African Wildlife Federation

We all know about the decline of lions among the many animals at risk in Africa. There is a research scientist in Tanzania that is making a difference. His name is Bernard Kissui and he works for the African Wildlife Federation.

He is dedicated to the prevention of lion loss and studies the famed cats of Tarangire National Park. The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) is one of the world's leading international conservation organizations that focus solely on Africa for more than forty-five years now.

Their mission is to work together with the people of Africa to ensure the wildlife and wild lands of Africa will be there for generations to come. They truly believe that protecting Africa's wildlife and wild landscapes is the key to the future of Africa and its people.

I have been fortunate to have experienced the savannahs and exotic wildlife of Tanzania, including the tree climbing lions of the Tarangire where Kissui is based. A blog entry at http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/03/tree-climbing-lions, describes some special photographic moments that have had lasting memories for me.

It doesn't take much to realize that Africa's wildlife and eco-tourism play an enormous role in Africa's vitality. Even for those who may never have the chance to explore these World Heritage Parks just knowing that they, wild animals, and open spaces remain as they are for future generations to experience is a natural when it comes to its promotions and safeguards.

So Bernard has a blog that enlightens his readers about his ongoing efforts. Kissui studies the movements of lions in and out of Tarangire National Park and works with local people to prevent the loss of livestock which unfortunately leads to human-lion conflicts.

From field observations he has learned that poor livestock security, especially at night contributes considerably to high levels of livestock predation. At night the Massai keep their livestock in enclosures called bomas that are made of thorn bush. Bomas do not provide much security against predators, especially the big cats.

The AWF works with pastoralists' communities like the Massai to employ a livestock security program that reinforces bomas with stronger materials such as chain-link fences. Pastoralists' families contribute 50% of the costs towards the purchase of these materials for their boma protection while AWF provides the second half.

The point is that with simple solutions Kissui and the African Wildlife Federation successfully promote the coexistence between human and large carnivores in this unique landscape by reducing retaliatory killings of lions and other predators.
Sometimes it does not take massive amounts of money to make a difference; however, it does take some monetary support.

So I am encouraging everyone to read, learn, connect and help Bernard and the other dedicated scientists that work for the African Wildlife Federation in their most important efforts to secure the remaining populations of large cats along with other wildlife throughout the Serengeti - Tarangire ecosystem and the Massai steppe heartland. Simple steps can make a positive difference.

Bernard Kissui's blog connection is http://awf.org/blog/category/wildlife/lions/

African Wildlife Federation connection is: http://www.awf.org

Photographs used as illustrations in this lens are copyrighted by Wayne Scherr, All Rights Reserved, 2009. Reproduction in any manner is prohibited without the written permission of Wayne Scherr. Contact: wayne@rangeofvisionphotos.com