Conservation

Without exception, we all benefit from nature in numerous ways. But do we ever give something back?

We want to pledge your support for those people dedicating their lives to nature. They make the world a better place to stay in for each of us.

Vanishing Kings - Lions of the Namib Official Trailer

BATELEUR WILDLIFE SERVICES SPECIFICALLY SUPPORTS THE FOLLOWING PROJECT:

Desert Lion Conservation

Namibia supports a unique population of desert-adapted lions that survive in the harsh Namib Desert. These lions occur mostly outside protected areas in the Kunene region.

Unfortunately, the local communities have to share their land with these free-ranging large carnivores. Lions often prey on domestic livestock, and farmers respond by shooting or poisoning them. There is therefore a need for proactive management of human-lion conflict.

As these local communities have to bear the cost of living with lions, there is also a need for sustainable use of lions through ecotourism, with tangible benefits to the communities.

To address these needs and in pursuit of the conservation of the last remaining prides of this unique population, Dr Flip Stander has started the Desert Lion Conservation project in 1998. Lions are tracked and observed to record behaviour, movements, grouping patterns, reproduction and mortality. Tracking is done using GPS and satellite technology, a light aircraft (fitted with radio-tracking equipment) and by vehicle.

Emphasis is placed on monitoring lions that disperse and occupy new habitats, and on those living near local communities. To get to a understanding of the extent of his work, the challenges he faces and the sacrifices he has to make, visit the website www.desertlion.info

And remember – those lions need your support.