Lion – prey relations in West and Central Africa

Mammalian Biology, 2003

2012

Map of Waza National Park, Cameroon 2.1 Population pyramid of Waza NP lions in 2008 (n=18) 2.2 Percentage of photographs taken of large carnivores, small carnivores, herbivores & humans/cattle in Waza NP, 2008 (n=906) 3.1 Minimum convex polygon (100%) home range estimates of four radio-collared lions in Waza National Park, Cameroon in 2007-2008 3.2a Kernel home ranges of four radio-collared lions in Waza National Park 3.2b Kernel home range of two lions and one lioness in Waza National Park in the cold dry season 3.2c Kernel home ranges of four radio-collared lions in Waza National Park in the hot dry season 3.2d Kernel home ranges of radio-collared lions in Waza National Park in the wet season 4.1 Percentage daily activity of collared lions in Waza NP, 2007-2009 4.2 Percentage daily activity of male and female lions in Waza NP, 2007-2009 4.3 Percentage daily activity of lions inside and outside Waza NP, 2007-2009 5.1 Percentage of various prey species of wild prey and livestock in lion diet, Waza National Park (n=162 carcasses), 2008-2009 5.2 Consumption of prey species according to size category by lions, Waza NP (n=162 carcasses), 2008-2009 5.3 Consumption of prey species by lions in different vegetation zones in Waza NP (n=162 carcasses), 2008-2009 5.4 Consumption of prey species by lions during different seasons in Waza NP (n=162 carcasses), 2008-2009 5.5 Different prey species consumed by lion in Waza NP during different seasons (n=162 carcasses), 2008-2009 6.1 The frequency of finding a carcass at an actual cluster site and at control cluster site expressed as percentage of all clusters visited 8 6.2 The amount of livestock and wild prey carcasses recorded for full moon (n=24) and new moon (n=36) periods expressed as percentages of the total amount of carcasses found 6.3 The effect of moon phase on male and female lion activity 7.1 Mean livestock number lost per annum to lion predation in localities around Waza National Park, 2008 Tables 2.1 Observations of individuals and groups of lions in Waza NP from May 2007 to June 2008. 3.2 Home range (km²) estimates of four radio-collared lions in Waza

South African Journal of Wildlife Research, 2008

The prey selection and predatory behaviour of a single pride of lions (Panthera leo) was studied in the 8500 ha Karongwe Game Reserve from 1999-2005. The study focused on the difference between prey selection in the first three years when a two-male coalition was present with a similar period thereafter when one of the males was removed and subadult males dispersed from the pride. A total of 662 kills were recorded, with blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus), warthog (Phacochoerus africanus), waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus), zebra (Equus burchelli) and impala (Aepyceros melampus) being the most preferred species. Although there was preference for these species, and adult prey were favoured, there was no significant selection for prey size, age or gender. There was a significant difference in the number of kills made when the two-male coalition was present as opposed to the single pride male. The solitary pride male spent significantly more time with the females and shared most of their kills, and during this period dispersing subadult males killed a substantial amount of prey when separated from the pride. Knowledge on predator feeding behaviour is important for managers to assess impact on prey populations in small reserves in order to manage them correctly, thereby preventing depletion of such populations. . The number of kills made by the male coalition (1999)(2000)(2001)(2002) and the single male with subadults after one coalition male was removed (2002)(2003)(2004)(2005).

The feeding ecology of lions ( Panthera leo, Linnaeus 1758) was investigated in and around Waza National Park, northern Cameroon. Diet was determined using global positioning system (GPS) data of lion kill sites (clusters of GPS location points) collected using radio collars. Lions consumed 14 different prey species, with five species that were either medium (50 -200 kg) or large ( > 200 kg) in size forming the bulk of kills. The western kob ( Kobus kob kob ) was the most common (23.5 % ) wild prey of lions, but worryingly livestock (predominantly cattle) constituted as much as 21.6 % of the diet. This creates a conservation problem resulting in lions being killed in retaliation. However, this conflict is strongly exacerbated by herders driving their cattle into the park for forage and water. Wild prey was also consumed outside the park (6.7 % ), suggesting excursions beyond the park boundary. Lions showed a preference for wild prey over livestock when relative abundances were considered. Management efforts to reduce livestock intrusion into the park and to reverse the declining trends of wild prey populations would significantly reduce predation of livestock and prevent persecution of lions in this park, but conflict mitigation measures outside the park are also urgently needed.

