Dr Amy Dickman's talk 'Money, Myths and Man Eaters: Big Cat Conservation in Tanzania and beyond' was a huge success last night at the Tusk American Express conservation lecture at the Royal Geographical Society, London.

Over 400 guests enjoyed listening to Amy highlight her development of the Ruaha Carnivore Project, established in 2009 and supported by Tusk since 2013.

Ruaha National Park, the second largest in Africa, supports 10% of all lions left on the continent. Attendees learned how RCP works with local communities and authorities to mitigate the extremely intense human-carnivore conflict in the Ruaha region. With techniques such as camera trapping and working with locals and park authorities to document sightings of carnivores, the project provides support to lion, leopard, wild dog, cheetah and spotted hyena. Local pastoralists have been provided with ‘boma proofing’ and Anatolian Shepherd guard dogs to protect their herds. Education, healthcare and vetinary support also feature on RCP’s agenda.

Tusk Patron, Kate Silverton Heron, hosted a Q&A after the lecture, providing further exploration of the issues and insights raised, and the support that RCP needs to continue its inspiring work.

Thank you to American Express for their continued support of this event. Thank you also to Painted Wolf Wines and Elephant Gin for their support, and Audley Travel, Inkerman and Painted Dog Conservation UK, who offered the guests wonderful mementos from the evening, our volunteers, and everyone who kindly donated on the night.