The Ol Lentille Conservancy, while small in relative terms at 14,500 acres, is a vital keystone in the protection of the Laikipia and greater Ewaso Nyiro ecosystems. Covering an area of 30,000 square kilometres, Laikipia is the second largest wildlife ecosystem in Kenya after Tsavo. Laikipia is the richest ecosystem in Kenya in terms of endangered species, and is the richest ecosystem in Kenya in terms of wildlife diversity. Laikipia is second only to the Maasai Mara in terms of wildlife density, and is the only district in Kenya where overall wildlife numbers are increasing.

For five years with the support and encouragement of The African Wildlife Foundation, the Kijabe community has excluded its own livestock from the area. More recently, with support from Regenesis and The Kijabe Trust, it has been increasingly successful in excluding livestock arriving from neighbouring areas, and in attracting and holding an increasing population of wildlife including a significant number of endangered species. Vegetation has recovered from the over-grazing of the past and damaging erosion halted.

Now, seeing community conservation in action, neighbouring communities are developing their own conservation plans. To our west, Tiemamut Group Ranch has appointed volunteer Rangers, asked us to train them, and added its 3500 acre conservation area to the Ol Lentille Conservancy. To our east, we have started working on a management plan with Morupusi Group Ranch, to help them secure their designated but unprotected 15,000 acre conservation area. And, excitingly, to our north, we have now agreed with our neighbouring Samburu community to manage a further 4,500 acres for and with them.