Protecting Lions

David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF)’s ongoing commitment to lion conservation is exemplified through our two new, distinct, and impactful projects in Zambia and Tanzania, both of which focus on fostering positive relationships between local communities and lion populations while addressing the unique challenges each area faces.

In Tanzania, the conservation programme designed by our project partners is designed to reduce human-lion conflict and support the growth of lion populations by ensuring their safety and facilitating the introduction of new genetic lines through wildlife corridors.

The approach is centred around three primary pillars: reducing conflict, building tolerance, and monitoring lion populations. To reduce conflict, our partners employ wildlife guardians who play a crucial role in warning herders about approaching lions, providing veterinary care to injured livestock, assisting in locating lost animals, and reinforcing livestock enclosures—commonly known as bomas—to better protect them from predators. These efforts are complemented by initiatives aimed at fostering a positive shift in the attitudes and beliefs of the indigenous pastoralist communities, promoting a more harmonious coexistence with lions. This cultural transformation is vital for the long-term growth and stabilisation of the lion population. Additionally, the programme closely monitors lion populations, movements, and genetics through the use of GPS collaring and tracking, which allows for a more effective evaluation of conservation strategies. Through these integrated efforts, the project has successfully reopened wildlife corridors and enhanced the safety of both lions and the local communities.

Across the border in Zambia, DSWF supports a conservation initiative focused on protecting lions through a combination of improved law enforcement, research, and community integration. Similarly to our partners in Tanzania, our Zambian partners also operate on three key pillars: collaboration, empowerment, and protection. Collaboration is achieved by working with various organisations across the national park to coordinate and amplify conservation efforts, ensuring that the natural habitat is preserved for the benefit of all. Empowerment involves providing training, education, and employment opportunities to local communities and other marginalised groups, with the goal of promoting sustainable living practices that integrate both wildlife and human needs. The protection pillar is dedicated to safeguarding wildlife through the establishment of anti-poaching patrols and the construction of firebreaks, which are essential for preventing the spread of bushfires that can devastate both wildlife and local communities.

Together, these two projects demonstrate a holistic approach to lion conservation, addressing not only the immediate threats to lion populations but also the broader social and environmental factors that influence their survival. By fostering positive relationships between local communities and wildlife, these initiatives are helping to secure a future for lions while also promoting sustainable livelihoods for the people who live alongside them. DSWF remains committed to these goals, continuing to support and expand its efforts to protect lions and their habitats in these critical regions.

As always, thank you for your generous support in providing a more sustainable future for the lions of Tanzania and Zambia, and the communities that live alongside them.

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