Acta Theriologica, 2012

Large mammalian carnivores place significant pressure on their prey populations and this is exacerbated within the fenced reserves of Africa. However, foraging theory predicts that diet switching by predators may mitigate this pressure. In this study, we use data collected between 2003 and 2007 from an enclosed system in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa to examine the response of lions Panthera leo to changes in the abundance of two important prey specieskudu Tragelaphus strepsiceros and warthog Phacochoerus africanus. As the relative abundance of warthogs increased, the number of kudu kills decreased significantly, whereas warthog kills became significantly more frequent. A similar pattern was observed for lion prey preference and the switch from kudu to warthog was also reflected in a significant decrease in the mean prey mass. Our results suggest that a diet shift occurs in lions and that the change in diet is primarily in response to an increase in warthog numbers. Prey switching may promote the persistence of predator-prey systems, which is particularly important for fenced systems where natural immigration of prey is not possible. However, continued collection and analysis of long-term observational data from the multipredator, multiprey systems of Africa is required to facilitate a full understanding of predator-prey dynamics.

PLoS ONE, 2013

Large carnivores inhabiting ecosystems with heterogeneously distributed environmental resources with strong seasonal variations frequently employ opportunistic foraging strategies, often typified by seasonal switches in diet. In semi-arid ecosystems, herbivore distribution is generally more homogeneous in the wet season, when surface water is abundant, than in the dry season when only permanent sources remain. Here, we investigate the seasonal contribution of the different herbivore species, prey preference and distribution of kills (i.e. feeding locations) of African lions in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe, a semi-arid African savanna structured by artificial waterholes. We used data from 245 kills and 74 faecal samples. Buffalo consistently emerged as the most frequently utilised prey in all seasons by both male (56%) and female (33%) lions, contributing the most to lion dietary biomass. Jacobs' index also revealed that buffalo was the most intensively selected species throughout the year. For female lions, kudu and to a lesser extent the group ''medium Bovidae'' are the most important secondary prey. This study revealed seasonal patterns in secondary prey consumption by female lions partly based on prey ecology with browsers, such as giraffe and kudu, mainly consumed in the early dry season, and grazers, such as zebra and suids, contributing more to female diet in the late dry season. Further, it revealed the opportunistic hunting behaviour of lions for prey as diverse as elephants and mice, with elephants taken mostly as juveniles at the end of the dry season during droughts. Jacobs' index finally revealed a very strong preference for kills within 2 km from a waterhole for all prey species, except small antelopes, in all seasons. This suggested that surface-water resources form passive traps and contribute to the structuring of lion foraging behaviour.

Oryx, 2014

African lionPanthera leopopulations have declined as a result of various anthropogenic factors, and most extant populations are small, which further compromises their persistence. Lions in unfenced areas are more exposed to illegal hunting, snaring and poisoning, and populations in fenced reserves are subject to population control by removal of selected individuals from particular age and sex classes. During 2000–2011 19 lions from the mostly unfenced Northern Tuli Game Reserve in Botswana were shot, snared or poisoned. By contrast, only one lioness was shot outside the fenced Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve 10 km away, in South Africa, where 29 lions were trophy hunted or culled. We found that the mean population size, sex ratio and litter size were the same for both reserves but population density, pride size and cub survival rate were significantly higher in the fenced reserve. The size of the population in Northern Tuli was constrained by a high rate of indiscriminate anthropogen...

