Kope Lion

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KopeLion Inc. (short for Korongoro People’s Lion Initiative) is a non-profit NGO registered in USA and in Tanzania. (www.lionguardians.org).

Our mission is to foster human-lion coexistence through participatory research and sustainable community-based conservation. THE CHALLENGE AND THE OPPORTUNITY

- Lion numbers are declining rapidly across the globe, mainly due to loss of habitat. Where lions still co-exist with people, their main threat is direct killings

- Ngorongoro Conservation Area is the focus of this initiative and a UNESCO world heritage site. It is a state-run multiple-use protected area where traditional pastoralist populations share the land with relatively abundant wildlife. The area’s rapid human population growth and expansion has intensified human-wildlife conflicts, which particularly affect lions. Currently lions are very few, and have disappeared from much of Ngorongoro’s community areas.

- Access to detailed monitoring data of local lion populations and their pedigrees for the past 50 years by the Serengeti Lion Project (www.lionresearch.org) gives us a unique opportunity to measure the direct impact and successes of our efforts on the vitality of the lion population.

- Since 2011 our focus has gone beyond lion research and expanded to community conservation as we believe local engagement is paramount to the continued existence of lions in this landscape. We now have positive collaboration with local communities that have embraced our efforts, becoming the foremost ambassadors for lions.

- Lions are indicators of overall ecosystem health. Our success in protecting them here offers an example of best management practice to prevent extinction of this imperilled species. HOW WE DO IT

In 2011 we established a full-time, on-site presence in Ngorongoro. Our work expands and builds upon a unique, long-term dataset including family histories and lion population genetics reaching back to 1962. Moving beyond ecological research into conservation activities incorporating communities was inspired by the successful model of Lion Guardians Ltd. Now our work includes:

- Community engagement (hiring local staff; embracing traditional practices; community outreach)

- Knowledge exchange (synergy between scientific and local ecological knowledge)

- Holistic exploration of human-lion interaction patterns

- Conflict mitigation and prevention of lion killings

- Field data collection on activity and ranging patterns of the Ngorongoro lion population (100-130 individuals)

- Mobilization of this knowledge (peer reviewed publications; in-country reports; live public presentations)

10/05/2026

Why do lions matter?

Lions are more than a symbol of the African wilderness. They are part of the landscape, culture and livelihoods of people living alongside wildlife.

As apex predators, lions help keep nature in balance by regulating wildlife populations. In the Ngorongoro landscape, they are also part of local heritage, with generations of communities growing up with lions as part of their traditions and connection to nature.

Lions also support tourism, creating jobs and opportunities for communities around wildlife areas.

Protecting lions means protecting more than a species. It means protecting nature, heritage and opportunities for people.

09/28/2026

You have seen our logo. But what does it mean?

A logo can be more than a symbol. It can tell a story.

For KopeLion, the logo brings together people, livestock and lions, three important parts of the landscape where we work.

The Pastoralist figure reflects the (Maasai & Datoga) people who live in and shape the Ngorongoro landscape. Livestock represent pastoralist livelihoods, while the Lion reflects the wildlife with which communities share this landscape and the Grass represents the landscape/rangeland that supports these interconnected lives.

Together, they remind us that coexistence is about finding ways for people and wildlife to share the landscape.

People. Livestock. Lions. One shared landscape.
That is KopeLion.

What does the KopeLion logo mean to you?

09/25/2026

Two days in Karatu. Many questions, experiences and ideas shared.

On 21–22 September, KopeLion brought Ilchokuti coordinators and data collectors together for a practical training focused on leadership, coordination, accountability, data quality, EarthRanger and photography.

The training was not only about presentations. Participants shared what they are experiencing in the field, discussed challenges, asked questions and helped shape conversations around the work of KopeLion.

This matters because the people working closest to communities and wildlife carry valuable knowledge from the field. Listening to that experience helps us understand what is working, where gaps remain and where we need to improve.

The two days ended with practical actions for the teams to take forward.

Learning together. Listening better. Strengthening the work.

09/21/2026

A buffalo carcass brought several lions together in the Ngorongoro Crater last week.

During a field monitoring visit, our Assistant Field Researcher, Mr Ndolok recorded 23 lions from different groups, including Munge Edge, Nomad, Resident Males and Lake Nne.

The Munge Edge group was feeding on the buffalo carcass, while the team also observed two identified lions, LKA 5 and MGE 9, mating. Adults, juveniles and cubs were also recorded.

For our team, these are more than sightings. Each observation adds to a long-term record that helps us understand individual lions, their groups and how their behaviour changes over time.

Another week in the field. Another piece of evidence helping us understand Ngorongoro’s lions.

