Bernard Kissui

Lion Research Scientist
Maasai Steppe Heartland, Tanzania

 

Hot days under the Serengeti sun are a far cry from the freezing winds and snowstorms of the American Midwest. But for Bernard these two seemingly different worlds are closely tied. Bernard is AWF’s Lion Researcher in the Maasai Steppe Heartland and is also pursuing a degree at the University of Minnesota.

Bernard tracks the lions who live in, near, and around Tarangire National Park as they roam the scorched and dusty savannahs of Tanzania. His mission is to better understand their demography, population dynamics, and movement patterns. Ultimately, the data he collects will aid conservation and increase lion numbers to ensure their long-term survival.

Bernard’s research will also be valuable in establishing sustainable quotas for hunting lions in Tanzania; an area current concern. More information on population size and structure will provide vital scientific data for allocation of quotas.

Bernard is a recipient of a Charlotte Conservation Fellowship and is currently earning his Ph.D. in Ecology, Evolution and Behavior at the University of Minnesota, USA. Before beginning his Ph.D., Bernard worked as a Field Research Assistant with the Serengeti Lion Project between 1998 and 2000, working in both Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Equipped with his Ph.D., his truck, field equipment, and his determined assistants, Bernard plans to bring lions back roaring into the Maasai Steppe.

Read more about Bernard’s work with lions.

Learn about AWF's lion conservation in other parts of Africa.