Who We Are...
The need to develop a significant presence on farmland and in wilderness areas to protect the lion, to assist with lion-farmer conflict situations, to mentor otherwise desperate farmers in predator-friendly farming practices and to educate the young, led to the birth of the the Afri-leo Foundation in 1997 on farm Kaross, bordering the southwestern Etosha National Park. A free-hold livestock farm since 1953, the Hoth-family business developed from sheep & cattle-farming, where tried-and-tested mitigation options reduced considerable predation, to a tourism venture & nature reserve.
For many years, similar aspirations and a family-bond, brought us into the AfriCat Foundation fold as AfriCat North, primarily the field-base for lion research, human-wildlife conflict mitigation and community support in the Kunene Region. Largely due to the changing face of wildlife conservation closely linked to human need increasing Operational & Project costs, a decision was made to re-brand and to begin a new chapter in Large Carnivore Conservation in the north-west, with emphasis on the Lion (Panthera leo).
2020, the start of a new decade, saw the launch of the Namibian Lion Trust (NLT), with its own charitable status and independent, enthusiastic Board of Trustees. The key purpose of its work : to increase the protection of lions and to guide local communities to live alongside carnivores, by growing the Lion Guard Programme into the ultimate collaboration with the Lion Ranger Programme, developing Early-Warning Systems for farmers in areas of conflict, livestock protection techniques, Research, Community enhancement and Education in Conservation & Agriculture.
The Namibian Lion Trust boldly set out with renewed energy and commitment, with our slogan FOR LIONS, FOR LIFE and FOR OUR FUTURE, dedicated to Panthera leo, for it is essential that AfriCat North’s work should persist…
Our Mission & Purpose
- The Namibian Lion Trust is committed to the long-term protection and conservation of the lion and other large carnivores that co-exist in the Namibian landscape.
- We promote co-existence between farming communities and conflict wildlife.
- We seek to find workable solutions to the present human-lion conflict without threatening the survival of the lion and other large carnivore species.
- We work tirelessly to make a significant difference to peoples’ lives, especially those who have to bear the cost of living with wildlife.
- We strive to inspire people, young and old, to respect and protect fauna and flora in their natural habitats. Ultimately, the Namibian Lion Trust strives for increased protection of the Namibian Lion.