Roan antelope were last seen in the Mara Triangle
in the late 1980s, and the decline of the species has been
attributed to a number of factors, most commonly hunting and the
loss of its preferred Combretumdominated habitats.
Although not of significant conservation concern globally, their
reintroduction would help restore the natural species composition
of the Reserve, provide a valuable refuge for this species in
Kenya, and an additional attraction for visitors to the Reserve.
The IUCN/SSC Guidelines for Re-
Introductions specify that restoration of a
species should only take place if the habitat and landscape
requirements of the species are satisfied (and are likely to be
sustained for the foreseeable future), and the cause of the
previous decline has been identified, and eliminated or reduced to
an acceptable level. In line with these guidelines, MMNR management
will either undertake or support a study that will investigate
these factors, and establish the feasibility of reintroducing Roan
antelope to the Reserve. This will either be carried out by MMNR
staff themselves, in collaboration with the KWS Mara Research
Station, or by an independent researcher, potentially as part of a
masters or doctorate research study.