Animal Behaviour, 2013

Emerging evidence suggests that male lions are not dependent on female's hunting skills but are in fact successful hunters. But difficulty locating kills and objectively characterizing landscapes has complicated the comparison of male and female lion hunting strategies. We used airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) measurements of vegetation structure in Kruger National Park, combined with global positioning system (GPS) telemetry data on lion, Panthera leo, kills to quantify lines-of-sight where lion kills occurred compared with areas where lions rested, while controlling for time of day. We found significant differences in use of vegetation structure by male and female lions during hunts. While male lions killed in landscapes with much shorter lines-of-sight (16.2 m) than those in which they rested, there were no significant differences for female lions. These results were consistent across sizes of prey species. The influence of vegetation structure in shaping predatoreprey interactions is often hypothesized, but quantitative evidence has been scarce. Although our sample sizes were limited, our results provide a mechanism, ambush hunting versus social hunting in the open, to explain why hunting success of male lions might equal that of females. This study serves as a case study for more complete studies with larger samples sizes and illustrates how LiDAR and GPS telemetry can be used to provide new insight into lion hunting behaviour. Ó

Abstract In recent weeks the plight of the African Lion has been in discussion about its fast dwindling numbers, its contribution to tourism, its place as s trophy and whether it should be conserved or not. The African lion (Panthera Leo Leo) is one of the four big cats in Africa. It is renowned for its majesty and is nicknamed "the king of the jungle". The lion possesses beauty and strength and is a cunning hunter. Lions vary in colour but typically sport light yellow-brown coats. A few have white coats. Mature male lions are unique among big cats due the thick brown or black manes that encircle their necks and protect them while fighting. However, lions, as a species, are endangered and are close to extinction in many countries. The lions are admired for their beauty, majesty, hunting skills, and strength. As such, they are a major tourist attraction to the Game Reserves. They are, also, favourite characters in folklore and are wildly used in symbolisms. Lions and other large carnivores in Sub-Saharan Africa have showed a marked reduction in numbers and distribution during the past five decades. This decline can be attributed to an increased conflict with human development. The Zambian Government has lifted the hunting of the big cats after a ban of two years Zambia has lifted a ban on safari hunting after it caused financial problems for the country.The reasons were not given but the motive appears to be based on revenue collection (Kachingwe on line 20 May 2025). Lions are of great aesthetic appeal and financial value. Tourism is a growing industry in southern Africa and predators are arguably a great attraction to national parks in Sub Saharan Africa. It is therefore important to provide baseline data on ecological and population characteristics to guide long term conservation of the species Although we have no reliable data on Africa-wide lion populations prior to the late 20th century, there is agreement that numbers have been in steady decline. Over the past 50 years, wild lion numbers in Africa have decreased from over 200,000 to less than 20,000 today. Estimates based on experts’ best guesses and estimates vary from one to another and are no doubt at an all-time low; range between 16,500 and 47,000. Lions have been totally eliminated in North Africa, and only relict populations remain in West and Central Africa. Half of the remaining population is in Tanzania, and smaller viable populations remain in Kenya, South Africa, Mozambique, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia. As with the worlds other large carnivores, the reduction in lion populations has been larr4ely due to conflict with humans over livestock. Large carnivores kill livestock and are in turn killed by livestock owners or herders. Lions also attack people, and even in the 21st Century man-eating is a serious problem in Ethiopia, Tanzania and Mozambique. The lion is a contradictory animal that is loved and hated at the same time. It is hated and feared because of its man-eating activities. They are also regarded as vermin to be exterminated on sight because of their attacks on livestock. There are many stories of revenge lion hunts found in oral traditions of many societies. Lions are a pest that is hated, hunted and has to be killed by those who want to eliminate it. There are many stories of lion hunting by European travellers, big game hunters, traders, missionaries and administrative officials. Many of these were embellished to entertain the reader and to build up the egos of the writers. Lions are seen in different ways. On one hand, they are seen as a valuable tourist attraction and a source of valuable foreign exchange and employment. The lion is one to some people and another to others. Lion populations are untenable outside designated reserves and national parks. Although the cause of the decline is not fully understood, habitat loss and conflicts with humans are currently the greatest causes of concern. Within Africa, the population is particularly endangered. This paper discusses the status and plight of the lions in Sub Saharan Africa. It looks at the status of the lions which, in one case, is highly