Illegal hunting and trading of wildlife and their products is a multi-billion-dollar, global industry that poses a significant threat to biodiversity

While iconic species like elephants and rhinoceroses often receive attention and funding, lesser-known taxa such as reptiles and amphibians are among the most poached and traded. The program seeks to build capacity among herpetologists in kenya by empowering emerging conservationists to train them through the mentor-hawlt program. Drawing on extensive research highlighting the scale and impact of the reptile and amphibian trade, to understand trade dynamics and develop evidence-based conservation strategies. By investing in training programs and academic initiatives, the program aims to cultivate a skilled workforce dedicated to preserving reptile and amphibian diversity and protecting their habitats. Overall, the mentor-hawlt program seeks to curtail the illegal trade in reptiles and amphibians in kenya and east africa, fostering a future where these species thrive, supported by well-trained conservationists and effective community engagement. With a vision set for a future where the illegal trade in reptiles and amphibians in kenya and east africa is significantly curtailed and these species are thriving, this program aims to achieve its goal by 2028. Through comprehensive training and capacity building, the program seeks to empower a cohort of emerging conservationists with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively combat the illegal hunting and trade in reptiles and amphibians. By early 2025, the program aims to select 10 fellows through a rigorous process and CO-develop a comprehensive curriculum with input from key stakeholders such as the national museum of kenya (NMK), wildlife research training institute (WRTI), and kenya wildlife service (KWS). ZSL, will utilise its experience and expertise in wildlife conservation, the illegal wildlife trade and running mentorship programs to organize training sessions led by experienced professionals and subject matter experts to impart knowledge and practical skills to the fellows. The program will empower a cohort of emerging conservationists by providing them with a suite of holistic skills and knowledge to combat illegal hunting and trade in reptiles and amphibians. Monitoring and evaluation mechanisms will ensure the progress and impact of fellows projects are assessed regularly, with outcomes disseminated to relevant stakeholders to inform future conservation efforts. Fellows will receive training through theoretical lectures and practical exercises. They will also be supported in designing multi-disciplinary team projects aimed at mitigating the impact of the legal and illegal reptile and amphibian trade in protected species. Through collaborations with law enforcement agencies, government entities, and local communities, fellows will implement conservation projects aimed at reducing the illegal trade in key reptile and amphibian species. The curriculum will cover topics such as species identification, ecological monitoring techniques, mapping trade routes, law enforcement protocols, social science to understand the demand and motivations for hunting, community engagement strategies including safeguarding and behavior change, criminology, conflict management, and leadership skills. Regular monitoring and evaluation will ensure the progress and impact of fellows projects are assessed, with outcomes disseminated to relevant stakeholders to inform future conservation efforts.