Stephanie M. Dloniak
 

Writing and teaching about science and nature

 

 



 

Can mock hunts help save lions’ lives?


My latest feature has been published by Ensia magazine. I write about innovative conservation tools being used by the Lion Guardians team near Amboseli National Park in Kenya. You can read the story here.  And here are some photos that did not make it into the story…

Lions and spotted hyenas feed on a wildebeest nex to the dry bed of Lake Amboseli, outside of Amboseli National Park.

Lions and spotted hyenas feed on a wildebeest nex to the dry bed of Lake Amboseli, outside of Amboseli National Park.

 

Metito, a Lion Guardian, records data as we observe the lions in the previous photo.

Metito, a Lion Guardian, records data as we observe the lions in the previous photo.

 

Metito tells young herders that there are lions and hyenas near the water hole they are headed to.

Metito tells young herders that there are lions and hyenas near the water hole they are headed to.

The home of an extended Maasai family below Ngararambuni, near Amboseli National Park.

The home of an extended Maasai family below Ngararambuni, near Amboseli National Park.

An enkaji (Maasai house) surrounded by a boma (livestock enclosure) made of thorn tree branches.

An enkaji (Maasai house) surrounded by a boma (livestock enclosure) made of thorn tree branches.

Young children often herd the calves and baby shoats (sheep and goats).

Young children often herd the calves and baby shoats (sheep and goats).

The Lion Guardians HQ and Mount Kilimanjaro.

The Lion Guardians HQ and Mount Kilimanjaro.

List of reports that have recently come in from the Lion Guardians out in the field.

List of reports that have recently come in from the Lion Guardians out in the field.

The kitirua pride of lions on the edge of Amboseli National Park. Note the radio collar on the adult female, whose name is Willy.

The Kitirua pride of lions on the edge of Amboseli National Park. Note the radio collar on the adult female, whose name is Willy.