Supporting Lion Guardians is a great way to promote the coexistence of humans and lions.

by Marina Wright, Lion Guardians Guest blogger

Lion Guardians was founded to save the African lion from extinction. Since 2006, we’ve trained and supported hundreds of local conservationists across the continent. By blending science with traditional Indigenous knowledge, we’ve partnered with Maasai communities to create a conservation model that delivers real results. Our approach has led to a more than 90% reduction in lion killings and helped the lion population in the Amboseli ecosystem more than quadruple over the last decade.

Our mission is to foster sustainable coexistence between people and lions by building community-led initiatives that blend Indigenous knowledge with modern science. We achieve this through programs designed to promote human-lion coexistence, focusing on effective conflict mitigation. Lion Guardians combines Indigenous wisdom with contemporary science, deploying strategies like having Maasai warriors, known as Guardians, and skilled herders known as Master Herders, patrol the ecosystem. They monitor both livestock and lions, identifying individual lions by name and characteristics for more targeted conflict resolution.

Our mobile Conflict Camps, led by trained Maasai warriors, are set up in conflict zones to provide immediate response and ease tensions. We also use tech-based solutions such as the innovative Lion Identification (LiNC) system, which helps track and identify lions, ensuring we develop the most effective strategies for conflict resolution. Traditional methods like mock hunts, using thunderflashes instead of spears, help prevent lions from approaching human settlements. Additionally, we reinforce livestock enclosures (bomas) and conduct night patrols with thermal cameras to protect livestock. By collaring problem lions, we can track their movements and prevent potential conflicts, creating safer coexistence for both lions and local communities.

Lion Guardians works closely with communities across the Amboseli ecosystem, ensuring they benefit from living alongside lions. We are committed to meeting their needs, supporting the preservation of their culture, and ensuring their traditional livelihoods continue to thrive across the Amboseli for generations to come.

We are incredibly grateful to the El Paso Zoo for their support. To learn more about our work, visit: https://lionguardians.org/

Photos

Cover – Sunset over Amboseli ecosystem, Ray in Manila, Wikimedia Creative Commons
Others – Lion Guardians