High Survival and Percentages of Giraffe Calves Signal Areas in Need of Protection

We surveyed endangered Masai giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis tippelskirchi) at Oloirien Group Ranch (OGR) and Oloisukut Conservancy (OC) in Kenya to determine their conservation potential. Here, Maasai settlements, livestock, and predator control result in lion densities less than half that of adjacent protected areas. Using surveys and photographic mark-recapture (PMR), we annually calculated percentages of newborn (< 4 mos) and older giraffe calves (4-12 mos). We used Cormack-Jolly-Seber models to estimate annual survival of giraffes at OGR from 2014 to 2022. Giraffe survival for all ages and sexes was estimated at 0.85, higher than in reserves where lions are protected. There were no significant differences in calf percentages at OC and OGR, 23.6 ± 6.7% (N=8). In 2021 and 2022, OGR calf percentages were > 30%, similar to areas without lions. At OGR, 65% of female giraffes were observed multiple years, including calves transitioning to adulthood. One female of 232 was recorded at both sites. OGR females frequented the Mara Triangle Conservancy (MTC) and are a source of giraffes for that protected area. Our findings show that savanna-grasslands external to protected areas where lion densities are low are critical for giraffe conservation. OGR needs a giraffe conservancy, now.