By Jayne Horswill | Project Leader
Thank you for donating to our Protecting Lions project. Our ground-based conservation partners, the Uganda Conservation Foundation (UCF) who David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) has long supported, have been working on the collaring, research and understanding of key lion populations in Uganda over the last few years to ensure the species is protected and better understood. This work will help drive the efforts and strategies of both conservation organisations and the wildlife authorities across the country and region.
UCF recently undertook an aerial survey in the Murchison Falls National Park and surrounding protected management area as part of a wider, long-term park recovery programme we have been supporting, which helped identify important but highly vulnerable clusters of herbivores.
The sightings of lion prey species act as key indicators for the overall health and sustainability of lion populations and the overall health of the park and surrounding areas. Two law enforcement wildlife ranger post developments in the same area, supported and funded by DSWF, have allowed for the increased deployment of seven anti-poaching rangers for the first time and the installation of a digital radio system, vastly improving communication for the wildlife authority who are now better equipped to research and protect lions in this key landscape.
As a result, we are delighted to share the news that signs of lion sightings in the area and two lionesses themselves have been reported. It was unknown if a pride was in residence in the area as they are very reclusive and not regularly seen due to a long history of poaching in the area before increased law enforcement operations and development.
Whilst not a surprise to the rangers and team, this area has long been a poaching and snare hotspot which has been a major cause of lion deaths. Due to the increased law enforcement presence in the area and the new sightings, it’s been proven that by securing the locations and habitat, the wildlife feels safe and protected in their expansion and more regular overt sightings can be recorded.
With your ongoing support, the wildlife authorities and our local partners are hoping to double lion populations in the area over the next five years. This will be a huge milestone and something we look forward to sharing progress with you about.
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