Population size and social structure of lions in a west African protected area

Lion population density and size in Niokolo-Koba National Park (NKNP), Senegal, have declined significantly compared to estimates from the late 1990s, highlighting urgent conservation concerns for the Regionally Critically Endangered West African lion. Using camera trap surveys, calling station data, and opportunistic observations between 2015 and 2020, researchers estimated a population size of 28–56 individuals with an average density of just 0.50 lions per 100 km². Lion groups were small, averaging 2.1 individuals (range: 1–8), with no significant differences in group sizes observed. The sex ratio skewed slightly female-biased (1:1.1 to 1:2.8), while cubs accounted for 13.59% of the population. Lions exhibited nocturnal-crepuscular and matutinal activity patterns, primarily active from 6:00 PM to 1:00 AM and 6:00–8:00 AM. The findings underscore the need for enhanced conservation efforts to sustain this vulnerable lion population in NKNP.

Gueye, M., Pellaton, R., Van Cauteren, D., Mengual, L., Van Dongen, S., Leirs, H., Bertola, L. D., Faye, P. M., Diop, B., Diop, M. M., Kanté, A., & de Iongh, H. (2023). Population size and social structure of lions in a west African protected area. African Journal of Ecology, 62(1). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.13226