The A4 highway, which bisects Mugie Conservancy, presents a significant conservation challenge by splitting the landscape in two. This division disrupts the natural movement of wildlife and threatens the connectivity of the broader ecosystem. In response to this challenge, Mugie Conservancy has undertaken a series of strategic interventions aimed at mitigating the negative impacts of this linear infrastructure.
Identifying Wildlife Corridors
Leveraging years of GPS data, Mugie Conservancy has successfully identified six major wildlife corridors along the A4 road. These corridors are crucial passageways that allow animals to move freely between different parts of the conservancy, ensuring the continued flow of genetic diversity and maintaining healthy wildlife populations.
Strategic Gaps & Collaboration with KeNHA
To facilitate safe wildlife movement, Mugie has strategically placed gaps in the fenceline at the identified corridor locations. These gaps provide clear pathways for animals to cross the road, reducing the likelihood of wildlife becoming trapped or injured. Recognizing the ongoing risk of vehicle collisions, Mugie partnered with the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to install speed bumps near these corridors. The speed bumps serve as a deterrent to speeding vehicles, further reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring safer crossings for wildlife.
Future Plans: Advanced Crossings & Additional Fencing
While these initial measures have made a positive impact, Mugie Conservancy is committed to further enhancing the safety and effectiveness of these wildlife corridors. Our long-term vision includes the installation of more advanced and efficient forms of wildlife crossings, such as underpasses or overpasses, at each identified corridor. Additionally, we aim to extend fencing on the opposite side of the A4 road, creating a safe and guided passage for wildlife.
Support Our Mission
Mugie Conservancy is actively seeking support and funding to realize these critical infrastructure improvements. By investing in these solutions, we can significantly reduce the risk of wildlife-vehicle collisions, protect both human and animal lives, and ensure the continued ecological integrity of the Mugie landscape.