09/18/2026

What does KopeLion mean to the people and lions of Ngorongoro?

In Ngorongoro, people, livestock and wildlife share the same landscape. Living together is part of everyday life, but it can also bring difficult moments, especially when livestock are lost to lions.

KopeLion works with communities to help reduce these conflicts, protect livestock, support livelihoods and strengthen coexistence between people and lions.

Our work brings together local knowledge, science, practical conservation and partnerships because lasting coexistence cannot be achieved by one organisation alone.

At the heart of this work are the people who live in this landscape and help shape its future.

This is KopeLion.

What does KopeLion mean to you?

09/03/2026

WE ARE HIRING!

Field Research Assistant

KopeLion is looking for a dedicated Field Research Assistant to join our team in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

What you’ll do
• Monitor and track lions
• Collect and manage wildlife and conflict data
• Support human-wildlife coexistence work
• Work with field teams, researchers and local communities

We’re looking for
• 5+ years’ experience in wildlife research, monitoring or conservation
• Strong 4×4 off-road driving experience
• Good English & Swahili
• Basic GIS and computer skills
• Comfortable working independently in remote field conditions

Tanzanian Nationals Only

📍 Ngorongoro Conservation Area
📅 2-year full-time contract
⏰ Applications close: 17 September 2026

Scan the QR code or visit kopelion.org for the full advert and application details.

08/31/2026

Learning together. Communicating conservation better.

KopeLion recently joined conservation organisations from across Tanzania in Dodoma for four days of learning, sharing and connecting, hosted by Maliasili.

Colleagues from Programme, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL), and Communications and Fundraising took part, exploring how we can better communicate the impact of conservation work.

For Angella, the Impact Report session was “an eye-opener.” Lilian came away with new ideas around storytelling, Canva and branding, while Stephano focused on communicating impact, taking photographs that tell a story and using the KopeLion brand consistently.

The conversations also explored how AI can support our work when used responsibly.

Our biggest takeaway was simple: good conservation communication is everyone’s responsibility. The people doing the work, capturing the evidence and telling the story all have an important part to play.

24th - 27th August | Dodoma

08/27/2026

In Ndepes, 20 Nyangulo and elders came together to talk about lions, livestock and how their community can live alongside wildlife. People openly shared their views on our work and the challenges they face in protecting livestock while keeping lions safe.

The elders and warriors talked about traditional youth ceremonial hunting, how life is changing, and the importance of creating useful opportunities for young warriors while finding ways to protect livestock without killing lions or other predators. The issue of lion poisoning was also raised as a concern, with the leaders calling for action to stop it.

The work of our Ilchokuti (lion protectors) was recognised by the elders, especially during times of high conflict.

The leaders asked our organisation to bring the conversation to a larger community meeting so more people can be part of it.

08/18/2026

We’re hiring: Programme Manager

KopeLion is looking for an experienced Programme Manager to join our team.

The Programme Manager will provide day to day leadership and coordination of KopeLion’s programmes, helping translate organisational strategy into effective programme delivery across the Ngorongoro communities.

The role will work closely with KopeLion’s teams, communities, government authorities, conservation partners, tourism operators and donors. It includes programme planning, field operations, team leadership, budget coordination, donor reporting, partnership coordination and supporting fundraising and proposal development.

We’re looking for someone with:

• 5–8 years of relevant programme or project management experience
• Experience in conservation, natural resource management or community development
• Strong experience managing complex stakeholder relationships
• Experience leading and supervising teams in a field based or remote environment
• Experience with programme budgets, donor reporting and monitoring and evaluation
• A relevant Bachelor’s degree
• A valid driving licence and willingness to be based in the field, with frequent travel across programme areas

Experience working with NGOs, donor funded programmes or community based conservation initiatives in East Africa is preferred.

This is a full time, field based position.

Applications close 5 September 2026.

Full job description and application form:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeKtJf9gKH6IrO9Emm3hkIVAG-R6BWfjUqbTb-6b-YxI_xbBA/viewform

08/15/2026

When the dry season sets in, the landscape changes.

Water and grazing become harder to find, and livestock and wildlife are often sharing the same areas. For lions, this can mean changes in where they move and where they spend their time.

It is also an important time for the KopeLion field team to be out in the landscape, monitoring lions and keeping track of what is happening on the ground.

Days in the field can be long and often involve plenty of waiting, watching and driving. It might not look like much from the outside, but knowing where lions are and how they are moving helps the team work with communities to reduce conflict and support coexistence.

📷: Ndolok Kilitya

Address

New York, NY

Website

http://www.kopelion.org/

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