tailieunhanh - Problems facing conservation of Kipsaraman Fossil Site, Tugen Hills, Kenya

In the recent past, there has been encroachment on the site by people, a factor that has depleted vegetation cover in and around the site, hence threatening the fossil resources. Extraction of forest products, overgrazing and cultivation has contributed to damage of the sediments. Most of the fossils have been exposed, eroded and vandalized. | Journal of Anthropology and Archaeology December 2015, Vol. 3, No. 2, pp. 49-64 ISSN 2334-2420 (Print) 2334-2439 (Online) Copyright © The Author(s). All Rights Reserved. Published by American Research Institute for Policy Development DOI: URL: Problems Facing Conservation of Kipsaraman Fossil Site, Tugen Hills, Kenya Mr. Daniel Kipkorir1 & Prof. Simiyu Wandibba2 Abstract Kipsaraman (sometimes spelt Kipsaramon) is one of the most significant fossil sites in Tugen Hills, Rift valley region in Kenya. Many researchers who have worked in the area since 1980s have been able to recover faunal and floral fossils from stratigraphic units that have been naturally preserved for millions of years. The area was declared a National Monument in 1990 following the discovery of high concentrations of fossils of ancient creatures. It is managed by the National Museums of Kenya (NMK), a state agency mandated to collect, preserve, study, document and present Kenya’s past and present cultural and natural heritage. In the recent past, there has been encroachment on the site by people, a factor that has depleted vegetation cover in and around the site, hence threatening the fossil resources. Extraction of forest products, overgrazing and cultivation has contributed to damage of the sediments. Most of the fossils have been exposed, eroded and vandalized. Keywords: Kipsaraman, fossils, damage, conservation, human activities. 1. Introduction This paper discusses anthropogenic impact on Kipsaraman Miocene fossil site in Tugen Hills, Kenya (). Together with other paleontological/archeological sites spread across Kenya, Kipsaraman is protected under the Museums and Antiquities Heritage Act of 2006, Ministry of Culture, Arts and Sports. 1 Department of Anthropology and Human Ecology, Moi University, Po Box 3900 Eldoret 30100, Kenya. Korirdaniel@; kipkorirdaniel69@, Tel+254 (053) 43001-8/43620; cell+254 .