Masai Giraffe

The Masai giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis tippelskirchi) is the largest giraffe subspecies, native to Kenya and Tanzania. Once widespread across East Africa, it is now listed as Endangereddue to habitat loss, poaching, and human–wildlife conflict. Conservation efforts focus on population monitoring, habitat protection, anti-poaching patrols, and community engagement.

Key Projects Protecting the Masai Giraffe

1. Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) – Masai Giraffe Conservation Program

  • The Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF)leads global giraffe conservation and coordinates efforts for the Masai giraffe across East Africa.
  • Works in northern Tanzania and southern Kenya, focusing on:
    • Long-term population monitoring using photographic identification and GPS tracking.
    • Research on genetics, ecology, and disease to inform management.
    • Community outreach programspromoting coexistence and anti-poaching awareness.
  • Partners with Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI), and Wild Nature Institute (WNI).
  • Supports the Twiga Tracker Initiative, the largest GPS tracking program for giraffes in Africa.

2. Wild Nature Institute (WNI) – Masai Giraffe Project

  • Conducts one of the world’s largest giraffe research programs, based in northern Tanzania.
  • Uses photo-identification software to track over 4,000 individual giraffes across the Tarangire–Manyara ecosystem.
  • Studies population dynamics, survival rates, and threats such as habitat fragmentation and illegal hunting.
  • Works with local schools through the “Celebrating Africa’s Giants” education program to raise awareness about giraffe conservation.
  • Collaborates with GCF, TAWIRI, and local communities.

3. Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) – National Giraffe Conservation Strategy (2020–2025)

  • A comprehensive national plan to protect all giraffe subspecies in Kenya, including the Masai giraffe.
  • Priorities include:
    • Habitat protection and restoration in key landscapes like Amboseli, Tsavo, and Laikipia.
    • Strengthening law enforcement to combat bushmeat poaching.
    • Research and monitoring to guide policy decisions.
    • Community-based conservation through conservancies and eco-tourism.
  • Implemented in partnership with GCF, NRT, and county governments.

4. Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI) – Giraffe Monitoring and Research

  • Leads national research on giraffe populations in Serengeti, Ruaha, and Tarangireecosystems.
  • Conducts aerial surveys, disease surveillance, and genetic studies to understand population health.
  • Works with GCF, WNI, and University of Dar es Salaam to train local scientists and rangers.
  • Provides data for the National Giraffe Conservation Action Plan in Tanzania.

5. Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT) – Community Conservancies in Kenya

  • Supports over 40 community conservanciesacross northern and central Kenya, many of which host Masai giraffes.
  • Implements anti-poaching patrols, rangeland management, and livelihood programs.
  • Promotes coexistence between pastoralists and wildlife through sustainable grazing and water management.
  • Works closely with KWS and GCF to monitor giraffe populations in conservancies such as Lewa, Borana, and Il Ngwesi.

6. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and Borana Conservancy

  • Key strongholds for Masai giraffes in northern Kenya.
  • Conduct regular population censuses, habitat restoration, and anti-poaching operations.
  • Engage local communities through education programs, employment opportunities, and eco-tourism.
  • Collaborate with GCF, KWS, and NRT to share data and coordinate regional conservation strategies.

7. Twiga Walinzi (“Giraffe Guards”) Program

  • A community-based initiative launched by GCF and Wild Nature Institute in Tanzania.
  • Employs local people as “giraffe guardians” to monitor populations, report poaching, and raise awareness.
  • Provides training, equipment, and income to rural communities, linking conservation with livelihoods.
  • Has significantly reduced poaching incidents in areas surrounding Tarangire National Park.

Supporting Organizations

  • Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF)
  • Wild Nature Institute (WNI)
  • Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS)
  • Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI)
  • Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT)
  • Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
  • Borana Conservancy
  • Twiga Walinzi Program

The Broader Mission
Protection of the Masai giraffe relies on a network of research-driven and community-based projects across Kenya and Tanzania. Initiatives led by GCF, WNI, and KWS integrate scientific monitoring, anti-poaching efforts, and local stewardship to secure viable populations. These collaborations have become a model for large-mammal conservation in East Africa, ensuring that the Masai giraffe remains a thriving symbol of the African savanna.