Construction of the Eburu Electric Fence started in March 2013 and was completed on 26 November 2014. The completed fence, built along the gazetted Eburu Forest Reserve boundary, is 43.3 kilometres long and completely encircles the 8,715.3 hectare indigenous forest. Associated fence infrastructure, comprising three fence energizer houses (that hold the fence electrical power systems, accommodation for fence attendants and maintenance tools and materials stores), and 10 lockable metallic fence gates are also fully completed.
Rhino Ark and partners are now working towards: (1) establishment of the long-term fence maintenance operating processes, manpower skills development and securing of needed financial resources through the proposed Eburu Trust and Endowment Fund; (2) improving wildlife welfare through establishing safe wildlife corridors linking the forest to the wider Eburu ecosystem and providing water solutions for wildlife inside forest areas that lack surface water; (3) raising the profile of the ecosystem by collecting and disseminating information about the ecosystem’s values; and (4) supporting alternative community livelihood initiatives and conservation education outreach activities.
Teams of trained fence attendants patrol the fences daily in the Aberdares (114 members) and Eburu (12 members) respectively. The fence attendants repair and maintain the fences so that they continue to prevent human/wildlife conflict and to protect the forest, thereby providing value to the neighbouring communities and ensuring their continued support.