IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Loveridge, A.; Canney, S.; Hemson, G.; Sillero-Zubiri, C. | |
| Modelling the Distribution of African Lion Populations Using a GIS Meta-Analysis | |
| 2007 Conference Proceeding | |
Populations of African lions are thought to have declined substantially over the last few decades. We used a GIS based analysis to predict the distribution of current lion populations and the threats they face across Africa. We extracted data on lion numbers and ranging behaviour, prey availability, rainfall, human density and livestock density from the literature and from existing GIS data layers. The positive relationship between herbivore density and rainfall has already been established. We show that lion density in protected areas is closely related to prey biomass and that lion home range size is negatively correlated with prey biomass. With a GIS, we used this relationship to identify sites where lion density was lower than predicted by rainfall and prey density. We correlate this deviation with factors that impact the survival of lions such as human populations and livestock density. Expanding human and livestock populations, prey depletion and habitat conversion may be the key factors responsible for declining lion numbers. Lion populations are most vulnerable in low rainfall areas where home ranges are large due to low prey density. To safeguard viable populations of lions, Protected Areas in arid regions need to be comparatively larger than those in more mesic parts of the continent. |
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