Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Prevention of lion predation towards African livestock is of great importance due to the economical losses farmers have because of this. Predation is also one of the main reasons for human-wildlife conflicts and lions often get killed because of it. Therefore, a pilot study using camera traps was conducted to monitor movements of lions and other wildlife through a wildlife corridor in Ol Pejeta Conservancy. The results were compared with a previous study that counted prints in the soil in front of the corridor. Due to theft risk the cameras had to be taken down and pictures were only collected from nine days. However, the results were consistent with the previous report. I also discuss solutions on lion - livestock problems, both from previous literature and also from interviews conducted in different parts of Kenya. My study suggests that the camera traps used in this pilot study are a suitable method when monitoring wildlife, although should be left to collect data for a longer period of time. Future results from the cameras, combined with foot prints in the soil and also solutions from literature and interviews collected in this study, may all help in developing strategies for coexistence between humans and wildlife in different parts of Africa.