| Abstract |
HellÆs Gate National Park encloses part of Olkaria geothermal field. The park supports a substantial wildlife mainly plains game. In an effort to effectively conserve wildlife and develop geothermal resource, Kenya Wildlife Service in collaboration with the Kenya Electricity Generating Company and other stakeholders in the region, has pursued to understand the population dynamics of fauna (total numbers, structure and movement) through demographic surveys. For the period 1996-2001, wildlife population numbers and density in the park have shown low fluctuation, with Kedong ranch and Kongoni sanctuary showing high population numbers and density. Major factors that initiated observed fluctuations in the park and adjoining areas have been terrain, quality and quantity of food, cover and water availability. Other environmental factors such as climate (weather conditions) and bush fire also played a major role. As changes in weather become severe, continual occupation of the park by some animals become impossible, leading to their movement out of the park during harsh interval and return when conditions improve. Movement is initiated by decrease in food, water and other essential habitat requirements in one area, while improvement of the same in another location leading to immigration and emigration. This movement is however necessary to avoid overuse of preferred habitats. Other factors presumed to exert pressure on wildlife population include predation, diseases and parasites. Ecological knowledge on population regulatory factors should thus be further explored to effectively manage the observed fluctuations. Purposeful habitat manipulation in the park through establishment of more watering points to influence distribution and utilization is recommended. |