Reserves – Ewaso Lions

From Solitary Lions to Prides

For over a decade we have been mainly observing solitary lions (check out this article written on the solitary lions of Samburu). Since 2022, we have noticed a transformation and we now have a number of prides!

Nanai’s Pride

This year we have had extraordinary sightings of the Kalama pride – including 2 young cubs. In September, we watched the cubs play, Neiyo the mother hunt, and Ldere and the younger male rest under an Acacia tree. We also have a pride in Shaba, Nanai’s pride and Naramat’s pride.

Ldere in the Kalama Pride

Neiyo’s little cubs

We suspect that the formation of prides in recent times has partially been as a result of last year’s drought and the lions were squeezed in to smaller areas. Large prey was also plentiful and were easier to access, and there was no need to compete for smaller prey. Nanai’s pride in particular comprises a number of sub-adults, who are all supporting each other to adulthood. This is an interesting time for the lion population and our team are all keenly recording the changes!

Losing Nanai

NANAI – A SAMBURU LEGEND

For the past 14 years, we have all been very fortunate to observe and protect Nanai- the most well-known lioness in Samburu. On the 26th of May, Nanai was humanely euthanised at 10:44 am by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) vet Dr Mutinda and assisted by Dr Sharon Mulindi. Her cancerous growth had returned, and she was unable to survive. She had lost her body condition considerably over the past few weeks and was struggling to move.

In January, our team observed Nanai struggling to eat and hunt because of a large growth in her mouth. Nanai’s three cubs were still months away from being able to survive on their own, and we knew that it was imperative for us to take action to help Nanai and her family. We worked with KWS and on a warm January morning under the shade of an Acacia tree, Nanai was operated on and her growth removed. This was an extraordinary achievement and our concern for her for so many months changed to relief and excitement as we watched her recover. She recovered well and was able to hunt again and raise her cubs for an additional four months until sadly we had to say goodbye. Her cubs have been fending for themselves since April and they recently teamed up other members of their pride. We have been monitoring the cubs closely and are very hopeful about their future.

Nanai lived an amazing life and continued the legacy her mother Nashipai left. We have known Nanai since her birth and she was named by Jeneria meaning “mine” in Samburu. We have watched her grow up as she taught us so much about the lions of the north. She had a huge impact on the landscape and the lion population, and we are all so grateful for every moment we had with her. We are so grateful to all at KWS, Samburu and Buffalo Springs Reserves management and rangers, and all guides who reported sightings and were concerned about her. Thank you all so much.

We are celebrating the life of this special lioness. If you have been to Samburu, the chances are you were lucky to see Nanai. She will always remain a real legend and icon of Samburu. Here are some of our favourite photos:

Photo (c) Michael Laubscher

Photo (c) Michael Laubscher

DONATE HERE TO SUPPORT NANAI’S LEGACY

Monitoring Update: Carnivore News From The Team

Monitoring Update: Carnivore News From The Team

The lion monitoring team has been tremendously busy these past few months. Both in the reserves and on community lands, carnivores are thriving. Our resident lions have been gaining more and more confidence, feeling safe on community lands and in the Samburu and Buffalo Springs National Reserves. We’ve also been lucky to have some visiting lions as well as some rare sightings of other carnivores.

From our calculations, this season marks the highest number of lions in our area of operations since we began the project. While the landscape goes through the toughest of seasons, we can take pride in the coexistence that has been built over the years with the team and community working hard to keep the culture of conservation thriving.

One of the highlights was the entry of three maned males that we had not seen in Samburu National Reserve before. These males have been in Il Ngwesi Conservancy for over a year, after first being sighted in Westgate Conservancy in June 2021 (originally from Loisaba). Our team in Il Ngwesi had been watching over them and then they made their way to Samburu National Reserve. It gives us much hope to see the movement of lions through the landscape as we continue to work to keep critical corridors open. Lpuresi and Letupukwa watched the new arrivals closely to see whether they will head back south or whether Samburu National Reserve will become their new territory. Sure enough, after less than a week in Samburu National Reserve, the 3 males headed back south to Il Ngwesi Conservancy. Their presence in Samburu led to new movement by our resident males who ventured far east and west into areas we had not seen them in before, having been supplanted by the new arrivals. Letupukwa and Lpuresi returned to camp after a week with these lions brimming with stories and experiences of what they saw.

