The relationship between the herdsmen of Africa and the lion is complex. Lions are both a source of anxiety, because they kill livestock, and a source of pride, as they are symbols of strength and courage.
African herdsmen have coexisted with lions and other wildlife for hundreds of years; this situation is changing radically. Recently, increasing demands of a growing human population has led to elevated levels of lion killing.
Lion Guardians draws its strength from embracing Indigenous culture and traditional knowledge rather than seeking to change it. By working closely with Maasai warriors to understand the motivations behind lion killing, we have transformed former lion hunters into dedicated Guardians. Through participatory monitoring, local leadership, education, and employment, Lion Guardians has shown that protecting lions not only benefits conservation but also brings prestige and honor to Maasai warriors.
When the current elders were youths, there were likely over 200,000 lions in Africa. Today, it is estimated that fewer than 20,000 remain.
Wildlife conservation has traditionally focused on wildlife, not people. At Lion Guardians, we have an integrated approach. For more than a decade, we have worked with local communities to protect lions and improve both community conservation by blending traditional knowledge and culture with science.
We believe that the communities who bear the costs of living with wildlife should have a strong role in the development and management of wildlife conservation on their lands.
Over 300 homesteads are reinforced each year
Over $2 million of potential livestock loss to the community is avoided annually
On average 15 lost herders and children are found each year
Annually Guardians prevent an average of 50 lion hunts (~50% with conservation partners)
Over the years, Lion Guardians have documented a tripling of the lion population in Amboseli-Tsavo ecosystem.
Lion Guardians mitigate conflict by closely monitoring problem lions, occasionally through the use of using radio telemetry. Less than 20% of the monitored lions account for nearly 90% of depredations on livestock
Annually, Guardians systematically conduct surveys of more than 17,000 kms of predetermined routes across the ecosystem, documenting trends in all major predator and prey species. Additionally, they patrol more than 20,000km each year to safeguard lions.
Guardians have identified and named nearly 400 lions. Naming the lions allows them to form bonds and provides ownership. The lions belong to the Guardians and their communities.