Wildlife Drought Preparedness: A Neglected Conservation Effort

African conservation efforts have long focused on protecting wildlife from poaching, habitat destruction, and human-wildlife conflict. However, one critical aspect often overlooked is drought preparedness. With climate change intensifying, prolonged dry seasons have become more frequent and severe, threatening wildlife populations that rely on dwindling water sources.

One organization taking proactive steps to address this crisis is Space for Wildlife, which has embarked on a mission to ensure a steady water supply for wildlife in the Amboseli ecosystem. By constructing waterholes strategically placed across the dry plains, the organization aims to relieve animals struggling to find water, especially during the harshest months of the year.

A First-Hand Encounter with Drought’s Devastation

In the sweltering dry season of 2021, Space for Wildlife’s board members traveled to Amboseli to assess the conditions firsthand. What we witnessed was heart-wrenching. The once-thriving grasslands were now dust-covered plains cracked by the merciless sun. Carcasses of zebras, wildebeests, and even elephants lay scattered, grim reminders of the brutal toll that water scarcity had taken on the land’s inhabitants.

"The sight of lifeless bodies, especially of young animals who had succumbed to thirst and starvation, was unbearable," our Treasurer, Martha recalls. "Seeing the devastation of these animals broke my heart. At that moment, I knew we had to act fast and ensure this never happens again."

Building Lifelines: Waterholes for Wildlife

Following this distressing visit, Space for Wildlife accelerated its initiative to build artificial waterholes. These strategically located water points are designed to serve a wide range of animals, from the towering giraffes to the elusive hyenas that rely on these vital resources. The goal is to create an interconnected network of reliable water sources that can sustain wildlife even in the most prolonged droughts.

The waterholes are to be equipped with solar-powered pumps that draw water from underground sources, ensuring a sustainable and uninterrupted flow. Community involvement is also key—local Maasai herders have been engaged in monitoring and maintaining the waterholes, fostering a shared responsibility for both livestock and wildlife conservation.

A Call to Prioritize Wildlife Drought Preparedness

Despite the visible devastation of drought, conservation initiatives still prioritize other threats like poaching, often relegating drought preparedness to the background. But without access to water, entire ecosystems collapse. Wildlife conservation must integrate climate resilience strategies, ensuring that animals are not left to perish when seasonal water sources run dry.

As Space for Wildlife continues its mission, it is calling on conservation groups, governments, and donors to recognize the urgency of this issue. Without a concerted effort to address wildlife drought preparedness, many species—especially those already struggling—will face an uncertain future.

"We cannot sit back and watch as drought wipes out the very wildlife we strive to protect," the secretary emphasized. "If we are to safeguard these species for future generations, we must act now and ensure that no animal dies simply because it lacked access to water."

A Future with Water for All

Our efforts at Space for Wildlife in Amboseli serve as a model for proactive conservation. By acknowledging drought preparedness as a key pillar of wildlife protection, we can ensure that even in the driest seasons, water remains a lifeline—not a luxury—for the animals that define Africa’s rich biodiversity.

Now is the time to integrate drought resilience into conservation strategies. Every drop of water can mean the difference between life and death for Amboseli’s wildlife.