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Lions, cheetahs and leopards were extensively monitored this quarter, and volunteers were lucky enough to sight and monitor 12 cheetahs and 22 lions with several cubs.
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Volunteers took part in monitoring and collaring a male lion in conjunction with the Mara Lion Project. This helps in monitoring lion movements and patterns in the conservancy, as well as understanding their behavior.
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Volunteers were able to identify a new lion in the conservancy during big cat monitoring sessions, which was reported to the conservancy management and is important in understanding the health of the reserve.
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• “I had During the April holiday volunteers such an incredible time onclub, the Big Cat project.had The staff and other volunteers were knowledgeable, friendly, and thepatient chance to my work with teenagers completing endlessly with questions about wildlife and conservation. This experience was a unique way to explore the Mara their Presidents Award while physical recreation contributing to amazing conservation projects.” hours. Teens were trained in athletics; - Zoe, Big Cat Research Volunteer 2017 including sprinting, long jump and high jump!
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Volunteers have been tirelessly taking part in invasive alien plant species removal at the conservancy. These plant species are not only harmful to the animals, but also inhibits the growth of other plants.
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The team managed to build 87 erosion fences and conducted grass monitoring surveys to identify the density of grass at the conservancy. This ensures a healthy overall ecosystem.
We introduced a new method of game counting, so volunteers spent a lot of time this quarter observing and monitoring the number of herbivores and carnivores in the conservancy. This helps the conservancy management in ecological monitoring.
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Volunteers spent a lot of time this quarter preparing and delivering lessons to local primary schools around the conservancy. It’s been lovely having an opportunity to teach and interact with the young Maasai children.
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At the Koiyaki Guiding School that trains local people to become wildlife guides, volunteers have enjoyed interacting with the students and discussing their findings from big cat monitoring sessions. This includes the different animals they’ve seen, as well as their behaviors and the impact on conservation.
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Two binoculars were presented to the guiding school by volunteers as a donation to the students.
Volunteers have had some of the most amazing nature walks during their free time at the weekend. It’s a good opportunity to see some wild animals in their natural habitat, and get to learn about various signs of the wild, including animal tracks, droppings and even how to interpret them in relation to nature.
“All in all, I wanted more than just a safari. I wanted an adventure, and a possibility of leaving an impact, and I certainly got it. Africa has definitely left an impact on me, and I think I have the fever now! I will need to go back again and again, as I have already started doing. The Matabele tribe of Zimbabwe says the following, and I find it just as relevant for Maasai Mara – ‘Once you have you been drinking of the waters of the Zambezi, you must always go back to drink more.”
- Valentin Mougaard, Big Cat Research Volunteer 2017
THE MARA TEAM ☺