The African lion is an invaluable apex predator that controls the delicate equilibrium of diverse savanna ecosystems. The species is severely threatened with habitat loss, loss of prey, human-wildlife conflict, and unsustainable hunting. One-hundred and fifty years ago there were an estimated 250,000 lions in Africa but a staggering 80-90% decline has left the population at a mere 25–30,000 lions today. If populations continue to decline at their current rate, the African lion faces sure extinction in the wild.Photo: Gorongosa lioness (Paola Bouley)
Gorongosa National Park was once home to hundreds of lions and the folks that care for the park have a mission to make Gorongosa a lion stronghold once again. Between 30-50 lions are thought to occur in the Park today and research work is currently underway by the Gorongosa Lion Project to accurately document, protect and understand this resilient population. This work is not just important for the sake of Gorongosa’s ecosystem, but also for the future of the species in Central Mozambique.Photo: Gorongosa lion cub (Miguel Bruno of Bushfind)
The Gorongosa Lion Project team – Paola Bouley, Rui Branco, Tonga Torcida, and Fernandinho Mequicene – are currently in the park documenting new lions and studying the movements of the various prides and coalitions across the more remote reaches of the Park.
While scientific monitoring is an important part of effective conservation, building community support and nurturing an understanding between people and lions is essential. This month the team is hosting educational events in the Park and Maputo to raise awareness about the plight of lions. They are also working in partnership with Gorongosa’s Community Education Center on a new educational initiative to create lion education media for the many thousands of youth living in the Park’s bordering communities.Photo: Gorongosa vet Rui Branco safely radio collars their second lion, with help from Tonga Torcida and Fernandinho Mequicene.
If you love lions and you want to help, there are many ways to make a difference:
- DONATE and directly support the Gorongosa Lion Project, or one of the many other lion conservation groups.
- ATTEND one of our events in Maputo, Chitengo (in the heart of the Park) or Zoo Boise, Idaho.
- LEARN MORE about the World Lion Day campaign
- SHARE this post with your friends to spread awareness
The world’s lions will thank you!!