Desert Lion Conservation
Desert Lion Conservation is a Namibia-based non-profit founded in 2006 that conducts longitudinal research on desert-adapted lions in the Northern Namib and Skeleton Coast and operates the multi-stakeholder NW Human-Lion Conflict Management Plan in coordination with MEFT, conservancies, and partner NGOs.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2006
- HeadquartersSkeleton Coast - Northern Namib, Namibia
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Desert Lion Conservation does
Desert Lion Conservation (legally the Desert Lion Conservation Trust, also known as the Desert Lion Project) is a Namibia-based non-profit organization founded in 2006 and led by Dr. Philip Stander, dedicated to the conservation of desert-adapted lions in the Northern Namib and Skeleton Coast regions of northwest Namibia. Its core function is collecting longitudinal baseline ecological data on lion population dynamics, behavior, and adaptation to extreme desert and coastal environments, then channeling that research into collaborative human-lion conflict mitigation. The organization operates the NW Human-Lion Conflict Management Plan — a multi-stakeholder framework launched in 2017 in coordination with the Namibian Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT), five conservancies (Torra, Purros, Sesfontein, Anabeb, Tsiseb), Lion Rangers, Rapid Response Teams, and partner NGOs including IRDNC and the Namibia Chambers of Environment.
The technology stack centers on satellite/GPS radio collars (including a next-generation SmartParks Edge Free collar piloted in November 2024), early-warning logger corrals that alert communities to lion proximity, thermal imagery for night observation, and a specialized research vehicle "Joey" equipped with LTE connectivity (via Paratus) for remote data transmission. The organization also produced and co-distributed the award-winning documentary "Lions of the Skeleton Coast" with Into Nature Productions (filmmakers Will and Lianne Steenkamp), which won four Cannes Corporate Media & TV Awards including the Grand Prix in 2024 and received a 2025 Emmy nomination.
Desert Lion Conservation's revenue model is donation- and grant-based, with no commercial pricing. Funding derives from individual donors, foundations (notably Vanishing Kings Foundation in the Netherlands), corporate partners (Virbac, Swarovski Optik, Paratus), and documentary-related international distribution revenue flowing back via Into Nature Productions. Its go-to-market is community-led conservation — awareness is built through documentary broadcasts on PBS Nature, National Geographic, ARTE, ORF, and DSTV, social media channels (YouTube, Facebook, Instagram), educational outreach (Pako Kids Magazine), and in-person screenings in Windhoek, Swakopmund, and rural conservancy villages.
Desert Lion Conservation firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Desert Lion Conservation
- Legal name
- Desert Lion Conservation Trust
- Website
- https://desertlion.info
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2006
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Desert Lion Conservation is a Namibia-based non-profit founded in 2006 that conducts longitudinal research on desert-adapted lions in the Northern Namib and Skeleton Coast and operates the multi-stakeholder NW Human-Lion Conflict Management Plan in coordination with MEFT, conservancies, and partner NGOs.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Desert Lion Conservation industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Wildlife Conservation Services
- NAICS
- Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (712190)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Conservation & Human–Wildlife Conflict Mitigation (BPAGAIAI)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Wildlife Rescue, Rehabilitation & Release (BPAGAIAC), Desert & Dune Nature Experiences (THAJAIAG)
Keywords
Where Desert Lion Conservation is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Skeleton Coast - Northern Namib
- HQ country
- Namibia
- HQ region
- Africa
Offices2 records
Markets served
Desert Lion Conservation business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Donations and Support: The organization operates as a non-profit relying on donations and sponsorship from individuals, foundations, and partners to fund conservation research and activities
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels7 records
Desert Lion Conservation product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Desert Lion Conservation is a non-profit organization that conducts long-term research on desert-adapted lion populations in the Northern Namib and Skeleton Coast of Namibia, collecting baseline ecological data on lion behavior, biology, and adaptation. It implements the NW Human-Lion Conflict Management Plan through early-warning monitoring systems, satellite tracking collars, Lion Ranger programs, and Rapid Response Teams. It also produces conservation documentaries, including the award-winning "Lions of the Skeleton Coast," to raise global awareness and funding.
