Ewaso Lions is a grassroots project whose mission is to promote the conservation of lions through research and community-based outreach programmes. Formed in 2007 under Oxford PhD student, Shivani Bhalla, a Kenyan national, Ewaso Lions investigates the factors affecting the population dynamics of lions in and around the Ewaso Nyiro ecosystem in northern Kenya. The research will help guide the long-term conservation management of this area. Ewaso Lions puts education and capacity building at the forefront of our conservation efforts.
Meet the Ewaso Lions team
here.
The Need Africa's lions are facing a crisis. Recent statistics revealed that lion numbers across the continent have suffered a staggering loss of almost 90% over the past two decades. The lions in the Ewaso ecosystem of northern Kenya are in an extremely vulnerable situation. Lion predation on livestock has caused great resentment among the growing human population, and this has led to increased persecution of lions: lions are shot, poisoned and speared.
Research Our research will enable the formulation of strategies for long-term lion conservation in northern Kenya. We work to achieve an accurate estimate of lion numbers, a better understanding of their movements in and out of protected areas, and assess the extent and impact of human-lion conflict.
To read about our research activities, which include population census, mapping of lion movements, and recording human-lion conflict, visit our
Research page.
Working with Local People Ewaso Lions firmly believes that the success of predator conservation hinges on involvement of the local people who live among predators. We believe the survival of predators depends on finding ways people can benefit from their presence.
Ewaso Lions has established several community outreach and education programmes to engage local people in conservation, provide training, find creative solutions to human-wildlife conflict, and give back to the community.
Read about our
Education and Outreach programmes here.
Where We Work Our study area covers over 900 km2 (approx. 345 mi2) and includes Samburu, Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserves and the adjacent community lands. The resident lions are sources for lion populations outside the reserves and should anything disturb these resident populations, the entire lion population in northern Kenya could be critically endangered.
Our research camp sits within the Westgate Community Conservancy, west of Samburu National Reserve in northern Kenya. Camp is very basic to keep costs low in order to focus our funds directly to our conservation programmes. We are low-impact, use solar electricity, and respect our neighbors.
