Kirathe J.N. and Rubenstein, D.I. (2025) Conservation of the endangered Grevy’s zebra: the influence of land use patterns on distribution and abundance in the Samburu–Laikipia landscape, Kenya. Front. Conserv. Sci. 6:1582057. doi: 10.3389/fcosc.2025.1582057
Kirathe, J. N. , Githaiga, J. M., Chira, R. M. & Rubenstein, I. D. (2023). Habitat selection by Grevy's zebra (Equus grevyi): Conservation Implications. Afr J Ecol. 2024;62:e13229; https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.13229
Kirathe, J. N., Githaiga, J. M., Chira, R. M. & Rubenstein, I. D. (2021) Land use Influence on Distribution and Abundance of Herbivores in Samburu-Laikipia, Kenya. J. Sustain. Environ. Peace 4 (1) 21–29. https://doi.org/10.53537/jsep.2021.07.003
Kirathe, J. N., Githaiga, J. M., Chira, R. M. & Rubenstein, I. D. (2021) Land use Impact on Vegetation Characteristics in Samburu -Laikipia Landscape Savanna, Kenya. Int. J. Adv. Res.Biol. Sci. 8 (7): 46-55. http://dx.doi.org/10.22192/ijarbs.2021.08.07.006.
Kirathe et al., 2024: The conservation of an endangered Grevy’s zebra: The influence of varied land use patterns on seasonal distribution and abundance in Samburu-Laikipia landscape, Kenya (Under review).
Kirathe, N.J., Rubenstein, D.I., Oguge, O. N., and Chege, G. 2005. Competitive relationships between Grevy’s and plains zebra. Field Report for Earthwatch Institute Samburu Conservation Research Initiative.
Wahungu, G.M., Muoria, P.K., Moindee, N.N., Oguge, N.O., and Kirathe, N.J. 2005. Changes in forest fragment sizes and primate population trends along the River Tana floodplain, Kenya. African Journal of Ecology, 43, 81-90
Karere, G.M., Oguge, N.O., Kirathe, J., Muoria, P.K., Moindee, N.N. and Suleman, M.A. 2004: Population sizes and distribution of primates in the lower Tana River Forests, Kenya. International Journal of Primatology, 25(2):351-365.
Kirathe, N. J.& Parry L. 2003. Kidnap and adoptions: lessons for the Colobus Trust. Swara, January –April, 2003
Jonathan, L.G., Kirathe, N.J., Sandra Del Carmen, L.N. & Megan K. M. 2000. Impact of Land use on Spider Diversity in Negev Desert, Israel.
Butynski, T.M., Kirathe, J.N. , Mbora, D.M. & Julie, W. 2000. Population size and group compositions of Tana River red colobus and Tana River crested mangabeys. Update report for GEF, NMK and Kenya Wildlife Service.
Kirathe, N.J. 1999. Conservation of a rare and unique gallery forest. East African National History Society Bulletin. 29: 7-9.
Kirathe, J.N. & T. Brooks. 1999. Kisere Forest Reserve. Swara 1: Pp. 22.
Fuller, J.L., Kirathe, J.N., Ryan, M. & Butynski, T. 1999. Impact of wildlife fencing on communities adjacent to the Aberdares Ecosystem, Kenya. In: T.M. Butynski (Ed.). Aberdare National Park and Aberdares Forest Reserve Fence Placement Study and Recommendations. Unpublished report for Kenya Wildlife Service and Kenya Forest Department. Zoo Atlanta, Nairobi. 453 Pp.
Kirathe, N.J. 1998. Food overlaps between four sympatric primates species in Kakamega Forest, Kenya. Master of Philosophy Thesis. Moi University, Eldoret-Kenya.
Brooks, T. & Kirathe, N.J. 1997. Some observation of nesting Blue-headed Bee-Eaters
Merops mulleri in Kakamega forest, Kenya. Scopus, 1997.
Research and Interests
- Conservation and protection of natural resources
- The economics of conservation-friendly land management
- Community oriented enhancement programmes
- Education and mentoring people towards natural resources conservation
Projects:
- Theme being developed: Grazing regimes and their impact on vegetation and wildlife population in the African rangelands
Funding: Grant no. NSF IIS-CXT through Princeton for my PhD.
Education background:
- Doctrate Candidate; Biology of Conservation, University of Nairobi
- Master of Philosophy in Wildlife Management, Moi University
- BSc. Wildlife Management, Moi University
Before joining academics, I worked for more than 10 years as a wildlife Field Researcher in various institutions and capacity like the Colobus Trust-Dian, Earthwatch Institute Volunteer program, Princeton University-Ewaso Water African Project and Kenya Zebra Project among others. Currently, I am interested in the conservation of large mammal’s populations within the current changing climate and landscape due to human activities on the African savanna landscape. The main focus is to understand the degree of interaction between livestock and wildlife whether competitive or facilitative in the African rangelands. This will provide functional and mechanistic approaches to understanding factors currently contributing wildlife species declines in the landscape. By factoring in the effects of human-induced land use, climate change and sustainable use implications on socio-economic livelihoods and conservation can actively be explored.