The Lion Guards

Meet the Lion Guards who play a vital role in protecting the local lions and mitigating lion-farmer conflict in Namibia. They need help as the area is not only without thier tourists due to the world wide pandemic but in the 8th year of drought despite rain in other areas. 

The Lion Guards are farmers themselves, elected by their communities with the active support of the chief, to help their fellow farmers using researched solutions to keep their livestock safe from lions. Their role includes identifying priority villages for kraal-building, patrolling fences, monitoring and reporting poaching and other illegal activities.

Employed by the Namibian Lion Trust (formerly AfriCat North) the Lion Guards use the data provided by the GPS collars to inform specific farmers when the lions are in their area and to take appropriate action to protect livestock and villagers. Overall in the area where the Lion Guards work there has been a reduction in numbers of livestock lost and lions killed which must be a win/win situation.

Mutuuapi 'Jackson' Kavetu from Werda Ehirovipuka Conservancy a Liond Guard since 2013 takes the lead among the Lion Guard activities. He and the other lion guards have agreed to be paid primarily in food to feed the family as a way to keep the project running during these difficult times.

The Namibian Lion Trust needs your help to support them and their vital work can you help?  

Lion Guards Keepers of the Wilderness

AfriCat UK works in partnership with the Namibian Lion Trust (formally AfriCat North)