Supporting stable, healthy predator populations in the Greater Mara Ecosystem by providing scientific evidence for conservation action.
The Mara Predator Conservation Programme (MPCP) combines scientific research with community-led solutions to protect the Greater Mara Ecosystem’s predators while supporting the people who live alongside them.
MPCP’s research focuses on three key predator species. The reserve supports one of Kenya’s most stable lion populations, with over 450 resident lions in the protected areas. GPS collars allow the team to track their movements and identify potential conflict zones when prides move onto community land. Collared lions have included members of the Marsh Pride and the Topi Pride.
Cheetah numbers remain fragile, with fewer than 20 resident adults in the reserve. Habitat fragmentation, disturbance from tourism and competition with other predators all contribute. African wild dogs are making a tentative comeback after a local extinction in the 1990s, which calls for new ways to help them coexist with people.
MPCP supports measures that keep livestock safer, including recycled plastic pole bomas, chain-link fencing and predator-deterrent lights designed to prevent night-time attacks. It also trains herders in improved practices and supports a network of Lion Ambassadors, community members who monitor predator movements and alert the authorities to conflicts. The ambassadors also act as a rapid-response network against wildlife poisoning, which threatens all predators as well as vultures and other raptors.
Help protect the Mara’s lions, leopards and cheetahs by supporting the Mara Predator Conservation Programme. Find out how to give on our Donation Methods page.
Collaring Kito from the Marsh Pride
Tracking collared lions
Creating lion ID databases
Monitoring collared lion movements using GPS tracking technology
Kito
Sample collection
Data collection in the field
A livestock herders training session
Collaring Jua from the Topi pride
Governors’ Camp Collection is proud to be a long-term partner in this mission. Our financial contributions have facilitated the purchase of lion tracking collars, the installation of predator-proof bomas, and the salary of a Lion Ambassador. We also heavily invest in the future of conservation by sponsoring many of the herder training sessions and anti-poisoning campaigns.
Watch a video of a lion collaring event.
Guests at our camps can contribute directly to this research by sharing clear photographs of predators, which help the team build ID catalogues. For a deeper immersion, we can arrange a private presentation by an MPCP researcher followed by dinner at camp. This experience must be booked in advance and requires a minimum donation of USD 500, directly supporting their field operations. Alternatively you can make direct donations towards the following causes.
DONATION METHODS
