The Lion Pride Initiative
Protection Research Implementation Development Education

2. GAME VIEWING AND HIGH-SEASON TOURISM

Whilst in Lemek I was concerned by both the number of cars around lions and also their behaviour. It is apparent that this does need approaching with camps and guides. After talking to Marc Goss we have decided that a small presentation on the project and guidelines on responsible game viewing should be given to lodges and relevant parties.

I should expect that this will be received warmly, as responsible viewing will ensure that wildlife is not negatively affected by tourism activity, and thus ensure the continuation of high frequency and quality sightings. It is appreciated that there is a large number of tourists wishing to view wildlife at present, and so responsible viewing will not only benefit the wildlife but will ensure that all visitors will have positive experiences of animals behaving naturally.

Lodges that have a high number of cars operating in the area at any one time should be role models and communicate between drivers to spread vehicles across sightings, lagging their arrival and duration of time spent at each sighting to maintain the max. 5 car rule.

It should also be reminded that the natural behaviour of animals should not be affected, and so cars should keep to a single side and give a clear route for animals to move. Moving animals should not have any interference and animals showing any sign of distress or shyness should not be disturbed.

Many drivers and guides act responsibly around animals, but all are reminded at this time to be aware of game and other cars and adhere to their guidelines.

I have also been witnessing a good deal of through-traffic viewing lions, mainly at Lemek but also at Military which is adjacent to the main road – mostly matatus and city cars. Whilst it is good that residents and citizens appreciate and experience their wildlife, it should be reminded that a respectful distance should be kept and the number of cars around any one animal should not exceed five.

3. KICHECHE PARTICIPATION
Kicheche Camp was visited at the beginning of the month, and guides thoroughly introduced to the project. A display area, computer and camera were discussed for the future, and a report book was left at the lodge. I will return in the near future with more reporting material and to continue with the reporting setup. Guides at the camp are very keen to assist with the project, and a silver level guide has volunteered to spearhead data collection at the lodge. Consequently, information was also gathered regarding ages and group structure of the resident lions.

4. DATABASE
Two new adult females and five 5mo cubs were added to the database from the Kicheche area. It is thought that there still remains a large number of lions still to be added from this area. Several positive identifications were made of known lions, two of which have new cubs. Several matings were also observed. Positive identifications were made of cubs which have matured to sub- adulthood.

Velvet (MLF15) was killed after numerous attacks on livestock. A positive identification was made from photographs of the carcass. Malaika (MLF16) is also thought to dead following an injury from a wildebeest hunt. She had three dependant offspring, which are thought to have been relocated by KWS. I will try and gather more information on the incident.

5. BOOKLETS AND GUEST PARTICIPATION
Reporting by guides has been consistent. Interest in the website is increasing and I am receiving several sighting and photographs. Jackson and Jonathan Sadera have made noted efforts in reporting and improving their knowledge for the project.

Again, efforts to include Serian guests in the project should be increased and maintained where encouraged. The display area is drawing more interest to the project.

Comments on the blog have been very encouraging.
I have sold some more of the booklets for donations. A donation of $500 was made to the project for sponsoring lions and this element will be worked on. It has great potential for raising funds with a relatively small amount of effort.

6. BUSINESS CARDS AND PRINTING
I have had some business cards made up, and have also looked into the possibility of raising some funds through the sale of cards. Corrections are being made to the lion sheets and booklets and these will be brought over in September from them UK.

I have had some sponsor stickers for Wildscapes and Serian printed for the car. The price is exceptionally cheap.

7. CAMP PARTICIPATION
A collective email was sent out to Royal Mara, Saruni, and other current and future participatory lodges highlighting the aims and achievements of the project. The response from both camps was extremely encouraging and both Riccardo and George have offered their full support. This will be followed up in due course. Both camps will help expand data collection to new areas.

8. HOUSE
A great deal of progress has been made with the house – the main build is almost complete and I spent good time in Nairobi shopping for furnishings. Construction will continue to focus on furniture and working space. Materials have been included in the budget. Both the bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchen will be furnished and solar fitted within the budget. Alex is very generously covering the main build, plumbing and construction work of the house.

9. PAPIYO
Papiyo has spent some time in Laikipia, and will come to the Mara in early September. Initial plans are to introduce him thoroughly to the project and build his skills in lion identification, reporting and the workings of the project.

10. CAR
KBE 582E has been serviced in camp. Filters and oil have been changed as have the spring bushels. The antenna has been replaced and a spare brought to camp.

FUTURE PLANS AND OBJECTIVES:

1. DATABASE AND WEBSITE
New lions will be added to the database, and the large collection of maturing cubs will be added. I am going to explore how these will be arranged so that this key information on pride relationships will be made obvious.

I also plan to update the website to have more comprehensive and clearer images for ageing lions.

2. GUIDES
I will introduce the new guides in camp to the project and train them in reporting. Some of the guides will be given a refresher course in reporting and IDing lions. All will be briefed again on including their guests in the project and showing them the ID booklets.

3. LAIKIPIA VISIT AND EMMA`S VISIT
I am planning a visit to Laikipia in the coming months to develop the booklet for local lodges. Emma will accompany me and will work on developing aspects of the project up there too. Emma will also spend some time developing a trail of a sponsor a lion program for the MPP, and working on a conservation information booklet for the MNC. She will also work on lion distribution data collected so far and expanding the database.

4. PAPIYO
Papiyo will be introduced to the project thoroughly. The aim is also for him to team up with Marc Goss and the rangers and also with key community members so that he can begin to understand key issues with livestock and predators.

5. LODGES
I plan to visit Kicheche again in the near future to ensure that reporting can run smoothly. I also plan to visit Elephant Pepper again at a convenient time for all. Karen Blixen also should be more thoroughly introduced to the project. However, September and October plans may mean that this has to be delayed slightly.

6. RESPONSIBLE GAME VIEWING
I am going to draw up a short presentation to talk to lodges along with Marc Goss and the rangers to talk to guides about the project, and highlight some issues of responsible tourism in a sensitive way.