IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Schultz, S.; Turk, R. | |
| Population ecology of the lion (Panthera leo) in Waza National Park, Cameroon | |
| 2002 Full Book | |
There are gaps in the available survey data for lions (_Panthera leo_) of especially west and central African countries (African Lion Working Group 1999). Apart from some pilot studies, little is known the effectiveness of lion survey methods in these countries. We wanted to investigate the lion opulation size, structure and status in Waza National Park (WNP), Cameroon. Calling stations, track measurements and distribution of questionnaires were applied as survey techniques for finding and identifying individual lions. General observations in the field provided additional information and is therefore adopted as fourth method. Individual lions were identified by making a detailed description of characteristics like scars and whisker spots. We noticed that using a combination of methods proved to be most successful. Calling stations for lions have shown to work best between sunset and sunrise. Calls in the morning attracted hyenas, while calls in the evening attracted lions. Tracking gave information on lion presence, sex of the lions and enables finding lions by following the tracks. Reports of tourists and by means of questionnaires provided additional information on the presence of lions and group size. The use of these survey methods has resulted in an estimated lion number of 50 to 60 adults and subadults (not counting cubs) in Waza National Park. The group size ranged from 1 to 4 and the male:female ratio is 1:2.9. Fauna counts were performed to determine prey availability. The amount of available prey should be able to support over 200 lions. In spite of rising prey biomasses in WNP the last decades, the lion population is not showing an increase. The causes for this may be diverse: poaching (direct or indirect), bad health or diseases, change of management, lion interactions (coalition take-over) or a lack of knowledge on lion identification and counting. To guarantee the subsistence of the Waza lion population, management needs to reinforce park protection and improve relations with local communities. At the moment illegal fishing, cattle grazing and hunting are widespread. Consulting local communities will lead to a better cooperation between park management and surrounding villages and may help in preventing the illegal activities mentioned above. People have to benefit from the park by locally invested entrance fees or other tourist profits. We recommend executing more patrols, particularly at night and during the rainy season. Opening more roads results in a higher accessibility of the park for both the guards and the tourists. |
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