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Halting Pesticide Usage

Photograph courtesy Paula Kahumbu, Wildlife Direct

Halting Pesticide Usage

Grantee: Paula G. Kahumbu, Ph.D.

About the Project

Kenya's lions are on the verge of local extinction due to deliberate poisoning with pesticides by local communities. It is estimated that over 60 lions died in 2009 and by April 2010, it was reported that 20 lions died due to pesticides. This project, run by Big Cats grantee Paula Kahumbu, Ph.D., aims to address the reason for the lion killings, as well as the use of pesticides. Kahumbu will be investigating the use of carbofuran by gathering evidence from pastoralists, conservationists and farmers in and around protected areas. She also will establish and manage a wildlife poisoning database by conducting toxicological tests on samples of poisoned predator carcasses. These results will be shared with authorities as well as relevant pharmaceutical companies. Kahumbu also plans on taking an active role in pesticide policy issues with the goal of halting the use of carbamate and carbofuran pesticides in Kenya.

Public Awareness

The project will also create public awareness about the impacts of pesticides on Kenya's big cats. Politicians, farmers, consumers, the general public, tourism industry and communities will be informed about the dangers of the pesticide. The team will partner with experts in the field and abroad to develop local farmers and pastoralist capacity to mitigate wildlife predation.

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