logo By H.H. de Iongh By H.H. de Iongh By H.H. de Iongh

The project for support of the West and Central African Lion network (ROCAL)

Background

Lions are regionally endangered in West and Central Africa, living in small fragmented populations in protected areas only. The main threat is the human-lion conflict: killing of lions by pastoralists in retaliation for livestock depredation. Livestock depredation can have serious impacts on local development: around protected areas; damage to cattle is generally between 2 and 10 percent per year. These can amount to extensive financial losses to communities living around parks. Retaliatory or pre-emptive lion killing threatens lion populations and, in the case of poisoning, the entire carnivore guild in addition to other regionally threatened species (e.g. vultures). The lion is a keystone species; while local extinction would be beneficial for livestock it would be detrimental in terms of biodiversity, tourism and ecosystem integrity.

By H.H. de Iongh

Project area

This project covers the whole region of West and Central Africa.

Objectives

  • Regional capacity building for the Regional Lion Conservation Network
  • Strengthening of a regional network of lion conservationists
  • Implementation of case studies on lion livestock conflict mitigation
By H.H. de Iongh

Approach

This project has a two-tiered approach: strengthening a network for lion conservation while practicing human-lion-conflict mitigation in the region. Conflict mitigation is feasible and ultimately more effective for environment and development. The sustainability of the project is guaranteed through the financial benefits derived from both lion conservation and mitigation measures. Local communities in particular will benefit through reduced livestock losses as a result of improved livestock guarding techniques which will contribute substantially to poverty alleviation throughout the project area.

Partners

This project is implemented by the Leo Foundation in close co-operation with the Institute of Environmental Sciences of Leiden University and the Centre for Environment and Development Studies in Cameroon (CEDC). Funds for this project have been provided by IUCN NL, the Ecosystem Grant programme through CEDC. The Leo Foundation facilitates workshops and network meetings.