Biomass density of wild and domestic herbivores and carrying capacity on a working ranch in Laikipia District, Kenya

This study of biomass densities of wild animals and domestic stock was carried out on the Lolldaiga Hills ranch in the Laikipia District, Kenya, between 1989 and 1995, as part of the study of the ecology of leopards and their impact on the working ranch. The ranch is set amongst the Lolldaiga Mountains, north-west of Mount Kenya, and lies in ecological Zone IV. The vegetation in the area was classified as a scattered tree grassland. The weighted mean annual rainfall was 554 mm. The ranch carried 1543 kg km(-2) of wild animals and 6512 kg km(-2) of cattle and sheep. The ranch has produced beef, milk and wool since its foundation over 70 years ago, with a steadily maintained output and without any apparent degradation of the land. The milk production of normally over 450,000 kg per year was reduced, or ceased, in periods of drought and may represent a useful 'safety valve'. The feasibility of multiple land use and conservation of wildlife are discussed.