Carnivores in Conflict

  Kenya

Rural

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks and 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: see website for details

Description: Research Mission
Large predators in northern Kenya are struggling for survival as they compete with people and livestock for food and water.

Situation Report
Northern Laikipia-Samburu, Kenya -- Of the six big predators in Kenya, one is endangered (wild dogs), two are vulnerable (lions and cheetahs), two are conservation-dependent (striped and spotted hyenas), and only one is of lesser concern (leopards). All of them live in the areas surrounding the Samburu Field Center. With livestock abundant and easy prey, these predators often take advantage of these dining options. In defense of their lives and livelihoods, the people spear, shoot, or poison the animals. Wildlife authorities are likely to either trap and remove problem animals or shoot them. In either case, wildlife population is reduced, which hurts the growing tourism industry. Researchers are looking for ways to reduce the conflicts between wildlife and the local population.

Meals and Accommodations
Your contribution includes a spectacular charter flight from Nairobi to the village of Wamba, where you will stay in shared rooms in a basic cottage in the scenic foothills of the Mathews Range. The cottage has electricity, indoor plumbing, hot showers and flush toilets, and a kitchen. An experienced cook will prepare meals for you to enjoy in the dining area, with a largely Western menu, from eggs and sausage for breakfast to roast chicken with rice for dinner.

Highlights: Working with Dr. William Ogara, Dr. Samuel Andanje, and Dr. Nick Oguge, you will help identify and geo-reference carnivore dens, establish carnivore presence and density within community areas through spoor sampling, and take photographs with camera traps at dens, kills, and homesteads (manyattas). Once an animal is radio-collared, you will help track and monitor it. You will also visit Samburu homesteads to conduct surveys on livestock management methods and their day to day interaction with these carnivores. All of this will help provide information about predator dynamics. As an integral part of the Samburu Field Center, your work will be combined with data from other projects to help limit conflicts between wildlife and local communities, and promote sustainable natural resource use. In addition to your daily glimpses of African wildlife, you will also go on wildlife drives in nearby reserves.

Qualifications: Earthwatch volunteers are enthusiastic to learn about the research topic and are willing to contribute their time and energy to support leading scientists in conducting field research. Volunteers will be trained upon arrival at the research site. Teams have a minimum age of 18, unless accompanied by parent or legal guardian, in which case the minimum age is 16.

Cost in US$: 3,749 - 3,846

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Earthwatch expeditions appeal to a variety of people: educators gain new knowledge and develop exciting lesson plans; students explore career options and build research skills; writers, photographers and artists contribute their skills and share their experiences through a variety of media; businessmen and women, doctors and nurses, engineers, homemakers, retirees . . . people from all walks of life choose to volunteer on research expeditions each year. Volunteers are actively engaged on a daily basis with the research project, develop global perspectives, and explore new cultures and environments.

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Kenya Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 8 - 10

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Earthwatch Institute's Mission Statement: Earthwatch Institute engages people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment. Through a unique method of funding, the volunteers Share of Cost contributes directly to the support of the research projects. Earthwatch enables scientists to pursue research goals and members of the public to gain hands-on experience with science. Each year, over 4,000 people from 46 countries directly contribute to scientific research by working alongside scientists, local community members and other volunteers. Earthwatch volunteers can track sea turtles; join archaeological digs; observe animal behavior; collect rare plants, study dolphin behavior and more. The Earthwatch community also includes 20,000 global members, 4,000 eager volunteers each year, 50 collaborating conservation organizations, and 50 corporate partners, all of whom work together to make a difference. Below you will find out more about our leadership, employment opportunities, and contact information.

Year Founded: 1971