IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Angelici, F.M.; Petrozzi, F. | |
| Lions in the Mole National Park in Ghana, Northern Region | |
| 2010 Cat News (53): 28-31 | |
At present the lion Panthera leo population in Ghana is declining. According to all available data, it seems that just a small population survives in the Mole National^ Park MNP, and there may possibly be some other small prides or individuals near the borders with Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast. MNP (9ø15' N / 2ø0' E) is the largest (about 4,840 km2) and most important national park in Ghana. In November 2005, during a general survey in the most important Ghanaian parks and reserves, the idea of studying the lion population in MNP was developed. Thereafter, three additional expeditions were carried out in the field during 2007-2009. Some anecdotal data were gathered, and all visual records provided by park rangers in the period 1968-2009 were reported. Finally, standardized questionnaires were submitted to selected people from different categories. The most important record consisted of the sighting of a pair of lions in May 2009, providing some hope for the future of these animals after 11 years during which lions were not seen. Questionnaire results showed that only a minority of people interviewed confirmed lion presence in the area. Lions, however, must be extremely rare and sparse within the park borders. |
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