Tuesday, Jan. 27
Laurence Frank

Ten years ago, lions were abundant in much of East Africa. You would hear them at night and find their tracks by day. Sadly, that simply isn't true anymore. Outside of the biggest parks and reserves, lions and the other great predators are disappearing rapidly, killed by humans for taking livestock. Because very few parks are large enough to effectively protect lions, we need to learn how to better prevent lions from killing livestock when they live in areas where humans and livestock predominate. Young Maasai warriors have always killed lions to prove their manhood. However, today there are very few lions, and far more young men. Living with Lions works with the warriors, turning lion killers into Lion Guardians who use their ancient knowledge and traditions to preserve wildlife and to help their communities benefit from conservation. Tracking lions gives scientists and Masai herders important information on their movement and behavior.

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Tuesday, Feb. 24
Greg Rasmussen

From nearly half a million animals a hundred years ago, the African painted dog population had dwindled to fewer than 3,000 today, with the animal having been completely wiped out in 25 of the 39 counties where it once resided. There are only four countries left in Africa recognized as having stronghold populations, making research on the species a priority. Greg Rasmussen has spent over 16 years raising awareness about this species and bringing it back from the brink of extinction. His Painted Pog Conservation Project has successfully reduced the mortality rate of the animals by teaching the local people about the true nature of the dogs and employing villagers to collect snares. Entirely funded by donations, the project educates children on the importance of protecting endangered species, supports artisans who make artwork from dismantled snares, and delivers basic computer education to local families and police.

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Tuesday, March 31
Kay Holekamp

The African hyena is one of the most misunderstood animals on earth. Seen as a thief and scavenger, recent research has shown the hyena to be a fascinating animal with a complex social and biological life.

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