IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| de Iongh, H.H.; Bauer, H.; Croes, B.; Funston, P. | |
| Review of Research on Lion Ecology in West and Central Africa | |
| 2007 Conference Proceeding | |
The number of free ranging lions in West and Central Africa is now estimated at 1700 individuals according to the African lion database. Lion populations have declined during the past decades and populations are scattered and isolated. This review covers the results of ecological research in selected national parks in West and Central Africa. Lion density (max 3 lions per 100 km2) and average group size of lions (1.7) in the study area is much lower compared with East and South Africa. Wild prey biomass per kg of predator is similarly low, when compared with national parks in East and South Africa. Finally limited morphometric data on West African lions indicates differences in body length, body weight and nose pigmentation, compared with their South and East African counterparts. The review of current research shows small dry season and large wet season home ranges of pride members and seasonal movements of individual lions outside national parks during the wet season. Main threats to the lion populations in the selected case studies from West and Central Africa are (a) habitat fragmentation and isolation (b) lion livestock conflicts and retaliatory killing and (c) poaching of prey. |
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