Il Ngwesi males sit in saltbush as captured by Letupukwa and the monitoring team © Ewaso Lions

Meanwhile, Naramat’s kin, Mararoi and Narasha successfully hunted a warthog in the Westgate Conservation Area. Seeing them find healthy prey in this area where partners have just concluded the first management plan for a conservation refuge is proof that together, we can help wildlife flourish even during the tough periods.

Narasha hunts a warthog © Ewaso Lions

One of the rarest sightings we’ve had thus far has been of a leopard and her two cubs close to the river in Westgate Conservancy. She is a fantastic mother as she navigates through the complex community landscape.

Leopard looks on, shielding one of her cubs © Ewaso Lions

Our team is keeping track of all these carnivores as they navigate the landscape during this challenging season. We thank all our friends and supporters for ensuring that our work goes on, and our mission is fulfilled.

Wildlife Enjoy the Samburu Rains

Samburu has received a lot of rain in the past few weeks – 185 mm since March – and 133 mm in April alone! This is a very special time to be here – the river is flowing fast, and grass & flowers are everywhere. It is spectacular. Our field team have had many amazing wildlife sightings over the past few weeks and these are some of our favourite wildlife moments. And the rain continues…

It’s Raining in Samburu!

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We are very happy to announce that it is raining in Samburu! The rains began in October in a few locations and had spread across the whole region by November. The vegetation is finally growing bringing much needed relief to the wildlife in the area. As the heavy rain collects, dry river beds have flowed frequently, including the Pukur lugga near our camp. Although it is spectacular to see the rivers fill so quickly the frequent flooding is sadly a sign of severe land degradation in the area.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96yGodgI2FQ&ab_channel=EwasoLions”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGi31Jd7-40&ab_channel=EwasoLions”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]We have had some stunning sightings of the lions including the new males that arrived in April. Other wildlife are enjoying the new grass and vast open areas of water. This is a beautiful time to be in Samburu and we can feel the relief among humans and wildlife alike as everyone in the region is hopeful after what has been a severe drought this year. We have already received over 250mm of rain, and although more rain is needed to allow the land to heal and recover fully, this is a great beginning.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYQg-Uy-da4&ab_channel=EwasoLions”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”7185″ img_size=”full” onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”7186″ img_size=”full” onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1602274193872{margin-top: 25px !important;margin-bottom: 25px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”7187″ img_size=”full” onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”7188″ img_size=”full” onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”7189″ img_size=”full” onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”7190″ img_size=”full” onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1602274230107{margin-top: 25px !important;margin-bottom: 25px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”7191″ img_size=”full” onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”7192″ img_size=”full” onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”7193″ img_size=”full” onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”7194″ img_size=”full” onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]

New Male Lions in Samburu – Photo credit Robbie Labanowski.

New Males Arrive in Samburu

We are excited to report that four new males (who have manes!) have arrived in Samburu. This is the first time since 2008 that we have had new lions here. When they arrived, Lguret, our old resident male crossed the river in to Buffalo Springs and has remained there mainly. Loeku, another young 3 year old male, also went to Buffalo Springs. The new males have been mainly seen in Samburu with the Koitogor Pride. Nabulu lost one of her cubs after the males killed it the day after they arrived. Infanticide is common when males take over a pride although it is the first time we have encountered this.

Since the males arrived, they have been mating with the pride females. We are excited about this recent event as it means the lion population will not only grow, but the new blood is a welcome boost to Samburu’s lions.

We are yet to confirm where the males have come from, so stay tuned! Here are some recent photos of Samburu’s newest arrivals.

