Protect Kruger's Lions from Being Poached

(Reporting Period: Mid–2025)

Rising Threats, Renewed Resolve

The winter months brought renewed challenges across the Greater Kruger landscape. As temperatures dropped, poaching activity rose sharply - a pattern our teams have sadly come to expect. Between June and July, the region experienced a hike in snaring and lion poaching incidents, resulting in the loss of several collared lions under monitoring. Each loss is deeply felt, not only as part of our conservation mission but as a blow to the fragile balance of the wild spaces we protect.

Despite these challenges, the rangers in the field have worked tirelessly, covering vast terrain daily, often in difficult and dangerous conditions. Their vigilance and commitment have been instrumental in deterring poachers and removing active snares before more wildlife is harmed. Increased ranger patrols and stronger coordination with partner reserves have led to multiple early interventions and de-snaring operations that saved animals from fatal injuries.

In response to the mid-year spike in poaching, we launched a GlobalGiving appeal to fund aerial patrols. The addition of regular flight support has proven invaluable, providing real-time surveillance, identifying illegal incursions, and guiding ground teams more effectively. Each hour in the air extends our reach and strengthens our response, allowing us to cover areas otherwise inaccessible on foot.

Our collaboration with the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) continues to be a cornerstone of this campaign. Their predator monitoring and field response teams remain unwavering in their commitment: focused, vigilant, and proactive. Together, we’ve strengthened intelligence sharing, increased night patrol coverage, and supported emergency response operations across critical zones.

While we mourn the lions we’ve lost, their stories are not in vain. Data from their collars continues to inform anti-poaching strategies, movement mapping, and vulnerability assessments that help us better predict and prevent future incidents. Each collar, flight hour, and snare removal is a direct line of defense made possible through your support.

Thanks to your generosity, we remain resilient in the face of escalating threats. Your contributions fund the rangers’ patrol boots, the fuel for their vehicles, and the technology that keeps watch when we cannot. Every donation is a powerful act of protection, keeping Africa’s lions and their wild home safe.

“Every snare removed, every lion saved, every flight launched - that’s your impact in action.”

Over the past quarter, approximately 478 snares were removed in the Greater Kruger landscape alone. Sadly, snaring claimed the lives of 15 buffalo, 5 zebra, 1 elephant, 1 spotted hyena, and 1 black-backed jackal in a period of 2 months alone. However, one buffalo cow was successfully de-snared thanks to swift action by field teams, a Wildscapes vet, and the Hope for Wildlife helicopter pilot — a reminder that quick collaboration can save lives.

A spotted hyena was re-collared after its GPS unit failed, and although a second attempt was unsuccessful, this individual’s movements helped locate two snared buffalo on a neighboring reserve.

Three lions (two females and one male) were collared as part of a broader conservation effort led by the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), helping monitor a pride of 12 lions. Five additional lionesses with cubs were also collared to improve understanding of movement patterns and threats.

Poaching remains a major threat during the winter season. In late June, a male and female lion were tragically butchered, though one suspect is now in custody. Ranger presence across the reserve has been strengthened, increasing visibility and rapid response capacity.

A devastating poisoning incident occurred near Letaba Ranch in Kruger National Park, where a poached elephant carcass was deliberately laced with poison. This led to the death of 118 vultures. Thanks to a fast and coordinated emergency response, 84 vultures were saved. Four GPS-tagged vultures played a critical role in leading conservation teams to the scene.

Looking Ahead with Hope

Amid these challenges, your continued support makes all the difference. Every snare removed, every animal saved, and every collar deployed brings us one step closer to a safer future for Africa’s iconic wildlife.

Thank you for standing with us. With your help, we can continue to protect the wild — one life, one landscape at a time.

Links:

• https://kevinrichardsonfoundation.org/