The secretary bird's name is derived from the Arabic phrase "saqr-et-tair," meaning hunter bird.

Bernard Kissui, PhD
Lion Research Scientist
Maasai Steppe Heartland, Tanzania

 

Bio Photo

Bernard Kissui leads AWF’s Lion Conservation Science Project in the Maasai Steppe Heartland.

Kissui tracks the lions who live in, near, and around Tarangire National Park as they roam the sprawling savannahs of Tanzania. His mission is to reduce human-lion conflict by better understanding lion's demography, population dynamics and movement patterns. Ultimately, the data he collects will aid conservation and increase lion numbers to ensure their long-term survival.

Kissui is a recipient of the AWF Charlotte Conservation Fellowship and earned his Ph.D. in Ecology, Evolution and Behavior at the University of Minnesota, USA. Before beginning his Ph.D., Kissui worked as a Field Research Assistant with the Serengeti Lion Project between 1998 and 2000, working in both Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Equipped with his Ph.D., his truck, field equipment and his determined assistants, Kissui plans to bring lions back roaring into the Maasai Steppe.

> Read more about Kissui's work with lions.

> Learn about AWF's lion conservation in other parts of Africa.