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

• DOI: 10.1111/aje.13226
• Publication Date: 2023-11-07T07:55:20Z
• Authors: Malle Gueye; Raoul Pellaton; Dorien Van Cauteren; Lisa Mengual; Stefan Van Dongen; Herwig Leirs; Laura D. Bertola; Papa Mor Faye; Babacar Diop; Maniang Mamadoune...; Abdoulaye Kanté; Hans de Iongh
• Keywords: Crepuscular; Population density; Home range; Camera trap

Abstract To inform the conservation of Regionally Critically Endangered West African lion, we studied lion population size and social structure in Niokolo Koba National Park (NKNP), Senegal. Calling station camera trap surveys were conducted opportunistic observations documented from 2015 to 2020. The average density was calculated as 0.50 lion/100 km 2 estimated 28–56 individuals. Average group 2.1 ± 1.45 lions (range 1–8 lions). There no significant differences between single individuals (43%), groups two (22%), three (19%), four (4%) more than (5%) individual ( X = 30.021, p ‐value 0.06452). Sex ratio showed a male:female 1:1.1 1:2.8. About 13.59% composed cubs while, respectively, 81.22% 5.17% adults subadults. Based on analysis activity patterns, NKNP are mainly nocturno‐crepuscular (18:00–01:00) matutinal (06:00–08:00). Lion still low compared earlier estimates same area, late 1990s. We therefore conclude that must be further improved safeguard this long term.