Kenya is well-known for its diverse and abundant wildlife as well as its national parks. However, risks to wildlife in Kenya are increasing due to habitat fragmentation, land use change, and human population pressure in regions outside of parks. The goal of this study was to establish the implications of emerging land use dynamics on sustainable wildlife management in Kenya's Amboseli ecosystem. Secondary data was collected from a literature review and case study benchmarking, whilst primary data was obtained from 271 households, 10 key informant interviews, and a field survey. According to the study's findings, the most serious threat to the ecosystem's long-term viability is the loss of wildlife habitat caused by land subdivision, privatization, and conversion of open wildlife habitat to farmed agriculture and human settlements. As a result, key animal dispersal areas have been restricted, and the amount of animals declined by more than 54% between 1967 and 2021. The paper recommends using an ecological landscape connectivity concept in protected area development and management. Equally, land use options that ensure the preservation of a feasible minimum area to maintain both traditional pastoralism and wildlife populations amid the ongoing group ranches subdivision and privatization.
Keywords: Amboseli ecosystem, communal group ranches, subdivision, privatization, land use change