Securing the future of Nubian giraffes in PUWR, Uganda
Project description
Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve (PUWR), located in the Karamoja region of Uganda, once supported one of the largest populations of the critically endangered Nubian giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis camelopardalis). Aerial surveys conducted in 1968 estimated the population at 899 individuals. However, regional instability and illegal hunting associated with political unrest led to the species’ local extinction by 1996.
Threats
Habitat loss & degradation
Between 2019 and 2021, the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) and the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) translocated a total of 29 giraffes from Murchison Falls National Park in an effort to re-establish the population in Pian Upe. Since the translocation, the population has shown gradual growth but remains critically low. Ongoing threats include poaching, human displacement, and habitat degradation.
This project aims to support the continued recovery of this culturally and ecologically significant species through enhanced security, strengthened community engagement, and improved population monitoring.
Project objectives
- Support the Nubian giraffe population within PUWR to reach at least 50 individuals by the end of the project.
- Increase community engagement and awareness of giraffe conservation, with community members reporting.
- Improve understanding of the conservation needs of Nubian giraffes and other wildlife.
- Improve patrol frequency and ranger efficiency to strengthen the security framework within PUWR and ensure long-term sustainability of wildlife conservation efforts.
Project activities
- Recruit and equip a Mobile Giraffe Monitoring Officer to closely monitor the population, provide a visible presence for visitors and local communities, and develop an identification database for each Nubian giraffe to ensure accurate records of population size and sex ratio.
- Systematically record sightings of giraffes and other key wildlife species using EarthRanger software during routine ranger patrols, in order to enhance security and build a clearer understanding of core and secondary home ranges within the Reserve.
- Provide rangers with improved patrol equipment, conduct aerial surveillance, and implement extended patrols to establish and enforce an Intensive Protection Zone focused on giraffes and other priority species.
- Conduct monthly community sensitisation meetings with neighbouring communities on giraffe conservation, and coordinate monthly school bus visits to the Reserve to promote greater understanding of PUWR and the role of conservation research and monitoring.
This project is implemented by Space for Giants, Uganda
