The Lion Rangers Program is pleased to announce the promotion of Orupupa Lion Ranger Uakumba Kapiringi to the position of Western Rapid Response Leader. Uakumba joined the program in February 2024 and since then has distinguished himself as a hard worker committed to securing the future of lions on communal lands. With support from Namibia’s Game Products Trust Fund, the Lion Rangers were able to secure an additional Land Cruiser for Rapid Response work focused in Anabeb, Omatendeka, and Torra Conservancies. Natural Selection Travel is also supporting Uakumba’s field allowance for 2025. We are grateful to both organizations for ensuring the continued deployment and Rapid Response work of the Lion Rangers in this critical lion conservation landscape.

In addition to responding to lions in conflict areas, Uakumba and the new Rapid Response vehicle will assist with deployments near conflict hotspots and also aid in lion collaring and other research operations as needed.

This new Rapid Response vehicle is being deployed in direct partnership with Anabeb, Omatendeka, and Torra conservancies. Torra conservancy is serving as the institutional home for the vehicle and has been instrumental in getting it on the road. We particularly thank Torra Resource Monitor Emil Roman and Chairperson Bona Tjavera for spearheading this initiative and serving as communal conservation leaders.

Thanks also to Jason Nott and all the staff of the Conservation Travel Foundation for their work in outfitting the vehicle and supporting the program.