As with the Tourism Management Programme, the
Ecological Management Programme also sets out
an
ambitious work plan covering an aspect of the
MMNR’s management that has not traditionally been
a
strong management focus. Although the MMNR is
fortunate to have a dedicated ecological research
station
staffed by KWS, MMNR management does not itself
currently have an ecologist on its staff who can
take
the lead in implementing the Ecological Management
Programme, and in liaising with KWS as well as
external
researchers working in the area. In addition, the
KWS-staffed Mara Mobile Veterinary Unit is based
at
the research station, but has to cover a huge
geographical area that includes the entire Masai Mara, Lake
Naivasha,
Ruma National Park and Lake Nakuru National Park,
as well as the surrounding ranches and
dispersal
areas. As a result, when veterinary services are
required they can sometimes take a number of days to
be
provided, causing distress to animals and
preventing the early resolution of problems. In order to
address
both these issues, an MMNR Ecologist will be
recruited to oversee the implementation of the
Ecological
Management Programme and associated ecological
monitoring, to improve linkages between KWS
activities
and management priorities, and to strengthen the
support to and management of external researchers.
In
addition, on a longer time basis, a qualified vet
will also be recruited to the area to take the lead in
providing
veterinary services focused in the MMNR and
adjacent areas, thereby relieving pressure on the mobile
KWS
unit.
