20 Years of Impact: Living Walls and Finding Balance for Big Cats
As African People & Wildlife celebrates 20 years of community-led conservation, we are sharing key stories from our 20 Years of Roar anniversary impact report. This series reflects on where we have come from and what lies ahead, including the progress we will share from 2025 as our programs continue to evolve. Read the full report and visit our interactive timeline.
Finding a Balance for Big Cats with Living Walls
Born from a shared vision with local communities, Living Walls are a transformative solution to human-wildlife conflict. These predator-proof enclosures, made of chain-link fencing and living trees, protect livestock while safeguarding big cats like lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Developed collaboratively with Maasai communities, the initiative has proven remarkably effective, reducing retaliatory killings of predators and lifting the well-being of rural families.
The number of Living Wall installations has grown exponentially as we expand to new landscapes, protecting valuable livestock and directly benefiting people whose livelihoods and well-being rely on secure corrals. The program’s success highlights the importance of co-creating solutions that integrate traditional knowledge with innovation. Beyond protection, Living Walls have brought peace of mind to thousands of families. Moving forward, we will continue bringing this tool to conflict hotspots identified by our Warriors for Wildlife and partner communities, adapting to local conditions and animal behavior in a changing world.
Tracking and monitoring the Living Walls over the years has shown me the real change they bring. I’ve seen how much peace they’ve brought to families, protecting both livestock and lions. It’s inspiring to witness Maasai communities like mine embracing this solution and how the walls have empowered them to live alongside wildlife. It’s balance, progress, and pride.
Yamat Lengai, Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, and Adaptation Officer
Impact Snapshot
- 2,100+ Living Walls constructed across northern Tanzania
- 23,600+ family members positively impacted by Living Walls, protecting livestock valued at $39 million every day
- 344,000+ native trees planted in the installation of Living Walls
- 98% effectiveness of Living Walls in preventing attacks at the boma
Celebrating 20 Years of Roar
We’re grateful to have you with us during this landmark year. Marking 20 Years of Roar reminds us how much is possible when communities and supporters move forward together. If you’d like to honor this moment, making a gift in recognition of the anniversary helps sustain the work and relationships that make coexistence possible. Thank you for being part of the path ahead.
