Lewa Habitats

Conserving Natural Systems

Exclusion Zones

Lewa was initially established to provide protection and breed rhinos. Therefore maintenance of habitat quality for black rhino is key. This is achieved by constructing exclusion zones to keep out elephant and giraffe, which are high impact browsers, using a simple two-strand electric fence. This ensures that prime black rhino habitat and hundred-year old yellow fever trees are preserved. All other game including zebra, buffalo and antelopes can gain entry and exit the enclosed zone by walking under the electrified fence.

Fixed Point Photographs
Each year, photos are taken at set locations with different habitats to determine the change in vegetation structure over time. Plans are at an advanced stage to establish fixed point photography at Il Ngwesi Group Ranch.

Burning

Prescribed burning is also conducted during the November rains to promote the regeneration of Lewa's grasses and trees to benefit the grazing plains game. Grass assessment surveys are conducted in June to determine which areas need to be burned. The benefits of burning are realised immediately after the rains as dozens of plains game make local migrations to the burnt areas to exploit the tender grasses.