Our Mission

The African Lion and Environmental Research Trust (ALERT) is dedicated to the facilitation and promotion of sound conservation and management plans of the African lion (Panthera leo).  In recognition of sharply declining lion numbers across the continent and with acknowledgement of the crucial role that lions play in the maintenance of diverse ecological systems and related income-generating ecotourism ventures, ALERT will:

• In consultation with governments and wildlife authorities, determine research needs for lions in protected areas across Africa. Research will include, but not be limited to, assessments of population numbers and trends, disease prevalence, reproductive parameters, and suitability of prey base.

• In further consultation with governments and wildlife authorities, determine which protected areas have been depopulated in terms of lion numbers in the past, assess the suitability of such areas for reintroduction programs, and enable reintroduction of lions with the best information and scientific expertise available.

• In conjunction with local communities and government agencies, assist in the identification of ecotourism ventures that will provide sustainable activities to benefit and promote community participation and economic empowerment, maintain biodiversity, and conserve land mentioned above.

• Disseminate results from the Trust's  programs to enable independent scientific assessment of progress and achievement.

• Make public the aims, intentions, progress, and financial needs of the Trust's programs, and to raise necessary funding to conduct programs relevant to local communities, local and national governments, and international conservation concerns.

• Conduct research to the highest scientific standards by collaboration and consultation with national and international centres of scientific expertise and excellence.

• Promote secondary and tertiary education opportunities for community members and national wildlife agency officers to ensure the longevity and continuity of programs, and to ensure the relevance of programs to local and national needs.

• Facilitate wildlife education programs at the primary school level in specific regions of activity to ensure relevance to future generations.

• Reserve the flexibility to engage in a diversity of research and conservation programs of other African predators, such as but not limited to African wild dog, jackal, hyena, caracal, serval, cheetah, leopard, etc.

• Reserve the flexibility to engage in research, conservation and education for any of Africa’s wildlife for the benefit of all Africa.