The Jao Concession (NG25) is home to some impressively large herds of red lechwe antelope and the subsequent lion prides that specialise in preying on them. This former hunting area is now strictly photographic safari country and the successful camps of Jao, Kwetsani, Jacana and Tubu Tree are situated within its large boundaries.
As part of the research, every lion sighting is logged and the pride histories detailed. Not only does this information provide a fascinating learning experience for visitors of the camps in the concession, it also serves as a source of reference. We have documented some unusual behaviour over the years, and some intriguing developments amongst the lion prides. There have been an unusually high number of male lions active in the area and we have also observed several cases of intruding males killing pride cubs (known as infanticide). Instances of female lion dispersal and several territorial fights between rival males have also been observed.
Well-known lion biologist, Dr Pieter Kat, has spent time in the Jao Concession, both offering advice and also making use of our information. He heads up a long-running lion research project in the south of the Delta and is the author of the book "Prides, Lions of the Moremi." Dr Kat also advises the Botswana Government on matters pertaining to the conservation of lions. He has gathered some useful data from our project to support his ongoing efforts to maintain and extend the ban on lion hunting in Botswana.
In 2003 we brought to the attention of the government the seriousness of a conflict zone between lions and stock farmers near the western boundary of our reserve and the adjacent community area. We are also actively lobbying for the replacement of the old "Buffalo fence" with an electrified predator-proof fence. We believe an electrified fence will dramatically reduce predation by lions on livestock around the edges of the Delta.
To date the work behind the Jao lion project has been funded by the concession holders, David and Cathy Kays.
As part of the research, every lion sighting is logged and the pride histories detailed. Not only does this information provide a fascinating learning experience for visitors of the camps in the concession, it also serves as a source of reference. We have documented some unusual behaviour over the years, and some intriguing developments amongst the lion prides. There have been an unusually high number of male lions active in the area and we have also observed several cases of intruding males killing pride cubs (known as infanticide). Instances of female lion dispersal and several territorial fights between rival males have also been observed.
Well-known lion biologist, Dr Pieter Kat, has spent time in the Jao Concession, both offering advice and also making use of our information. He heads up a long-running lion research project in the south of the Delta and is the author of the book "Prides, Lions of the Moremi." Dr Kat also advises the Botswana Government on matters pertaining to the conservation of lions. He has gathered some useful data from our project to support his ongoing efforts to maintain and extend the ban on lion hunting in Botswana.
In 2003 we brought to the attention of the government the seriousness of a conflict zone between lions and stock farmers near the western boundary of our reserve and the adjacent community area. We are also actively lobbying for the replacement of the old "Buffalo fence" with an electrified predator-proof fence. We believe an electrified fence will dramatically reduce predation by lions on livestock around the edges of the Delta.
To date the work behind the Jao lion project has been funded by the concession holders, David and Cathy Kays.
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