LIONS
The White Lions have occurred naturally in one place only on earth: the Timbavati region in the heart of the Kruger to Canyon Biosphere (K2C). Despite being revered as a sacred heritage by the Tsonga and Sepedi people of this region and indigenous peoples around the globe, the unique White Lions are not protected by international law. Tragically, White Lions are kept in captivity by the tour
ism industry and bred to be killed by international trophy hunters. In the wild, commercial trophy hunting in this region destablizes the pride dynamics, and continual artificial removals from their natural system over decades has seriously damaged gene pool. For 6 years, the WLT has led an international genetic study, which in 2013 made the landmark discovery of the White Lion ‘Genetic Marker’. This rare gene is carried by certain of golden lions of the K2C. Our White Lion Protection Plan™ to ensure White Lion survival has included the reintroduction of three separate bloodlines of the highest genetic integrity into their endemic habitat. This strategy extends to strengthening the genetic pool for Panthera leo, in general, currently at serious risk of a population crash in the K2C. Despite ongoing forced removals from their natural system, White Lions continue to recur here – testifying to their resilience and conservation value against all odds. LAND
Since White Lions are still not protected by law, the WLT has had to purchase 4,400 acres of strategic White Lion ancestral heritage lands as a Protected Area at the epicentre of the K2C - along the vital river corridor. The White Lions’ ancestral lands, at the heart of this K2C biodiversity haven, faces inherent threats. Carved up by private landowners as well as rural communities for agricultural use, and other purposes destructive to its vital functioning as a healthy ecosystem, its water sources have been left largely unprotected both for animals and people. The strategy for protecting the White Lions as a ‘Capstone Species’ together with their ancestral lands, helps protect the critical biodiversity within this ecosystem. PEOPLE
For the past two decades, the WLT has implemented a multi-level socio-economic strategy to create a better future for all, by restoring the true relationship between human systems and eco-systems. The K2C is an international tourism hotspot, yet historically less than 1% of this income has reached the impoverished local communities. Many rural schools in the region face up to 60% orphan rate. Despite being declared one of South Africa’s poverty nodes, the rich indigenous cultures of the Tsonga and Sepedi people celebrate the White Lions as sacred heritage and have much to share by way of community spirit, ubuntu and appreciation for life. Our passionate commitment to save the White Lions has led to a cultural revival of these legendary animals as a proud, living heritage. The WLT’s stewardship program in 18 rural schools is engendering community pride and conservation values in tomorrow’s community leaders. Our annual White Lion Heritage Day festivals - presented to Nelson Mandela in 2007 – and other strategies which direct eco-cultural tourism; job creation; and art and craft development into this low-income area, support our community-based partnership with tribal/traditional communities neighbouring the White Lions ancestral homelands.
