In Kenya, lions are speared to death as human-wildlife conflict worsens amid drought

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In Kenya, the intensifying human-wildlife conflict has reached a critical point as drought exacerbates the situation, resulting in the tragic spearing of lions. Parkeru Ntereka, a Maasai herder residing near the renowned Amboseli national park, experienced the loss of almost half of his goat herd to ravenous lions that strayed into his enclosure.

The repercussions of Ntereka’s ordeal reverberated throughout the country, as six lions were mercilessly slain by the Maasai people in a retaliatory act. For centuries, these communities have coexisted with wild animals, but the growing tension underscores the challenges faced in parts of East Africa, further amplified by an extended period of drought.

Simultaneously, the predator population within protected areas has increased, driven by hunger and thirst that prompt their encroachment into neighboring communities.

Ntereka, devastated by the loss of 12 goats, laments the substantial impact on his large family. Selling livestock has been his means of affording school fees, and he now faces uncertainty regarding his children’s secondary education.

To mitigate such losses, the Big Life Foundation, actively engaged in conservation efforts in the area, offers compensation to herders affected by predator attacks. However, the compensation provided does not align with the market rates for cows, goats, and sheep.

Joel Kirimbu, a herder, emphasizes the need for compensation to reflect the true market value. He asserts that comparing 80,000 Kenyan shillings ($577) per cow to the 30,000 shillings received as compensation is unjust. Frustrated by inadequate reparation, herders are driven to anger, resorting to retaliatory killings of lions despite receiving compensation.

Rosi Lekimankusi, a mother of five, shares a similar plight, having lost 13 goats to lion attacks in her village of Mbirikani in Kajiado County, a mere 150 kilometers (93 miles) from the capital, Nairobi. For Rosi and her husband, who have no alternative livelihoods, this represents a significant blow. She fears that such lion encounters will become even more frequent in her Maasai village, which borders Amboseli national park.

The Big Life Foundation, managing the compensation program for two decades, acknowledges its inability to match market prices but emphasizes the significance of providing at least some compensation as a gesture of solidarity with affected herders. Daniel Ole Sambu, who coordinates the foundation’s Predator Protection Program, acknowledges that while the amount may not be sufficient to fully alleviate anger, it demonstrates the foundation’s commitment to acknowledging the losses suffered.

Additionally, the foundation offers community scholarships for local children and support for medical facilities, supplementing its compensation efforts.

The recurring human-wildlife conflict often captures headlines in Kenya, where tourism plays a pivotal role in the economy. Recently, Loonkiito, one of Kenya’s oldest lions, fell victim to a spear, having ventured outside Amboseli national park in search of sustenance.

The Kenya Wildlife Service recognizes the urgency of finding lasting solutions that address the conflict while safeguarding both humans and wildlife.

Ntereka, haunted by the fear of another lion attack, expresses the traditional belief shared by his community: once a lion invades your home and feasts on your livestock, it will eternally remember your residence as a source of food, even after a decade has passed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about human-wildlife conflict

More about human-wildlife conflict

• Kenya Wildlife Service: Official website of the Kenya Wildlife Service, responsible for wildlife conservation and management in Kenya.
• Big Life Foundation: Official website of the Big Life Foundation, an organization dedicated to wildlife conservation and community development in East Africa.
• Amboseli National Park: Information about Amboseli National Park, one of Kenya’s iconic national parks located near the Maasai community.
• Human-Wildlife Conflict: World Wildlife Fund (WWF) resource providing insights into human-wildlife conflict and its impacts globally.
• Conservation International: Information on human-wildlife conflict and strategies to mitigate conflicts from Conservation International.