We are proud to support the work of Rama Mishra and WILD CARE Nepal. Recently, her inspiring report ‘Wild Cats Series 2025’ was published. Her research forms the foundation of training programs that emphasize education and community involvement – essential for wildlife conservation and reducing human–wildlife conflict.
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Annual Report 2024: Working Together to Protect Big Cats
In 2024, the Leo Foundation continued its mission to protect large carnivores in Africa and Asia. Thanks to the support of our donors and partners, we were able to carry out several impactful projects focused on research, education, and strengthening local capacity.
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Wolves in the Netherlands feed mainly on wild animals – but also target grazing cattle in areas with less prey
Wolves in the Netherlands mainly feed on wild animals such as wild boar and red and roe deer. But in areas such as Drenthe where these are scarce they also prey on free-roaming cattle used for nature conservation. This is according to new research analysing wolf scat across the country.
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New Study: Fishing Cats Have Much Larger Home Ranges Than Previously Thought
A recent study in Nepal revealed that the fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) has a significantly larger home range than previously assumed. GPS tracking in the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve found that home ranges of these rare cats average between 29 and 40 square kilometers.
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Warm Farewell to Chairman and Founder Hans de Iongh, Leo Foundation
The journey of the Foundation Panthera leo leo, better known as Leo Foundation, began in November 2007 on the terrace of Porte Mayo in Maroua, Cameroon. During a conversation about the projects of CML (Centre for Environmental Sciences at Leiden University) and field visits to Bénoué National Park and Waza National Park, the seed for the foundation was planted.
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Niokolo Koba National Park no longer endangered: Successful training for Rangers and Eco-guards
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.
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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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