Location

Come discover where we work & why these regions matter.

Uganda

The Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth Conservation Area

The Ishasha sector, part of the Greater Virunga Landscape, is one of the most biodiverse areas on earth.

Located in southern Queen Elizabeth National Park, it features rich ecosystems, from savannas to tropical forests, and is famous for its tree-climbing lions and large elephant herds.

Despite its beauty, Ishasha faces serious threats from poaching and human-wildlife conflict, putting its iconic wildlife at risk.

Ecological Variety

The area encompasses a mix of savanna grasslands, acacia savanna, wetlands, and tropical high forests, supporting a wide range of plant and animal life.

Human & Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC)

Ongoing conflict between local communities and between local communities and wildlife poses a major challenge to conservation, threatening both animal populations and community livelihoods. An example of HWC is wildlife eating the food reserves.

Global Biodiversity Significance

As part of the Greater Virunga Landscape, which is one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet, it is crucial for global conservation efforts.

Threat

Tree-climbing lions and other animals have been steadily declining for over 30 years, primarily due to snaring and poisoning.

South Sudan

Kidepo Game Reserve

Established in 1975, Kidepo Game Reserve spans 2,800 km² of diverse, scenic landscapes in South Sudan.

Bordering Uganda’s Kidepo National Park, it forms part of a vital transboundary ecosystem in Eastern Africa.

Despite current challenges, this semi-arid reserve remains a key refuge for rare and endangered species and supports local agro-pastoralist communities.

Transboundary Conservation Importance

Part of a larger transboundary ecosystem with Uganda’s Kidepo National Park, forming a significant protected area in Eastern Africa vital for regional biodiversity connectivity.

Cultural and Livelihood Importance

The reserve is inhabited and used by several agro-pastoralist ethnic groups, each with distinct cultures and traditions. The land is a key resource for grazing and sustains their way of life.

A Historic Role
as Sanctuary

Once a key refuge for endangered species, Kidepo can regain its role as a sanctuary for Eastern Africa’s threatened wildlife with proper protection.

Threats

Snaring and seasonal lack of water lead to a significant decline in animals, making conservation efforts critical.

Presence of Migratory Wildlife

Lantoto, located at the intersection of the Sudanian-Guinean Savanna and the Congolian Forest, is ecologically significant for both savanna and forest species. Sharing a 98 km border with the Garamba Complex, it plays a crucial role in enabling cross-border wildlife movement, especially for elephants and large mammals.

Community and Cultural Landscape

Bordered by six villages and four ethnic groups; the Baka, Avokaya, Mondo, and Adio. Lantoto’s future relies on balancing conservation with community livelihoods and traditions.

Global Biodiversity Significance

Given the park’s transboundary ecosystem with Garamba, it increases the overall value of biodiversity protection for the landscape as a whole.

Intact Natural Habitat

Aerial surveys show that Lantoto remains a largely pristine forest-savanna landscape with minimal human impact.

Lantoto National Park

Established in 1986, Lantoto National Park spans 1,547 km² along the border with the Garamba Complex, offering a largely untouched landscape of forested savanna.

Despite past and ongoing threats like poaching, the park remains ecologically valuable due to its location between two major African bioregions. Lantoto has historically supported a wide range of wildlife, including elephants, large carnivores, primates, and rare antelope species.

Though not yet officially gazetted by the Republic of South Sudan, plans are in place to formalize its status and secure its future.