Product overview
Desert Lion Conservation is a non-profit conservation organization dedicated to the research and protection of desert-adapted lions in Namibia's Northern Namib and Skeleton Coast. Their primary offerings include: (1) the award-winning documentary film "Lions of the Skeleton Coast" produced with Into Nature Productions/Willem Steenkamp; (2) long-term ecological research and monitoring of lion populations, behaviors, and movements; (3) the NW Human-Lion Conflict Management Plan implementing early-warning systems, satellite collars, and Lion Ranger programs; and (4) specialized tracking technology using SmartParks collars. The organization does not offer commercial products but provides conservation services, research data, and educational documentary content.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Lions of the Skeleton Coast Documentary An award-winning wildlife documentary film documenting the survival journey of orphaned desert lion cubs Alpha, Bravo, and Charly along Namibia's Skeleton Coast, filmed over eight years by wildlife filmmakers Will and Lianne Steenkamp. Distributed globally to raise conservation awareness and funding.
- Desert Lion Research and Monitoring Program Long-term ecological research and monitoring service collecting baseline data on desert-adapted lion population dynamics, behavior, movements, and human-lion conflict in the Northern Namib and Skeleton Coast of Namibia. Delivered to government ministries, conservation NGOs, and tourism stakeholders.
- NW Human-Lion Conflict Management Plan Collaborative management plan and program addressing human-lion conflict in northwest Namibia, involving early-warning logger systems, satellite/GPS collars, Lion Rangers, and Rapid Response Teams across Torra, Purros, Sesfontein, Anabeb, and Tsiseb conservancies.
- SmartParks Lion Tracking Collar (Edge Free Collar) New generation GPS/satellite tracking collar technology used to monitor desert lion movements, locations, and behaviors in real-time for conservation research and early-warning conflict mitigation purposes.
Quantifiable outcome
- 24-hour continuous observation sessions monitoring lion behavior and food intake
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Desert Lion Conservation
Customer profileSegments3 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Desert Lion Conservation technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Desert Lion Conservation partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- SmartParkscoreSmartParks provided a new generation SmartParks Edge Free collar for pilot program fitting lioness Xpl-151 'Gamma' with advanced tracking technology
- Into Nature ProductionscoreWildlife filmmakers Will & Lianne Steenkamp produced award-winning documentary Lions of the Skeleton Coast over eight years of filming
- ParatuscoreParatus (Namibia) provides internet services to conservation efforts, including LTE modem for research vehicle Joey. Named satellite-collared lion 'Paratus' in their honor.
- Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT)coreGovernment ministry leading human-lion conflict management initiatives, providing permits and regulatory oversight for conservation activities
- Lion RangerscoreNetwork of rangers appointed across conservancies (Purros, Sesfontein, Anabeb, Tsiseb) for lion monitoring and conflict prevention
- IRDNC (Integrated Rural Development and Nature Conservation)coreConservation NGO collaborating on human-lion conflict management plan implementation and community conservation programs
- TOSCO (Tourism Supporting Conservation)minorNamibian organization connecting tourism with conservation efforts
- Shipwreck LodgeminorEco-lodge in Hoaruseb River area that assists with lion monitoring and research vehicle recovery
- Ultimate SafarisminorTour operator providing assistance with lion darting and research activities; co-producer of Covid Chronicles video series
- MEFT (Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism)coreNamibian government ministry that partnered on Lions of the Skeleton Coast documentary and provides ongoing support for conservation
- Namibia Chambers of EnvironmentcoreUmbrella organization for environmental conservation in Namibia, participating in NW Human-lion Conflict Management Plan
- Namib CampersminorCompany in Swakopmund that built and modified research vehicle for DLC
- Swarovski OptikminorOptical equipment manufacturer supporting conservation efforts
- Wilderness SafarisminorMajor safari operator in Hoanib River area working with DLC on sustainable lion tourism
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Desert Lion Conservation competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- World Wildlife Fund (WWF): Largest global conservation NGO with active Namibia programs covering landscape conservation, species protection (including lions), and community-based natural resource management. Comparable in mission and Africa footprint, but at vastly broader scope and scale than DLC's specialist operation.
- African Wildlife Foundation: Large African conservation NGO with programs spanning landscape conservation, wildlife protection, and community enterprise across multiple African countries. Comparable to DLC in mission and Africa footprint, but AWF is a broad incumbent operating at landscape scale rather than specializing in a single predator population.