valued as tourist attraction and on the other hand, seen as vermin which has to be exterminated on sight.. Abstract In recent weeks the plight of the African Lion has been in discussion about its fast dwindling numbers, its contribution to tourism, its place as s trophy and whether it should be conserved or not. The African lion (Panthera Leo Leo) is one of the four big cats in Africa. It is renowned for its majesty and is nicknamed "the king of the jungle". The lion possesses beauty and strength and is a cunning hunter. Lions vary in colour but typically sport light yellow-brown coats. A few have white coats. Mature male lions are unique among big cats due the thick brown or black manes that encircle their necks and protect them while fighting. However, lions, as a species, are endangered and are close to extinction in many countries. The lions are admired for their beauty, majesty, hunting skills, and strength. As such, they are a major tourist attraction to the Game Reserves. They are, also, favourite characters in folklore and are wildly used in symbolisms. Lions and other large carnivores in Sub-Saharan Africa have showed a marked reduction in numbers and distribution during the past five decades. This decline can be attributed to an increased conflict with human development. The Zambian Government has lifted the hunting of the big cats after a ban of two years Zambia has lifted a ban on safari hunting after it caused financial problems for the country.The reasons were not given but the motive appears to be based on revenue collection (Kachingwe on line 20 May 2025). Lions are of great aesthetic appeal and financial value. Tourism is a growing industry in southern Africa and predators are arguably a great attraction to national parks in Sub Saharan Africa. It is therefore important to provide baseline data on ecological and population characteristics to guide long term conservation of the species Although we have no reliable data on Africa-wide lion populations prior to the late 20th century, there is agreement that numbers have been in steady decline. Over the past 50 years, wild lion numbers in Africa have decreased from over 200,000 to less than 20,000 today. Estimates based on experts’ best guesses and estimates vary from one to another and are no doubt at an all-time low; range between 16,500 and 47,000. Lions have been totally eliminated in North Africa, and only relict populations remain in West and Central Africa. Half of the remaining population is in Tanzania, and smaller viable populations remain in Kenya, South Africa, Mozambique, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia. As with the worlds other large carnivores, the reduction in lion populations has been larr4ely due to conflict with humans over livestock. Large carnivores kill livestock and are in turn killed by livestock owners or herders. Lions also attack people, and even in the 21st Century man-eating is a serious problem in Ethiopia, Tanzania and Mozambique. The lion is a contradictory animal that is loved and hated at the same time. It is hated and feared because of its man-eating activities. They are also regarded as vermin to be exterminated on sight because of their attacks on livestock. There are many stories of revenge lion hunts found in oral traditions of many societies. Lions are a pest that is hated, hunted and has to be killed by those who want to eliminate it. There are many stories of lion hunting by European travellers, big game hunters, traders, missionaries and administrative officials. Many of these were embellished to entertain the reader and to build up the egos of the writers. Lions are seen in different ways. On one hand, they are seen as a valuable tourist attraction and a source of valuable foreign exchange and employment. The lion is one to some people and another to others. Lion populations are untenable outside designated reserves and national parks. Although the cause of the decline is not fully understood, habitat loss and conflicts with humans are currently the greatest causes of concern. Within Africa, the population is particularly endangered. This paper discusses the status and plight of the lions in Sub Saharan Africa. It looks at the status of the lions which, in one case, is highly valued as tourist attraction and on the other hand, seen as vermin which has to be exterminated on sight..

Within-population studies are needed to investigate the extent of, and the factors underlying, intraspecific variation in home range size. We used data from 12 female and 8 male adult lions instrumented with GPS radio-collars to describe the ranging behaviour of lions in a population from a dystrophic semi-arid savanna, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe. We measured prey availability at the home range scale in 2003, 2004, and 2005. For females, home range size increased as pride biomass increased, which is strongly suggestive of expansionism. Once controlled for pride biomass, home range size decreased as prey biomass increased. Pride ranges responded to changes in food abundance on an annual timescale rather than on a seasonal timescale. Female home range size was influenced by the abundance of kudu in the early dry season, whereas it was influenced by buffalo and young elephant abundance in the late dry season. This study shows that female home range size is mainly driven by the size of the pride, but also by prey abundance. Furthermore, female seasonal home range size may be determined, not only by prey abundance, but also by prey dispersion in the landscape. Home range size of males was driven by both prey biomass and the density of female prides.