Wildlife crime is a multi-billion-dollar industry. After drug, arms, and human trafficking, the illegal trade in wildlife is among the most lucrative forms of crime, with an estimated value of over $20 billion per year according to Interpol. Gaining insight into trafficking routes and poaching hotspots is therefore crucial.
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A special project in South Sudan
In South Sudan lies a vast and difficult-to-access area covering approximately 18 million hectares. Yet it is this inaccessibility that is also offering exceptional opportunities for wildlife. The Boma–Bandingilo landscape is known for the largest terrestrial mammal migration on Earth, with millions of tiang antelopes, gazelles, and kob migrating through the area each year.
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A new collaboration with the West Africa Conservation Network
For many years, the Leo Foundation has maintained a strong presence in West Africa. We are actively involved in the last two remaining strongholds for lions in the region: the border area between Senegal and Guinea, and the border region of Benin, Burkina Faso, and Niger. In addition, there is another protected area that most likely still harbors a small but important lion population: Kainji Lake National Park in Nigeria.
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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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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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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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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.
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Article 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.
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New 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.
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