Human–livestock–wildlife interactions have increased in
Kenyan rangelands in recent years, but few attempts have
been made to evaluate their impact on the rangeland
habitat. This study identified drivers of increased human–
livestock–wildlife interactions in the Meru Conservation
Area between 1980 and 2000 and their effects on the
vegetation community structure. The drivers were habitat
fragmentation, decline in pastoral grazing range, loss of
wildlife dispersal areas and increase in livestock population
density. Agricultural encroachment increased by over 76%
in the western zone adjoining Nyambene ranges and the
southern Tharaka area, substantially reducing the pastoral
grazing range and wildlife dispersal areas. Livestock population
increased by 41%, subjecting areas left for pastoral
grazing in the northern dispersal area to prolonged heavy
grazing that gave woody plant species a competitive edge
over herbaceous life-forms. Consequently, open wooded
grassland, which was the dominant vegetation community
in 1980, decreased by c. 40% as bushland vegetation
increased by 42%. A substantial proportion of agro
pastoralists were encountered around Kinna and Rapsu,
areas that were predominantly occupied by pastoralists
three decades ago, indicating a possible shift in land use in
order to spread risks associated with habitat alterations.