Here in Samburu, one of the most neglected groups of people in conservation management is the moran, or warrior age-class. These young men spend more time than anyone in wildlife areas, yet they are rarely involved in decision making when it comes to wildlife conservation. To address this gap, Ewaso Lions has founded the Warrior Watch programme.
Through Warrior Watch, morans become active within their communities as wildlife ambassadors by reporting on wildlife sightings and issues such as conflict in exchange for a stipend and educational lessons.
How It Works
In partnership with Westgate Community Conservancy, Ewaso Lions selected the first seven members of Warrior Watch from seven villages in the Ngutuk Ongiron Group Ranch, in Samburu District of northern Kenya. The Warriors were initially trained on data collection, basic wildlife ecology, conservation and security issues within the Conservancy, and the value of wildlife.
Each week, we meet with the Warriors and get reports on wildlife sightings and any incidents of human-wildlife conflict (poaching, predation, etc.), community meetings, and livestock issues. In turn, Warriors receive lessons in English and Kiswahili, basic arithmetic, and ecology. In addition, Ewaso Lions pays the Warriors a small monthly stipend and provides meals.
Why It Helps
Success in wildlife conservation relies on the involvement of local people. Warrior Watch is the first programme to actively involve warriors in wildlife conservation in Ngutuk Ongiron. Engaging the Warriors instills positive attitudes towards wildlife, with an emphasis on the importance of lions and predators, and this message is spread to other morans in their communities.
Traditional Samburu morans do not attend school. Warrior Watch gives these young men an opportunity to obtain some essential education. The lessons are taught by a Samburu moran, which enhances effectiveness of the exchange.
The morans spend the majority of their time outside the village, thus serving as the “eyes and ears” in the bush. Through Warrior Watch, Ewaso Lions effectively taps into this resource to aid our research.
Looking Ahead
In the coming months, we hope to add more Warriors to the programme and expand to other conservancies. Want to help? Please donate so that we can continue Warrior Watch. Contact us or donate if you’d like to contribute.
Through Warrior Watch, we are hopeful that wildlife has a secure future in balance with local people in this part of Kenya.
