Spatial Distribution Modelling of a Threatened Lion Population in Relation to Prey Populations in Niokolo‐Koba National Park, Senegal

A high-performance spatial model reveals that the core habitat for lions in Niokolo-Koba National Park (NKNP), Senegal, is concentrated in the park's central region. This distribution is primarily shaped by elevation, annual precipitation, prey availability, and human pressures such as poaching and livestock grazing. The model achieved an exceptional accuracy (AUC of 0.96), highlighting critical factors that influence lion habitat selection. By integrating satellite-derived data like NDVI with land cover types and proximity to water bodies, researchers identified key environmental variables that support lion populations while also pinpointing areas vulnerable to human encroachment. These findings underscore the importance of targeted conservation strategies to protect lions by mitigating poaching and livestock pressure while preserving prey populations.

Gueye, M., Pellaton, R., Diouf, A., Mané, S., Turek, D., Leirs, H., Bertola, L. D., & de Iongh, H. (2025). Spatial Distribution Modelling of a Threatened Lion Population in Relation to Prey Populations in Niokolo‐Koba National Park, Senegal. African Journal of Ecology, 63(1). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70007