Discover, Plan & Go!

The 600-square-kilometer Taita/Rukinga Wildlife Conservancy is considered by many to offer the finest wilderness experience available in Kenya. Here you can see civets, aardwolves, and other species missed on most safaris. However, lions are difficult to locate here, and you'll search for them from vehicles in evening, late night, and early morning drives, taking a mid-day siesta like most of the local wildlife. When you find lions, you'll keep track of individuals and scan for prey or other lions. You'll also help photograph lion whisker patterns (for identification) and videotape and record behavior. While on patrol, you'll monitor the distribution and abundance of more than 100 species of other wildlife to help secure government protection for the Taita/Rukinga Wildlife Conservancy's unspoiled savannah woodland.

With Earthwatch teams, we are now investigating the behavior and ecology of lions in the dense woodlands that lie between the Tsavo National Parks. This work is part of a larger effort that also includes collaborators Roland Kays (New York State Museum), Tina Ramme (Harvard University) and Jean Dubach (Chicago Zoological Society). On a private conservancy, we study how social organization, food habits and daily and annual cycles of lions coincide with local climate and ecology. In the parks, our colleagues inventory lion populations, study variation in manes, social systems and pride compositions, and analyze their genetic and population structures. Recently, the geographic range of lions has shrunk dramatically due to conflicts with humans, but the Greater Tsavo Ecosystem in southeast Kenya still supports one of the largest and most secure lion populations in all of Africa. By following radio-collared individuals on private lands adjacent to the national parks, we can shed light on regional demographics and ecological roles, and on the significance of manelessness.

We use safari-style vehicles with roof hatches, enabling safe but unobstructed viewing of lions. Most of our time is spent searching for lions, because even lions fitted with radio-collars are difficult to locate in dense woodlands. While searching for tracks, eye shine, or radio contacts of lions, we survey and monitor populations of more than 100 other species of wildlife that inhabit these arid woodlands. The resulting biodiversity database is useful for ecological studies and in garnering additional protection and support for the conservancy. Volunteers will identify and census mammals and predatory birds, spot lions, determine their identifying characteristics, collect photos, recordings and biological samples, and contribute in other ways to this research project.

We have great accommodations in a private tented camp called “,” far from the nearest town or paved road. Our camp staff is extraordinarily skilled, helpful and experienced. Volunteers will find the meals simple but varied, healthful and delicious, especially for those who enjoy African and Asian spices. The rugged woodlands and wilderness experience is indescribable – this country is literally filled with marvelous animals whose diversity is positively beguiling.

As an Eons member, you'll get a free, 1 year membership to Earthwatch — a $35 value — when you sign up on any expedition. And members pay $100 less on their expedition contribution — so you save $135! Just put code EONS2007 in the comment field on the signup form, or, if you call, tell the Expedition Coordinator that you found us on Eons.

Earthwatch expedition-related costs may be tax-deductible in the US as volunteer expenses. Please check with your tax adviser.