Lions of Tsavo

  Kenya

Rural

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: Inquire for specific dates.

Description: Research Mission
Help protect Tsavo's legendary lions and find ways for lions and local communities to live side by side.

Situation Report
Taita/Rukinga Wildlife Conservancy, Tsavo region, Kenya - In the dry woodlands outside Tsavo East National Park, Kenya, lions kill hundreds of livestock every year, driving ranchers to kill lions or convert their land to cropland or charcoal production. If Kenya is to maintain safe havens for its legendary wildlife diversity, we must find ways for lions and humans to coexist. Dr. Bruce Patterson, Dr. Samuel Kasiki (Kenya Wildlife Service), and Alexander Mwazo Gombe are investigating the ecology of Tsavo's infamous "maneless" lions to understand lion requirements there. You can help collect data on seasonal changes in lion density, social structure, and survival.

Meals and Accommodations
You'll stay at Campi ya Neka, a cluster of tents in the heart of the wilderness, from which you can enjoy unbroken views of the wild African bush stretching to the horizon. Many animals pass the camp on their way to a nearby waterhole, including elephants, baboons, and impala. The tents feature two cots, electric lights, and fans, with communal flush toilets and heated showers nearby. Your team will enjoy dining on a varied and balanced menu of mostly Western fare, including fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, flavorful spices, and delicious desserts, all prepared and cleaned up by the excellent camp staff.

Highlights: On the Expedition
The 600-square-kilometer Taita/Rukinga Wildlife Conservancy is considered by many to offer the finest wilderness experience available in Kenya. Here you can see civets, aardwolves, and other species missed on most safaris. However, lions are difficult to locate here, and you'll search for them from vehicles in evening, late night, and early morning drives, taking a mid-day siesta like most of the local wildlife. When you find lions, you'll keep track of individuals and scan for prey or other lions. You'll also help photograph lion whisker patterns (for identification) and videotape and record behavior. While on patrol, you'll monitor the distribution and abundance of more than 100 species of other wildlife to help secure government protection for the Taita/Rukinga Wildlife Conservancy's unspoiled savannah woodland.

Qualifications: Earthwatch volunteers are enthusiastic to learn about the research topic and are willing to contribute their time and energy to support leading scientists in conducting field research. Volunteers will be trained upon arrival at the research site. Teams have a minimum age of 18, unless accompanied by parent or legal guardian, in which case the minimum age is 16.

Cost in US$: 3,649

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Earthwatch expeditions appeal to a variety of people: educators gain new knowledge and develop exciting lesson plans; students explore career options and build research skills; writers, photographers and artists contribute their skills and share their experiences through a variety of media; businessmen and women, doctors and nurses, engineers, homemakers, retirees . . . people from all walks of life choose to volunteer on research expeditions each year. Volunteers are actively engaged on a daily basis with the research project, develop global perspectives, and explore new cultures and environments.

Age Range: 18 - 90

This Program is open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Kenya Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 2-8

Scholarships are Available. - Fellowships may be available, mainly for high-school students and educators. Visit our website for more information.

Application Process Involves:

• Other
• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Earthwatch Institute's Mission Statement: Earthwatch Institute engages people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment. Through a unique method of funding, the volunteers Share of Cost contributes directly to the support of the research projects. Earthwatch enables scientists to pursue research goals and members of the public to gain hands-on experience with science. Each year, over 4,000 people from 46 countries directly contribute to scientific research by working alongside scientists, local community members and other volunteers. Earthwatch volunteers can track sea turtles; join archaeological digs; observe animal behavior; collect rare plants, study dolphin behavior and more. The Earthwatch community also includes 20,000 global members, 4,000 eager volunteers each year, 50 collaborating conservation organizations, and 50 corporate partners, all of whom work together to make a difference. Below you will find out more about our leadership, employment opportunities, and contact information.

Year Founded: 1971