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Mara Predator Conservation Programme2021-11-19T16:28:51+00:00
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MARA PREDATOR CONSERVATION PROGRAMME

 Africa’s big predators are under serious threat. The entire continent only has around 6000 cheetahs and 20,000 lions left. The Mara Predator Conservation Programme was set up by the Kenya Wildlife Trust in order to research the threats that our top predators face and to work on science-based community conservation solutions to help protect them. The team is based at Talek in the Masai Mara and guests staying at Sala’s Camp sometimes have the chance to visit their research centre or get involved with their work.

CONSERVATION CAR

Our Conservation Car is based at Sala’s Camp in the Masai Mara National Reserve where it is goes out daily to monitor the big cats in the isolated southern sector of the reserve. It collects data on their movements and sightings are passed on to conservationists to help them understand the dynamics of their populations.

The Safari Collection’s guides play an active and central role in big cat monitoring.  The Mara Predator Conservation Programme has provided guides with Panasonic Lumix cameras containing GPS functionality for them to take on their game drives. When a guide sees a lion or cheetah and takes a photo, the photograph is automatically geo-referenced, which means that we not only know which big cat was sighted but also where and when it was seen. These geo-referenced photos help us to determine the number and spatial distribution of lions and cheetahs in the Greater Mara Ecosystem.

Our conservation car also helps with projects in other parts of Kenya and in recent years has assisted with eye clinics, school programmes, dental clinics and the Grevy’s zebra emergency feeding programme.

HOW CAN I HELP PROTECT KENYA’S PREDATORS?

A donation can go a long way in helping to conserve cheetahs and lions in the Masai Mara:

  • $200 can buy a smart-phone for data collection by safari guides.

  • $300 can purchase a camera that can be used by safari guides to help with monitoring.

  • $500 can help us purchase and produce educational material on lion and cheetah conservation for communities.

  • $1000 covers the cost of fuel and vehicle maintenance for 3 months.

USA donations can be made through a tax deductible 501 3 c status.
UK donations can be tax deductible through registered charity status.
100% of all donations are used towards community and conservation projects, there are no hidden costs or expenses deducted.
‘Tourism is responsible for 25% of the GDP in Kenya and the communities that live adjacent to The Safari Collection properties are almost entirely dependent on tourism for their income. Most visitors to Kenya come to see the big cats. The Safari Collection realise the significance of this and are specifically focusing our conservation efforts on the big cats of Kenya, working to ensure the longevity of the tourism industry, in turn directly impacting the sustainability of the local communities which whom we work.’
The Safari Collection

YOUR IMPACT

Just by staying at our properties, each guest helps conserve Kenya’s wild landscapes, look after its wildlife and make a positive impact on peoples’ lives. See how your stay has contributed.

GIRAFFE MANOR

SASAAB

SOLIO LODGE

SALA’S CAMP

DISCOVER HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT OUR FOOTPRINT INITIATIVES AND GIVE BACK

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