Recently, UNESCO decided to remove Niokolo Koba National Park in Senegal from the list of endangered World Heritage sites. This is a fantastic achievement for the Senegalese government and all involved parties. The park, established in 1954 and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981, is one of the last habitats for the critically endangered West African lion and the African wild dog.
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Joint project between Leo Foundation and the National Centre for Biological Sciences
Leo Foundation Board member Laura Bertola is working with dr. Uma Ramakrishnan and other scientists at the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) in Bangalore, India, and spent April and May at the institute. In this group there is great interest in the application of genetic techniques to understand the fate of small and isolated populations. From the Leo side, this work is supported by WWF INNO.
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A genetic tool for protecting Kenya’s lions
As one of the most iconic wildlife species in Africa, lions are a major source of income for Kenya. Large numbers of tourists are attracted to Kenya’s lion hotspots, as to catch a glimpse of the big cat during a safari. However, to keep populations healthy and thriving, protection measures need to be implemented. In the case of lions, such measures are often aimed at avoiding conflicts with local communities.In Kenya’s National Parks, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), a state corporation under the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, is responsible for the implementation of such measures. The Leo Foundation is working closely with KWS, to support them on their mission. Using a broad range of methods for surveying and monitoring, KWS now also integrated genetics as part of their toolbox. A recent scientific study was conducted to understand how genetics could help protect Kenya’s lions.
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In Memoriam Kennedy Kaminju Kariuki 05/11/1988 – 28/12/2023
On the 30 th of December 2023, we received the sad message that our Kenyan colleague, Kennedy Kaminju Kariuki died on December 28 in the NW hospital in Nairobi at the age of 35 years from organ and heart failure. Kennedy was a PhD candidate at the CML, Leiden University.
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A video documentary about our work in Nepal
It’s hard to describe the atmosphere of the jungle, the sounds of the birds, the buzzing of the insects. Similarly, it’s hard to grasp what it’s like living with tigers, if you’re just a visitor, and don’t have to live with them every day.
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Fundraising for the Leo Foundation at ‘de Dag van de Natuur’
On October 4, GlobeGuards organized the largest auction of nature experiences at Royal Burgers’ Zoo in Arnhem. For the 12th time, member organizations of GlobeGuards were given the opportunity to submit unique nature experiences offered for auction. Leo Foundation was also present.
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