Editing Maasai Mara (section)

==Threats==
Between 1989 and 2003, [[ungulate]]s were monitored in the Maasai Mara on a monthly basis; the survey revealed a decline of [[giraffe]]s by 75%, of [[common warthog]]s by 80%, of [[hartebeest]] by 76%, and of [[impala]] by 67%, attributed to the increased number of livestock grazing in the park and an increase in poaching.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Ogutu |first1=J. O. |last2=Piepho |first2=H. P. |last3=Dublin |first3=H. T. |last4=Bhola |first4=N. |last5=Reid | first5=R. S. |date=2009 |title=Dynamics of Mara-Serengeti ungulates in relation to land use changes |journal=Journal of Zoology |volume=278 |issue=1 |pages=1–14 |doi=10.1111/j.1469-7998.2008.00536.x}}</ref>

The rise of local populations in areas neighbouring the reserve has led to the formation of conservation organisations such as the Mara Elephant Project. The project aims to ensure the peaceful and prosperous co-existence of humans alongside wildlife. According to the project, human wildlife conflict is seen as a leading threat to the reserve as the population continues to grow.<ref>{{cite web|title=Our Mission|url=https://maraelephantproject.org/|website=Mara Elelphant Project|access-date=12 August 2019|archive-date=12 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190812104106/https://maraelephantproject.org/|url-status=live}}</ref> Tourism has increased exponentially. Less than 10 lodges were in the area in the late 1970s.<ref name="greater ecosystem"/> The end of the moratorium saw facilities increase to 140 in 2008, and nearly 200 in 2016.<ref name="greater ecosystem" />

The growth in population creates a demand for land and resources leading to unplanned infrastructure growth.<ref name="greater ecosystem" /> The weak cash economy creates a need to further subdivide the outlying ranch areas. These new owners have converted some land away from traditional grazing fields, negatively affecting wildlife migration.<ref name="greater ecosystem" /> A rise in fencing exacerbates the restriction in free movement for migration,<ref name="March 2020">{{Cite web|title=March 2020|url=https://www.maratriangle.org/november-2016-1/march-2020|website=Mara Conservancy|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-04|archive-date=24 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324073053/https://www.maratriangle.org/november-2016-1/march-2020|url-status=live}}</ref> and grazing opportunities are diminished.<ref name="greater ecosystem" />

The Mara Conservancy encourages conservation efforts in the Reserve and has accomplished several of their goals since taking stewardship. According to their website, as of 2022 they have arrested 4,500 poachers, vaccinated 100,000 dogs against rabies and distemper, improved access roads, and provided security for the local community and tourist facilities.<ref name="what we do">{{cite web |title=What We Do |url=https://www.maratriangle.org/what-we-do |publisher=Mara Conservancy |access-date=28 April 2024}}</ref>

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