Q&A with Nelson Kibet
We chat to a recent Masters graduate from the University of Nairobi, Kenya to discover how academic research can have a tangible conservation benefit, benefitting lions and local people.
A wild lion in Amboseli National Park (c) Peter Ndung’u
At the end of last year, Nelson Kibet completed a Masters research project, with co-supervision from Born Free’s Dr David Manoa, Head of Kenya Conservation.
Nelson’s research project investigated how land use change has affected African lion populations in the Amboseli ecosystem, Kenya. As the first Masters student supervised by Born Free Kenya to have completed his study, including support from Linda Kimotho (GIS & Data Officer) and Stephen Melubo (Pride of Amboseli Monitoring & Evaluating Officer), we are proud to share more about Nelson’s important research.
Nelson Kibet
Thank you for taking the time to talk to us Nelson. Firstly, can you tell us about your research project?
My study focused on the effects of land use change on African lions in Eselenkei Group Ranch, located within the Amboseli ecosystem, Kenya. The Eselenkei Group Ranch has undergone significant land degradation due to expanding human settlement, crop farming, and livestock overgrazing, which negatively impacted lion population dynamics.
These changes have affected lion migratory corridors, increased human-lion conflicts, reduced land carrying capacity (the maximum population that a given area can sustain) for prey species and led to habitat fragmentation and loss. By interviewing 119 people living in Eselenkei Group Ranch, I aimed to assess land use changes in Eselenkei Group Ranch between 2003 and 2023 and how land use impacts lion populations and their management.
What did you find out from your research?
My study revealed that there were significant associations between increased human settlements, cropland expansion and grazing area increases with declining lion sightings. Put simply, these results indicated that land use changes have directly impacted the population of lions and their movement in this area.
How does land use relate to lion conservation?
Unfortunately, increasing human activities such as farming, settlement expansion, and livestock grazing have diminished the available space and resources for lions meaning that their population are being negatively affected.
For example, in Tulakaria-Osewan and Marite-Oseki Wildlife Dispersal Areas, land subdivision and fencing has blocked traditional lion movement corridors, making it harder for lions to move freely in search of prey and mates. Similarly, in Selenkei Conservancy, the expansion of grazing areas and crop farming has further degraded lion habitats, pushing them closer to human settlements. This has led to more cases of lions attacking livestock which results in retaliatory killings by herders.
To protect the lion population, I recommend that fencing should be discouraged in these dispersal areas and corridors should be protected as well as activities taking place to promote coexistence between wildlife and local communities.
Why was this study important?
For local communities, the study was important because many people in Eselenkei depend on livestock as their main source of livelihood. As land use changes, conflicts between people and lions increases especially when lions attack livestock. Understanding these conflicts can help find better ways to reduce human-lion interactions and protect people’s livelihoods.
By involving the community, this study encouraged peaceful coexistence between humans and wildlife. For wildlife, especially lions, the study indicated the challenges they face due to habitat loss and fragmentation. As a result of my findings, I recommended conservation practices such as better land use planning and creating safe lion dispersal areas.
Why were you interested in this project?
I am passionate about wildlife conservation and I am concerned about the growing threats to African lion populations due to habitat loss and human activities. Lions are important species in the ecosystem and their decline can lead to imbalances in nature. Eselenkei Group Ranch, as a part of the Amboseli ecosystem, is an important wildlife habitat and also an important area for the local communities. By studying how human activities impact lion movement, prey distribution and survival, I hoped that my research could contribute important information that could help protect them.
Did you face any challenges?
As with any fieldwork, we experienced many challenges but luckily none of these made the research impossible!
The El Nino rains that swept across Kenya between mid-October 2023 and January 2024 made data collection difficult as roads became impassable. The rain was relentless and one night, on a motorbike, we were involved in an accident caused by slippery roads and poor visibility. Fortunately, we only sustained minor injuries and this didn’t stop us from collecting more data the next day!
In some market centres, my research assistants and I faced resistance from some respondents who felt uncomfortable taking the survey. Many were hesitant to provide information at first, but we gained their trust and soon were able to talk freely with them.
What was one lesson you learnt?
While many people acknowledged land use changes that were negatively impacting lions, they placed a higher priority on financial compensation for human-wildlife conflict rather than trying to enhance conservation management strategies to boost the lion population. The economic challenges faced by local communities are acute and they influence their conservation attitudes.
And something you learned personally?
While in Lenkisem, conducting household surveys with my research assistants, and as we moved from one household to another, we came across a homestead with a long spear planted firmly in the ground near the entrance. Curious, I asked my research assistant about its significance.
He explained that in Maa culture, when the head of a household is away for a long period, a spear is placed at the entrance to signify his absence. During this time, any man of a similar age takes over the responsibility of caring for the family until he returns. In this case, the head of the household was in Chyulu Hills looking after livestock until the rainy season came.
I found this so surprising because, in my culture, no other man is allowed to oversee or take care of someone else’s family in their absence. The cultural difference was interesting to learn about and it made me appreciate the cultural diversities and traditions among different communities in my country. This experience gave me a deeper understanding of the local customs and made my fieldwork memorable.
Congratulations again on completing your Masters and doing such an interesting project. What are your plans for the future?
I am eager to use my expertise in research to support conservation programs and make a meaningful impact in the field of conservation and natural resource management. My research strengthened my passion for conservation work and wildlife management, and I am even more committed to ensuring that wildlife and communities coexist harmoniously.
One of the organisations I admire is Born Free, which also supported my conservation research project. Your support helped me gain important knowledge and experience in wildlife conservation.
Thank you again to Nelson for taking the time to talk to us and tell us more about his Masters research. We are proud that the Born Free team is able to support students such as Nelson and contribute to important research. We look forward to hearing what the future holds for Nelson!
Want to know more about what Born Free are doing to protect lions in Amboseli? Our Pride of Amboseli team have been working since 2010 to protect livestock and engage with communities to reduce retaliatory lion killings and promote coexistence between people and wildlife.