Background

Shivani Bhalla studied the lions of the Samburu region for her Master of Science degree in 2003.  Here, she provided the baseline information for lions within Samburu and Buffalo Springs National Reserves.  After running the STE Education programme for a number of years, she embarked on her PhD with the University of Oxford in 2007 where she is continuing with research on the lions of the Ewaso ecosystem. Shivani is working closely under STE Chairman, Professor Fritz Vollrath who is supervising her study.

Research

The focus of Shivani’s studies are the lions of the Ewaso ecosystem in Northern Kenya where she is comparing lion populations in the protected areas (Samburu, Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserves) to lions in the surrounding community conservancies.  Her research entails undertaking a lion census within the area, looking at movements of lions between the protected areas and surrounding landscape and investigating conflict between humans and lions.  The study also looks at the impact that lions have on the endangered Grevy’s zebra.  

Tracking

Shivani is part of STE’s JRS grant in tracking wildlife in the Ewaso landscape.  Four lion radio-collars are to be deployed within the area.  Lion movements will be known as a result of the data gathered from these collars.  This will greatly assist with landscape planning in the region and also help in knowing key wildlife areas and lion home ranges.

Contacts

For more information please see Shivani’s PhD website and blog:

Shivani Bhalla
Email: shivani@ewasolions.org
Website: www.ewasolions.org
Blog:  www.ewasolions.wildlifedirect.org