree. The data collected helps to reveal parental relationship between individuals, survival rate of cubs, cheetah lifespan and personal reproductive history.

The resilience of the game park model and the impact of the covid pandemic have also been evaluated so as to include consideration of issues of equality, and environmentalism.

Big Cat Diary

Main article: Big Cat Diary

The BBC Television show titled "Big Cat Diary" was filmed in the Maasai Mara. The show followed the lives of the big cats living in the reserve. The show highlighted scenes from the Reserve's Musiara marsh area and the Leopard Gorge, the Fig Tree Ridge areas and the Mara River, separating the Serengeti and the Maasai Mara.

Photography competition

In 2018, the Angama Foundation, a non-profit affiliated with Angama Mara, one of the Mara's luxury safari camps, launched the Greatest Maasai Mara Photographer of the Year competition, showcasing the Mara as a year-round destination and raise funds for conservation initiatives active in the Mara. The competition ran for six years, ending in 2023. The inaugural winner was British photographer Anup Shah. The 2019 winner was Lee-Anne Robertson from South Africa. Paolo Torchio won in 2020, Harry Collins in 2021, Preeti and Prashant Chacko in 2022, and Shravan Rao in 2023.

Threats

Between 1989 and 2003, ungulates were monitored in the Maasai Mara on a monthly basis; the survey revealed a decline of giraffes by 75%, of common warthogs by 80%, of hartebeest by 76%, and of impala by 67%, attributed to the increased number of livestock grazing in the park and an increase in poaching.

The rise of local populations in areas neighbouring the reserve has led to the formation of conservation organisations such as the Mara Elephant Project. The project aims to ensure the peaceful and prosperous co-existence of humans alongside wildlife. According to the project, human wildlife conflict is seen as a leading threat to the reserve as the population continues to grow. Tourism has increased exponentially. Less than 10 lodges were in the area in the late 1970s. The end of the moratorium saw facilities increase to 140 in 2008, and nearly 200 in 2016.

The growth in population creates a demand for land and resources leading to unplanned infrastructure growth. The weak cash economy creates a need to further subdivide the outlying ranch areas. These new owners have converted some land away from traditional grazing fields, negatively affecting wildlife migration. A rise in fencing exacerbates the restriction in free movement for migration, and grazing opportunities are diminished.

The Mara Conservancy encourages conservation efforts in the Reserve and has accomplished several of their goals since taking stewardship. According to their website, as of 2022 they have arrested 4,500 poachers, vaccinated 100,000 dogs against rabies and distemper, improved access roads, and provided security for the local community and tourist facilities.

See also

References

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  2. ^ "Masai Mara National Park". Global Alliance of National Parks. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
  3. ^ "Maasai Mara Game Reserve". UNESCO. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
  4. ^ "Masai Mara". BirdLife International. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
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  6. ^ Walpole 2003, p. X
  7. ^ "Maa Language,University of Oregon". University of Oregon, Doris.L.Payne. Archived from the original on 10 December 2019. Retrieved 27 April 2024.
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  9. ^ "Black Rhino". Mara Conservancy. Archived from the original on 7 April 2020. Retrieved 7 April 2020.
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  19. Shreya Chakrabarti The sensitivity of the Maasai Mara Conservancy Model to external shocks (2021) https://uu.diva-portal.org/smash/record.jsf?pid=diva2%3A1567539&dswid=-2405 Retrieved 30 September 2021
  20. Holmwood, Leigh (17 July 2008). "Big Cat Live: BBC to film lions, cheetahs and leopards in Kenyan reserve". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
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  22. "The Greatest Maasai Mara Photographer of the Year". Angama Foundation. Archived from the original on 18 January 2022. Retrieved 17 June 2020.
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  24. "The greatest Maasai Mara Photographer of the year winner announcement". Nomad. 2018. Archived from the original on 12 August 2019. Retrieved 12 August 2019.
  25. "Maasai Mara 2019 Photographer of the Year announced". Tourism Update. 2019. Archived from the original on 5 December 2019.
  26. "Past winners". The Greatest Maasai Mara. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
  27. Ogutu, J. O.; Piepho, H. P.; Dublin, H. T.; Bhola, N.; Reid, R. S. (2009). "Dynamics of Mara-Serengeti ungulates in relation to land use changes". Journal of Zoology. 278 (1): 1–14. doi:10.1111/j.1469-7998.2008.00536.x.
  28. "Our Mission". Mara Elelphant Project. Archived from the original on 12 August 2019. Retrieved 12 August 2019.
  29. "March 2020". Mara Conservancy. Archived from the original on 24 March 2023. Retrieved 4 May 2020.
  30. "What We Do". Mara Conservancy. Retrieved 28 April 2024.

Works cited

External links

National Parks of Kenya
National Parks
Reserves
Marine national parks
and reserves
Sanctuaries
Former national reservesTana River Primate National Reserve
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