Onward: "Living Walls" Protect Lions, Livestock | National Geographic

TL;DR

In order to protect big cats in Northern Tanzania, the African People and Wildlife Fund is using innovative methods, such as building living walls and fostering relationships with locals.

Transcript

in order to make a real difference in conservation you have to be dedicated you have to make a commitment to an area I'm Dr ly lickfeld I'm the director of the African people and Wildlife fund and I am running the Masai step big cats initiative in Northern Tanzania I've been working here for 13 years with my husband what we're trying to do is to fi... Read More

Key Insights

• 😃 The African People and Wildlife Fund focuses on finding the connection between people and wildlife, specifically in protecting big cats.
• 😃 Their innovative approach involves building living walls made of chain link fencing and trees to prevent conflict between big cats and livestock.
• 😃 By working closely with locals and fostering relationships, they aim to change perceptions of big cats and ensure the success of conservation efforts.
• 🤑 Tanzania's rich wildlife population and vast wild spaces make it an ideal location for conservation initiatives.
• 🦁 The decline of lion populations in Africa highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these majestic animals.
• 😃 The African People and Wildlife Fund's efforts are dedicated to reducing conflicts and creating a better coexistence between people and big cats.
• 🤞 The success of their living wall method provides hope for the turnaround of declining lion populations.

Questions & Answers

Q: How are living walls built to protect livestock from big cats?

The African People and Wildlife Fund collaborates with homeowners to build living walls. The team rolls out 15-meter rolls of chain link fencing around livestock corrals, nailing it to the trees. Once trees are planted and sticks are added, a living wall is formed, protecting livestock from big cats.

Q: How does the African People and Wildlife Fund aim to protect lions from crisis?

Lions are in crisis across the continent, and the fund believes there are only 600-800 remaining. By reducing conflicts between humans and big cats through the implementation of living walls, they hope to turn around the declining lion population and create a different perception of big cats.

Q: Why is building relationships with locals important for conservation efforts?

Building sincere relationships with people is crucial for effective conservation. By gaining the trust and support of the local community, the African People and Wildlife Fund can work together towards common goals, ensuring the success and sustainability of their conservation initiatives.

Q: What makes Tanzania an ideal location for conservation efforts?

Tanzania is considered the jewel of Africa in terms of its massive wildlife population and vast wild spaces. Its abundance of wildlife and natural beauty makes it an ideal location for the African People and Wildlife Fund to carry out their conservation work.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The African People and Wildlife Fund is dedicated to finding the connection between people and wildlife, specifically concerning big cats like lions, cheetahs, and leopards.

• They are working to fortify Masai homesteads by building living walls made of chain link fencing and trees to prevent big cats from entering and killing livestock.

• By fostering relationships with locals and implementing these methods, they aim to reduce conflicts and protect the declining lion population.