United Tansania e.V.

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rating

4.6

Perfect


10

Reviews


4

Years in business

Our Monitoring Program surveys the population of spotted and striped hyena at Lake Eyasi. Our aim is to establish a mitigation solution for Human-hyena conflict.

United Tansania e.V. was established in 2020 (originally under the name Endangered Species Conservation Foundation), which is now an international NGO, based in Berlin, Germany. The founder and Director is a veterinarian by profession, supported by a Field Research Assistant from UK, holding a ...

Review Description

United Tansania e.V. was established in 2020 (originally under the name Endangered Species Conservation Foundation), which is now an international NGO, based in Berlin, Germany. The founder and Director is a veterinarian by profession, supported by a Field Research Assistant from UK, holding a Masters in Endangered Species Recovery and Conservation, and 6 permanently employed locals including trekker and staff for the Hyena Bush Camp. That project base is located at Lake Eyasi in Ngorongoro Conservation Area, in the Northern part of Tanzania.


The first aim of this project seeks to mitigate the conflict between human and spotted hyena at Lake Eyasi. The project focuses on the determination of spotted hyena density and their geographical distribution.  Through this we can evaluate the density of hyena species, their distributions and clan-sizes via our monitoring program, which will enable us to determine the overlap of areas used by both human and hyena in which we expect to find conflict hotspots. For these hotspots we will implement a conflict solution in collaboration with the concerned communities. Furthermore, we are able to observe the impact of hyena on human livelihood and the effects of retaliations.

 

We use multiple techniques to monitor our hyenas at Lake Eyasi. We place camera traps at active communal den sites to observe each of our clans. Each hyena also has their own unique spot pattern and we use this method to identify individuals. In addition to camera traps at den sites, we also use camera traps throughout the study area. Through the use of individual ID, we can see when these hyenas are captured on these additional camera traps in order to identify distribution and home ranges, a method known as capture-recapture. In addition, track and camera trap surveys allow us to identify the presence of prey species and other carnivores throughout our study area. With the use of a GPS to record tracks, all this data can be transferred on to mapping system GIS for us to display different species habitat use. We are then also able to look at community settlement to determine the overlap between humans and hyenas.

 

The second aim is to carry out a feasibility study on striped hyena. Since this species is near threatened according to IUCN categories and rare to spot, there are just a few reports and sightings confirm that there is a small population of striped hyena around Lake Eyasi. By exploration of the area and further interviews we discovered 2 potential areas occupied by the species so far. Household interviews and public notification to inform the people of Lake Eyasi about our aim and objectives give us advice as where to intensify our transect surveys.


Our OBJECTIVES are:

  • Hyena population density and geographical distribution
  • Clan sizes and their geographical distribution
  • Photo-ID of individuals
  • Home range of individuals (Capture-Recapture Method)
  • Evaluation of sightings
  • Attack incidence investigation
  • Building an emergency response
  • Determination of conflict hotspots
  • Implementation of mitigation solution for Huma-Hyena-Conflict in collaboration with concerned communities
  • Feasibility study to establish a program on striped hyena
  • Workshops on awareness and educational training for schools and concerned communities

Currently we’re working on the implementation of a rabies eradication program for Lake Eyasi`s dog population. Rabies is the main risks for hyena through contract from dogs. This would also be a huge benefit for people. In the few cases where hyenas attack people, there is a risk that this is due to rabies and post exposure rabies vaccination are not available in Tanzania. 


Contact Person

Judith Lazak

  Excellent response rate

United Tansania e.V. reviews

Drew Blair rating5.0

2023 at Hyena Conservation Assistant

Had a great time volunteering! I learned how to identify different tracks and how to use camera traps. I also got the chance to explore more of the area including picnics at the lake and visits to the local hot springs. I even got the chance to go on Safari which was amazing, we saw so much! It's a ...
Chirag Patel rating5.0

2023 at Hyena Conservation Assistant

This location is a paradise for a scientist and a magnet to all other adventure seekers. You practically are surrounded by abundant wildlife, yes it does include the local villages but also surrounded by the lush wilderness. The experience is unique as you will be exposed to the local way of ...
Dorothee Ulrichs rating5.0

2023 at Hyena Conservation Assistant

I learnt a lot during my stay. I was part of the camp and helped out on all levels . People and in particular Judith were very warm and helped me with all matters of needed as well as let me have responsibilities. ..
Lauren Stokes rating5.0

2023 at Hyena Conservation Assistant

This isn’t like a “game drive” project, where you are in a reserve and not really contributing much, here you see a different side to African conservation, outside of the protected areas and national parks. Everyone works hard to find the den, collect data and work for mitigation with the ...
Hans-Joachim Kehlert rating5.0

2023 at Hyena Conservation Assistant

I would really recommend this Projekt!You really feel Like your contributing surveys and going though the camera Trap Images!The staff are really passionate about their Work!Also Had the opportunity to See local culture with the Hadzabe tribes,See mo at Serengeti re of Lake Eyasi and go on Safari ...
Nishantika Kundu rating4.6

2023 at Hyena Conservation Assistant

Working with United Tansania became a turning point in my life. I, who always loved animals, even the most dangerous ones seemed lovable to me; always wanted a chance to work or write about them. Coming across United Tansania helped me achieve that wish. While working with them, I unlearnt a great ...

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UN Sustainable Development Goals

  • Life On Land