A growing lion population in our operating area means that conflicts stemming from lion attacks on livestock are at an all-time high and threaten both the livelihoods of communities and the lives of lions. Our mobile conflict mitigation program combines rigorous science with traditional Maasai skills and knowledge, resolving these conflicts when they occur and preventing them from happening in the future. By pushing lions away from conflict hotspots and easing communities’ anxiety, we can make a huge difference in the lives of lions and the humans who live among them.
CONFLICT CAMPS
When we respond to a conflict, the mobile team sets up a camp nearby to reassure the community of our presence and to stage our suite of efforts.
COMMUNITY LIAISON
During the conflict, we stay in close contact with communities, gathering information and ensuring that we are helping meet their needs.
LION IDENTIFICATION
Our monitoring and tracking team identifies the problem lion to determine a strategy to resolve the conflict - is it a young mother struggling to feed her family? A trouble-maker that we should collar and keep an eye on?
MOCK HUNTS
Mock hunts, which are based on traditional Maasai hunts, work to push the lion away from the community into a safer area, as well as deter them from attacking livestock in the future.
BOMA REINFORCEMENT
Guardians reinforce fencing in communities experiencing conflict in order to deter future depredations.
NIGHT PATROLS
During conflicts, the team patrols nightly to safeguard livestock and keep an eye on the situation.
MASTER HERDERS
We currently have seven master herders on call to help communities employ better herding practices and protect their livestock from attack.
CONTINUED MONITORING
After conflicts cool down, we continue to monitor the area to ensure that tensions do not flare up again.
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will provide a day's meals for the entire conflict team
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will purchase one safe, sturdy tent to enable night patrols and extended work in the field
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will equip the conflict team with a full first aid kit in case of emergencies
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will purchase a laptop to help the team record data and access information in the field
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will equip the team with a telemetry receiver to track collared lions
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will provide for a vehicle’s fuel, maintenance and repair for one month
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will provide a year's salary for an experienced member of the conflict team
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will purchase a new vehicle equipped to respond to emerging conflicts
To support our conflict mitigation work, you can make a donation through our fiscal sponsor, Lion Guardians U.S.
'The Lion Guardians organization has helped me and others in numerous ways. Guardian Orumoi kept vigil night after night during a time when lion attacks were high. This allowed many of us to sleep at night so we could work the next day and provide for our families.'
'The community hugely appreciated our effort. They saw us moving around all the bomas and chasing the lions tirelessly till dawn, and they made it clear that if it was not for the respect they had for Lion Guardians, then they would have gone to hunt on Monday morning.'
'Lion Guardians has become a shield, protecting lions and people in this area. I deeply appreciate the swiftness with which the organization responds to community issues.'
'Our dedication turned the tide, as the lions stopped killing livestock. The warriors and elders could again sleep at night and enjoy peaceful moments with their families, and attitudes in the community changed from being angry to appreciative.'
