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.
Read MoreAfrica
Article published in Cat News on critical situation in Waza National Park
An article to which three of our board members contributed, has been published in the Spring Edition of Cat News. It discusses the deteriorating conditions lions in Waza National Park, Cameroon, are currently facing and recommends a strategy for restoration.
Read MoreArticle published about the status of antelopes in Waza NP in Cameroon
Nairobi lion project contributed to the extension of Nairobi National Park
A recent decision to expand Nairobi National Park in Kenya is a good example of how GPS mapping of lions can positively influence policy decisions.
Read MoreNew article published about conflicts between large carnivores and pastoralists in Senegal
We are very happy that Gueye Mallé has published a brand new article about his research on conflicts between large carnivores and pastoralists in and around Niokolo Koba National Park in Senegal. This research was supported by Leo Foundation and is part of the PhD study Gueye is currently undertaking.
Read MoreUpdate on rescue plan for Waza National Park, Cameroon
After revealing the precarious state of Waza National Park, Leo Foundation and partner organizations have taken further steps to safeguard this important biodiversity hotspot for future generations.
In a letter initiated by Leo Foundation and its partners in Cameroon and signed by the Director General of IUCN International , IUCN urges the Cameroonian Minister of Forestry and Wildlife (MINFOF) to seek new partnerships in order to step up current management efforts and rescue Waza National Park. The good news is that we have received a positive response that the Cameroonian government will support the proposed initiative to restore Waza NP.
We are thankful to our partners in Cameroon, IUCN, Lion Recovery Fund, GlobeGuards and (international) l NGOs for endorsing and supporting our action to save Waza National Park and help the current threatened lion population to recover.
Lions in West and Central Africa on the brink of extinction
Until recently, lions could occurred throughout Africa, including on the savannah areas of West and Central Africa. Nowadays, no more than 2000 lions remain in this vast area. And while North Africa still harbored lions well into the last century, this iconic cat species has vanished from this part of the continent. A similar scenario may occur in West and Central Africa.
GlobeGuards member Leo Foundation is committed to protecting the endangered lions of Central Africa, specifically the population in Waza National Park (Cameroon). The lion population has been decreasing for years. A few years ago, a survey estimated the population to consist of around 30 adult lions, but the latest census showed that a population of only a maximum of 15 lions is left. Besides that, also the prey species they depend upon are declining.
Between 1988 and 2003 Waza National Park received more than 12 million euros in support of wildlife conservation and community development. Chairman of Leo Foundation, Professor Hans de Iongh, will explain the current situation in Waza National Park today at 14:45 during a press conference in Burgers’ Zoo, organized by Globe Guards. The Dutch involvement in Waza National Park and the position of the local communities inhabiting the area will be discussed.

Hyenas FC supports Leo Foundation and spotted hyenas
A football club that goes by the name of Hyenas FC? Perhaps it’s an unusual choice of a name, but it actually makes a lot of sense! In fact, the intelligent and organized system used by spotted hyenas during a hunt, compares extremely well to the tactics a football team uses when hunting for a goal. All the more reason to help the spotted hyena lose its negative stigma.
To this end, Hyenas FC has launched a sponsorship campaign to help improve the protection of hyenas in Africa. During their matches, large banners will be placed around the field and there will be a collection box. The revenues of this action will go entirely to the hyena projects of Leo Foundation. We are very grateful for the support Hyenas FC is giving us, and are looking forward to a fruitful collaboration. On behalf of the ‘real hyenas’: Thank you!
Read more about our hyena projects HERE!
Leo Foundation takes action for the preservation of Waza NP, Cameroon

Waza National Parc, located in the Extreme North of Cameroon, is unique in many aspects. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the parc offers a great biodiversity value and it is the only protected nature reserve in this Sahel region. According to the latest population survey of 2019 , the parc still holds some 20 individuals of the endangered northern subspecies of lion.
Read MoreLion distribution vs. human conflicts
Lion distribution ranges shrunk drastically over the last decades. Also, human conflicts became more and more apparent in Africa. But how do those two processes affect each other?
Leo Foundation has generated a few maps in which we overlay both lion distribution with different types of conflicts. We hope that this information will help in identifying focus areas for lion assessment and lion conservation.
All maps can be found on THIS specific page for this project! Take a look quickly!