Update on the Kyambura Lion Monitoring Project
17 April 2024
The Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust (VSPT) is working in partnership with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to implement its second annual African lion and large carnivore survey. The purpose of regular population monitoring is to collect data for African lions, leopards and spotted hyenas in the Queen Elizabeth Conservation Area and support the local livelihoods of the people living in the region by involving them in annual carnivore surveys on the ground with VSPT.
Survey Update The Kyambura Wildlife Monitoring Team began the second phase of the survey by strategically setting up camera traps in an array of specific sections, with the aim of determining the population densities of leopards and hyenas within the park. The camera trap survey commenced on January 15, 2024, and is currently ongoing. The Kyambura Wildlife Monitoring Team began with establishing 36 camera trap sites between the Kasenyi - Hamakungu areas of the park. Subsequently, the team began surveying the Mweya – Craters area on February 12 by deploying 20 camera trap sites. Each block of camera traps was set for a duration of 4 weeks to gather comprehensive data on carnivore presence.
Next Steps As the survey progresses, the team will continue to monitor the camera traps, collect data, and analyse the results to assess the distribution and abundance of leopards and hyenas in the surveyed areas. Additionally, the team remain committed to actively monitoring the lion population to ensure their conservation and sustainable coexistence within the ecosystem.
Guest Experience In January 2024, Volcanoes Safaris
Kyambura Gorge Lodge invited the lodge guests to be actively involved in the data collection of large carnivores whilst participating in safari activities. Guests are provided with guidance and training on data collection protocols before embarking on safari excursions. Armed with observation sheets and guided by experienced safari guides, guests actively observe and document sightings. The data collected by the guests is then submited to the Kyambura wildlife team.
A total of 11 guests enthusiastically participated in the collection of data for the survey. These guest were eager to contribute to the conservation efforts and have embraced the opportunity to engage in meaningful wildlife research whilst enjoying their safari experience.
The report was prepared on the 5th April 2024 by Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust Kyambura Lion Project Team: Bosco Atukwatse, Orin Cornille, Simon Kaweesi, Kevin James, and Alexander Braczkowski.