Donate Now Community-based Conservation in Northern Kenya. The Ewaso Lions Team. A Message from Ewaso Lions

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Ursula Harriet Carpenter
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One lion was killed outside our area and we barely stopped the killing of another. Once things began to settle down, we embarked on our dry season lion census.

1 June 2013 Field Report A Message from Ewaso Lions This has been our busiest field season yet! The year started off with human-lion conflict escalating in all corners of our study area and lions attacking livestock every single night. One lion was killed outside our area and we barely stopped the killing of another. Once things began to settle down, we embarked on our dry season lion census. A lot of new programmes are also underway in April, we launched the new Lion Watch programme and held our inaugural Lion Kids Camp. We also expanded our work into two new community conservancies and are implementing a number of practices to reduce human-lion conflict in the region. We ended this period of our field season on a fantastic note the Wildlife Conservation Network has just accepted us as one of their Partners in Conservation. We are thrilled! The Ewaso Lions Team Photos by Ewaso Lions Community-based Conservation in Northern Kenya Ewaso Lions is a grassroots project in northern Kenya whose mission is to conserve Kenya s lions and other large carnivores by promoting coexistence between people and wildlife. Formed in 2007, Ewaso Lions uses sound science, education, and capacity building to foster support for and guide the longterm conservation of lions. Donate Now 1

Rise in Human-Carnivore Conflict Our study area experienced a record number of human-carnivore conflict issues from December through March.

Lions were preying on livestock in Nakupurat-Gotu Conservancy, an area south of Buffalo Springs National Reserve where we had not worked before.

It was apparent that tolerance of wildlife in this region was low due to a lack of conservation awareness.

2 Rise in Human-Carnivore Conflict Our study area experienced a record number of human-carnivore conflict issues from December through March. We responded to 30+ incidences of livestock depredation or conflict from lions killing camels in Samburu, to wild dogs killing goats in Kipsing. Lions were preying on livestock in Nakupurat-Gotu Conservancy, an area south of Buffalo Springs National Reserve where we had not worked before. There were reports that a lioness had already been killed, and we received threats that more lions would be killed if something was not done. It was apparent that tolerance of wildlife in this region was low due to a lack of conservation awareness. We responded immediately and installed three Lion Lights, which were very effective at deterring lions and appeasing the community. Kofafeth, a member of the Ngare Mara Pride, had killed a cow. A group of men were attempting to kill her with knives when we intervened, and she was able to escape. We worked with the Kenya Wildlife Service and National Reserve rangers to immobilise her and treat her injuries. As a next step, Ewaso Lions initiated an exposure tour for 25 Nakupurat- Gotu residents in order to build longterm tolerance of lions and increase awareness about the benefits of conservation. We brought them to Westgate Conservancy to learn about the conservation activities taking place there, which might be adapted and applied in Nakupurat. After the tour, they requested continued awareness about the importance of wildlife and the potential for receiving benefits through tourism or wildlife research within their own Conservancy. We are delighted to see such progress coming from the exposure tour. In response to a rise in conflict in Ngare Mara, we installed Lion Lights to prevent loss of more livestock. Lion Lights About a year ago, Richard Turere, a 13 year-old Kenyan boy, invented an ingenious system to keep lions from attacking livestock. He used the knowledge that lions were scared of people carrying torches (flashlights) at night to rig a series of automated flashing LED light bulbs around his livestock pen. They worked, because lions and other predators didn t attack livestock as they were tricked into believing a herdsman was present. These Lion Lights have since been fine-tuned and scaled up. We installed three units in Nakupurat and one in Westgate (above). To date, no livestock has been lost to lions where Lion Lights are installed. 2

Lion Watch: Helping Bridge Tourism and Conservation After months of preparation, we launched Lion Watch, a pioneering new programme that strengthens the collaboration between the tourism community

We provide Guides with lion ID cards, aging books, and smart phones equipped with special apps for recording lion data. These smart phones allow Guides to easily collect lion IDs and locations.

