Human-Carnivore conflicts on the rise

On Monday (September 3,2018), Kenya wildlife service's rangers in conjunction with the Bura East conservancy scouts and Kenya forestry service, tracked two problem lions that had caused havoc in parts of the hirola’s range. This search came after it was reported that a male lion had attacked and injured a 19-year-old local male teenager who was out in the bushes herding his livestock on Sunday the 2nd of September. They had tracked the lions to an area around the Elow Lake, a few kilometers from Jambele town centre.

On Tuesday (September 4,2018), it was also reported that the female lion had attacked a cattle boma and did away with a calf. Both lions are at large and this has alarmed the locals who say they are afraid, now more than ever, to take their livestock out to herd.

Lions, wild dogs and cheetah are fairly common in most parts of the hirola’s geographic range. Like many other African cultures, lions are a source of anxiety and pride among the Somali culture. hcp in partnership Bura East Conservancy scouts will continue to work with local communities to save lions and other large carnivores by reducing conflicts and helping them understand the importance of lions and other large carnivores.