Dr. Florian Weise assisting with the Hyena Distribution Map!

The World Conservation Union's (IUCN) Hyaena Specialist Group is bringing together all of the known data on the four hyena species in Africa and Asia. This is a monumental effort since the distribution of hyenas has not been assessed in decades and requires the participation of experts from dozens of countries to contribute and dedicated researchers to format, analyze and project this data onto maps.  Dr. Florian Weise is helping to lead the effort after his exceptional work on the cheetah distribution study from 2017. For info on how to add your data, click HERE

The spotted hyena is the most famous of the family, they are featured in documentaries and feature (rather unfairly) in Disney's The Lion King. Though they are considered ruthless scavengers by the public, they are actually very successful hunters and form female dominated societies. The brown hyenas are dark in coloration with long stringy fur living in the driest areas of southern Africa. They are more timid and generally scavenge. Striped hyenas are golden brown with dark striped across their backs. They live from northern Kenya to the western regions of India. The last species of hyena is called the aardwolf. Aardwolves are small when compared with their larger cousins and feed on insects.

Striped Hyena at Safari West, Santa Rosa, CA

Brown Hyena photographed on the farmlands of Namibia

CLAWS Founder on "Be Provided" Pod Cast

Dr. Stein taking measurements of "Wetu" the Lioness with Pro Tomeletso. Photo credit: Krystal Wu

Dr. Andrew Stein was interviewed by Marcia Sivek during a recent session of her podcast "Be Provided". Marcia described the podcast as a way of getting people interested in conservation and learning about the many ways to get involved.  Click on the LINK to hear our conversation.

CLAWS Conservancy presents - "Vanishing Kings: Lions of the Namib"

Academy of Music | 274 Main St, Northampton, MA 01060
May 18, 2018 | 7:30 pm- 9:30 pm

Please join us for the FREE screening with donations accepted for CLAWS Conservancy. “Vanishing Kings: Desert Lions of the Namib” is a visually stunning film depicting a lion population on the edge.  This small population has ventured into the oldest desert on the planet and managed to survive- for now. Learn how these desert-adapted lions make a living and the challenges they face.

Immediately following the screening, learn about conservation efforts to protect lions in Northern Botswana by National Geographic Explorer Dr. Andrew Stein. Dr. Stein is the founder of the CLAWS Conservancy, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to human-wildlife coexistence and Associate Professor at Landmark College in Putney, VT. He has been working with communities across Africa to promote coexistence with large predators over the past 17 years. He will share his current work and answer questions about the state of big cat conservation in Africa.

If you have a passion for wildlife, especially big cats, you will absolutely love this event. 

Although admission is free, this is a limited ticketed event so be sure to reserve your spot. Donations to be used for the conservation of lions will be accepted at the event.

** This movie night is family friendly, though we recommend ages 13+ as some scenes may be too graphic or unsuitable for small children. (i.e. Animal hunting scenes) Viewer discretion is advised.

Event Schedule:

• 7:30-7:45 | Introduction and welcome greeting from Dr. Andrew Stein, Founder of CLAWS Conservancy, National Geographic Explorer, wildlife biologist, and Associate Professor at Landmark College.

• 7:45-8:45 | Meet the Beasts: Screening of "Vanishing Kings: Desert Lions of the Namib", a Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival documentary - Watch the trailer

• 8:45-9:15 | Meet the Biologist: A brief talk with Dr. Andrew Stein where he informs us about the fate of the lions from the film, talks about his work in the field, and showcases a behind-the-scenes look at CLAWS project, "Pride In Our Prides" in Botswana.

• 9:15-9:30 | Q&A with Dr. Stein

CLAWS (Communities Living Among Wildlife Sustainably) Conservancy is a non-profit organization focused on creating a peaceful coexistence among wildlife and the humans that surround their habitats. We believe that when people are more educated about the animals they share an area with, they can more easily connect and invest in the animals' welfare, and change to a more sustainable and gentler approach to resolving wildlife conflicts.

Contact information: info@clawsconservancy.org

Screening of “Vanishing Kings: Desert Lions of the Namib” presented by CLAWS Conservancy - A Jackson Hole Wildlife Film and talk with National Geographic Explorer, Dr. Andrew Stein- A screening and presentation on the conservation of big cats proudly sponsored by BankESB.