Lion Conservation at Shamwari Game Reserve By Mark Bottell

Predators Under Threat

Former rulers of the land, African lions are now a dwindling population. With a decrease in numbers by as much as 70% over the last decade, this predator population is on a slippery slope towards eventual extinction. The total lion population for the entire African continent has dropped to 16,500 with the ever increasing human population resulting in fewer available habitat areas for big game, along with a decrease in animals for the lions to prey on.

Humans are also responsible for the number of lions lost as a result of trophy hunting. Each year, about 600 adult lions are legally killed by hunters, a figure demanding urgent attention. Lions now need conservation volunteers to steer some energy in their direction, as their position on the African continent becomes more fragile.

Shamwari's Conservation Efforts

Shamwari Game Reserve is situated just outside Port Elizabeth, in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. The reserve is fortunate enough to play host to all the members of the Big 5 - lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo. This is one of the few remaining places where the animals can be viewed in their natural environment. It's great for tourists too, because the area is malaria free, so conservation volunteers and holidaymakers can enjoy the environment in safety.

The lions live as they would in the wild, where they prey on smaller animals for food and have free run of the reserve. Part of the job of running the reserve is ensuring that these predators have enough game on which to feed, while still making it necessary for them to hunt for their food.

Shamwari Reserve is dedicated to wildlife conservation. The aim of the reserve's wildlife project is to manage, develop and rehabilitate the environment, creating a sustainable ecosystem in which both animal and plant life can flourish. To this end, the reserve has opened its doors to conservation volunteers, where you could spend some time working with the lions themselves.

Calling for Volunteers

A different way to spend a month or two off work is to travel to South Africa and work with lions. Shamwari Reserve allows volunteers to come and work with the rangers, ecologists, veterinarians and zoologists to help preserve the endangered wildlife. The conservation volunteers help with counting the game, maintaining the reserve, monitoring the animals and patrolling the fences. You really have the opportunity to get involved with the running of the reserve, and to make a difference in preservation of the environment, as well to experience these majestic creatures up close.

Conservation Across the Continent

With conservation volunteers working hard across Africa, many projects have been put into action already. The aim of conservationists is to cultivate lion populations in protected environments, and work towards preventing further damage caused by humans to the already depleted lion populations. From working with lions at the Shamwari Game Reserve, to helping to fund this wildlife conservation cause, plans need to be made to prevent the lion population from decreasing any further.

Mark Bottell is the General Manager for Worldwide Experience, an online tour operator offering extended breaks working with animals at Shamwari Game Reserve and other projects in and around South Africa including gap years for grown-ups.