- Peace Parks Foundation: Transfrontier conservation NGO focused on establishing peace parks across southern Africa. Comparable as a regional conservation NGO with government partnerships, but operates at landscape/transboundary scale rather than single-species population monitoring.
- Wildlife Conservation Society: Major international conservation organization running field programs across Africa on large carnivores, landscapes, and community-based conservation. Comparable to DLC in big cat and African footprint, but operates as a broad incumbent with global program portfolio rather than single-population specialization.
Direct peers
- Panthera: Global wild cat conservation NGO focused on ensuring the future of all wild cats. Directly comparable to DLC in mission (big cat conservation), use of field technology (GPS/satellite collars), and reliance on scientific research to drive policy and community-based conflict mitigation. DLC operates as a country- and species-specific complement to Panthera's broader portfolio.
- Integrated Rural Development and Nature Conservation (IRDNC): Namibian conservation NGO working with communal conservancies on wildlife management and human-wildlife conflict mitigation. Direct operational peer to DLC, with documented co-implementation of the NW Human-lion Conflict Management Plan and shared conservancy footprint in the Kunene Region.
- Save the Rhino Trust Namibia: Namibian NGO dedicated to rhino conservation and anti-poaching using ranger networks and community partnerships. Closely comparable operating model to DLC: small NGO, ranger-based field operations, conservancy partnerships, MEFT engagement, and reliance on donations for funding.
Regional players
- Wilderness Safaris: Major southern African safari operator with significant Namibian presence (Hoanib, Hoarusib camps). Comparable to DLC as a regional tourism-conservation hybrid operating in overlapping geography, and a current DLC partner. Differentiated as a commercial operator rather than pure conservation NGO.
Emerging players
- Into Nature Productions: Wildlife filmmaking partnership of Will & Lianne Steenkamp, who produced 'Lions of the Skeleton Coast' for DLC. Directly comparable as a conservation-content producer leveraging charismatic-species storytelling, and a current strategic partner on DLC's documentary output.
- SmartParks: Dutch/Namibian technology company specializing in GPS/satellite tracking collars for wildlife, including the Edge Free collar piloted by DLC in 2024. Comparable as an emerging conservation-tech provider with shared product and partnership overlap with DLC.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Desert Lion Conservation social profiles
Digital presenceDesert Lion Conservation financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Desert Lion Conservation leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
Desert Lion Conservation funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Desert Lion Conservation M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Desert Lion Conservation
What does Desert Lion Conservation do?
Desert Lion Conservation is a non-profit organization that conducts long-term research on desert-adapted lion populations in the Northern Namib and Skeleton Coast of Namibia, collecting baseline ecological data on lion behavior, biology, and adaptation. It implements the NW Human-Lion Conflict Management Plan through early-warning monitoring systems, satellite tracking collars, Lion Ranger programs, and Rapid Response Teams. It also produces conservation documentaries, including the award-winning "Lions of the Skeleton Coast," to raise global awareness and funding.
Is Desert Lion Conservation a public or private company?
Desert Lion Conservation is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Desert Lion Conservation founded?
Desert Lion Conservation was founded in 2006. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Desert Lion Conservation based?
Desert Lion Conservation is headquartered in Skeleton Coast - Northern Namib, Namibia, in the Africa region.
How does Desert Lion Conservation make money?
One revenue line is on record: donations and Support.
Who are Desert Lion Conservation's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are World Wildlife Fund (WWF), African Wildlife Foundation, Peace Parks Foundation and Wildlife Conservation Society. Direct peers are Panthera, Integrated Rural Development and Nature Conservation (IRDNC) and Save the Rhino Trust Namibia. Wilderness Safaris is listed as a regional player. Emerging players are Into Nature Productions and SmartParks.
Does Desert Lion Conservation have an API?
No public API is recorded for Desert Lion Conservation.
What industry is Desert Lion Conservation in?
Desert Lion Conservation's product category is Wildlife Conservation Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAIAI, Conservation & Human–Wildlife Conflict Mitigation, with a secondary code of BPAGAIAC, Wildlife Rescue, Rehabilitation & Release. Its NAICS code is 712190.