With this background information, they are able to enhance the safari experience for tourists while assisting us with gathering data on the lions in the region.

3 Lion Watch: Helping Bridge Tourism and Conservation After months of preparation, we launched Lion Watch, a pioneering new programme that strengthens the collaboration between the tourism community and conservationists. The programme started in April when we trained 13 Guides (pictured below) in all aspects of lion identification, monitoring, ecology, and GPS use. We provide Guides with lion ID cards, aging books, and smart phones equipped with special apps for recording lion data. These smart phones allow Guides to easily collect lion IDs and locations. The data they collect is uploaded into an online database, analysed, and discussed in periodic meetings with the guides. With this background information, they are able to enhance the safari experience for tourists while assisting us with gathering data on the lions in the region. In turn, tourists who visit Samburu and Buffalo Springs National Reserves are able to upload their lion photos to a new website: org. The site, which was developed for us by the Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leaders, helps tourists identify the lions in their photos and tells the stories behind the individual lions they saw during their safari. Through this process, we are also able to collect more data on lions by having these citizen scientists record more lion sightings over a larger area and more often than we could alone. Nashipai s three cubs in Westgate Conservancy, outside the Reserves. This Ewaso Lions initiative is a fantastic one. It will not only help in monitoring the lion populations in Samburu, but trigger a passion and genuine concern for lions in all people that will engage in the programme. Tom Lesarge CEO of the Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association Lion Update In mid February, we began our dry season lion monitoring. The dry season is the best time to see lions as they are most often sighted along the Ewaso Nyiro River, waiting for prey to come down to drink. However, this dry season was slightly different with most of the lions being sighted in the community conservancies outside Reserve boundaries. The Ngare Mara Pride in Buffalo Springs mainly roamed the community areas at night, whereas the Koitogor Pride in Samburu was frequently sighted in Westgate and Kalama Conservancies for weeks on end. For the first time in years, we heard lions at night from camp! It is apparent that a shift in lion distribution has occurred in our study area. Transforming Human-Wildlife Conflict With support from the Denver Zoo and the Wildlife Conservation Network, Shivani and Paul received training by Francine Madden of the Human-Wildlife Conflict Collaboration. These week-long trainings covered conflict transformation, mediation, and facilitation. Using our actual work as case studies, and working with other wildlife conservation professionals, we found the trainings immensely helpful. 3

Warrior Watch Our 17 Warrior Watch members continue to work hard in the field addressing human-carnivore conflict and collecting wildlife data.

In February, we brought on a volunteer teacher, Lpendwa Letoiye, to develop an education curriculum for the Warriors and improve their reading and writing.

Running for Lions 2013 Our 4th annual Running for Lions half marathon took place on May 4th. Sixty runners raced through Samburu s landscape, including 14 women (right).

Lion Kids Camp In April, we held our first Lion Kids Camp, a four-day conservation education camp for local Kenyan kids.

During the Camp, the Lion Kids, as we called them, participated in a range of educational activities including bird walks, game drives, watching wildlife films, and holding a wildlife drama

We look forward to this being an annual event in Westgate and hope to expand it to other conservancies in the future.