Here is an update on the 4 new males in Samburu: Thanks to our partners at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Mary Mwololo and her research team confirmed that these 4 males originated from Lewa. They left Lewa in February and headed towards Ngare Ndare before moving to Borana and the Mukogodo Forest when they were last seen. Three lions were born in November 2013 to the same mother and 1 born in February 2014. And they have names – Brand, Bick, Mwack and Sakilenye

In January a new male lion had been seen for a few days but disappeared quickly. We are grateful to all the guides in Samburu who have kept a close eye on the males and keep us informed.

Human-Lion Conflict Increases During Drought in Samburu

Elephants cross the drying Ewaso Nyiro River in February

The Ewaso Nyiro River dried up in early January causing immense challenges for the wildlife, the local people and their livestock in the region. Wildlife and livestock congregated at small waterholes, and human-lion conflict increased during this time. Our team remained extra vigilant and responded quickly to conflict incidents. Carnivores stayed close to the river and were seen frequently -including lions, cheetahs, leopard and the endangered wild dogs.

Wildlife congregate at the waterholes in Samburu

Together with our partners, we dug waterholes in the dry river and set up camera traps at night to see which animals came to drink from them. In early April, some rain arrived and the normally dry river beds flowed for the first time in years. The Ewaso Nyiro River also started flowing which was a huge relief. The rains have been localised and in very low quantities. Much more is needed to allow the land to recover and the grass to grow.

Watch this video to see more:

Digging waterholes for wildlife

Chalisa Moves to Lewa

We are thrilled to report that a young male lion who we last saw in Buffalo Springs National Reserve in November 2013, has been sighted in Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. The Lewa lion research team led by Mary Mwololo alerted us that a new male had appeared in Lewa in January and sent us photos. We looked through our lion database and through whisker spot identification, we confirmed that the male in Lewa was indeed Chalisa – the Buffalo Springs male.

Chalisa in Lewa in 2017 (Photo by Lewa)

Since he was found in Lewa, Chalisa has been collared as part of a wider dispersal study (with Lion Landscapes) across the landscape. We are keeping a close eye on him and grateful to work with our partners in Lewa, Lion Landscapes, and the local communities, to ensure continued movement of lions through this landscape.

Rains Arrive in Samburu Bringing Relief to People and Wildlife

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]After months of scorching sun and dry heat, the rains have finally reached us in Samburu. It is amazing how quickly the landscape changes and becomes green once again.

The river levels are higher and wildlife is taking advantage of new water holes.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]During the dry season, local communities, their livestock, and wildlife really struggle with lack of water sources and vegetation, and searing temperatures. The carnivores, however, thrive. They stay close to the green patches near the river where herbivores congregate, allowing them good hunting opportunities.

We hope the rains continue!

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Injured Vulture Rescued and Released Back Into the Wild

Watch this video of a rescued White-backed Vulture – a critically endangered species – being released back into the wild.

In June, the vulture was found on the ground in Buffalo Springs National Reserve and unable to fly. After fast action by the Peregrine Fund and Raptor Working Group, the vulture was taken to the Kenya Bird of Prey Trust in Naivasha for rehabilitation.

On the 11th of July, we participated in the bird’s release back into BSNR. We were excited to watch as the young vulture successfully flew off. Prior to the release, the team from the Peregrine Fund and Raptor Working Group spoke to local rangers and wardens about vultures and threats to their survival, including how vultures often become indirect targets of poisoning attacks on carnivores.

Vultures are often misunderstood and perceived as unattractive, yet they are essential to the health of the ecosystem. As a result many are threatened. The White-backed Vulture is a listed as critically endangered. Vultures play an important role removing dead and decaying matter, which helps reduce the spread of disease.

We certainly have a new appreciation for vultures as a result and would like to extend our thanks to the Peregrine Fund, Kenya Bird of Prey Trust, Raptor Working Group and all those that participated in the special release of this beautiful bird back into the wild.

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