4 Warrior Watch Our 17 Warrior Watch members continue to work hard in the field addressing human-carnivore conflict and collecting wildlife data. We brought a new warrior onboard, Lengolos, from Kiltamany village within the Kalama Wildlife Conservancy, which is a key area for wildlife issues given its proximity to Samburu Reserve. In February, we brought on a volunteer teacher, Lpendwa Letoiye, to develop an education curriculum for the Warriors and improve their reading and writing. Lpendwa (above) has just enrolled in university himself, so we have now hired a full-time teacher Justus Lesialoi to continue building the capacity of our Warriors. Running for Lions 2013 Our 4th annual Running for Lions half marathon took place on May 4th. Sixty runners raced through Samburu s landscape, including 14 women (right). Our very own camp cook, Letupukwa, took home the 1st place prize a very large goat! It was great fun to see so many people come together for lion conservation. Lion Kids Camp In April, we held our first Lion Kids Camp, a four-day conservation education camp for local Kenyan kids. We selected 24 participants by holding a creative competition across three primary schools within the area, with the theme of the competition being Conservation and Conflict. During the Camp, the Lion Kids, as we called them, participated in a range of educational activities including bird walks, game drives, watching wildlife films, and holding a wildlife drama presentation. This camp was certainly one of the highlights of this field period. It was inspiring on all levels and we strongly believe we changed the lives of the 24 kids during the four-day Camp. We look forward to this being an annual event in Westgate and hope to expand it to other conservancies in the future. We thank Todd Cromwell and the Kenyan Kids on Safari programme for their support and for being great partners. School Scholarships In January, we sponsored a young man, Solomon Lenasalia, for four years of secondary education. Solomon comes from Kipsing and studied at Lpus Leluai Primary School. He just completed his first term at Wamba Boys Secondary School and attained very high marks in all subjects, including five As! Solomon joins our other two sponsored students Painoti who is in her second year in secondary school, and Samson, who will complete his education at the end of this year. 4

Their 2010 visit coincided with our launch of Warrior Watch. This year, they visited during our Running for Lions half marathon.

Big New Partnership with WCN We are grateful to the National Geographic Big Cats Initiative and SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Conservation Fund for renewing We are thrilled to report that the our

5 Donor Profile Madeliene & Stuart in Samburu Madeliene and Stuart, from Jersey in the Channel Islands, have not only been fantastic supporters, they have also visited us on many occasions and been fully immersed in Ewaso Lions field activities. During their 2009 visit, they helped us with our attempt to radio-collar Magilani in Westgate. Their 2010 visit coincided with our launch of Warrior Watch. This year, they visited during our Running for Lions half marathon. We would not be here without the backing of our Jersey friends and thank them immensely for their support from the first days of Ewaso Lions to where we are now! Big New Partnership with WCN We are grateful to the National Geographic Big Cats Initiative and SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Conservation Fund for renewing We are thrilled to report that the our funding this year and to new Wildlife Conservation Network funding from the Humane Society (WCN) has accepted us as their International. newest Partner in Conservation. It is an honour to join this fantastic group of conservationists, and we look forward to speaking again at this year s WCN Expo in San Francisco on October 12th hope to see you there! Meet Kura The newest addition to our team announces any visitor to camp. We is of the 4-legged kind! Kura, hope Kura will have a safe, healthy, meaning Vote in Kiswahili, and happy future with Ewaso Lions. turned up in our camp on the day of Kenya s National Elections. The pup was lost, limping, and had clearly been walking through the night searching for some safety. He has since become a permanent camp member he follows Jeneria and Moses everywhere and has become very protective of us all. He has warned us of poisonous snakes, leopards nearby, and loudly Will You Help? We are proud to be making a real impact for lions in Kenya on a very tight budget. If you have visited us in the field, you know how far we stretch every dollar. We continue to expand and add programmes, so we need your support today. Without our donors like you, we could not keep going. Thank you for making a difference! You can make a tax-deductible gift to Ewaso Lions. It s easy, just visit: We d love to hear from you! info@ewasolions.org Kenya Tel USA TEL

Jeremy Lucas ABOUT LIONS. Heather Gurd CONSERVATION MANAGER. Tobias Otieno RESEARCH MANAGER. Arzina Bhanjee FINANCE MANAGER

Jeremy Lucas ABOUT LIONS. Heather Gurd CONSERVATION MANAGER. Tobias Otieno RESEARCH MANAGER. Arzina Bhanjee FINANCE MANAGER 2016 Annual Report Jeremy Lucas ABOUT LIONS The African lion population has declined by 43% in the last 20 years and lions now occupy only 8% of their historical range in Africa*. The estimated numbers