5 Year Report

The progress report summarises major research findings over the past five years. All data was gathered by direct observation using lions located by conventional radiotelemetry. During this time, our research has revealed that much of what was previously accepted as “known” of lions needs to be re-examined. To adequately conserve and manage remaining lion populations, a revision of their basic biology is required. There is urgency to the acquisition of this information; lions in Africa have now decreased to the point that perhaps only 15,000 on the continent. Three stronghold and therefore long-term viable populations remain (Serengeti-Mara, greater Kruger, and northern Botswana). Elsewhere, lions only exist in small populations scattered among a few dozen reserves. Disease, trophy hunting, and problem animal control all contribute to the distinct possibility that the African lion might soon join the ranks of the world’s endangered species. Just as a good accountant intervenes before a bank account slips into the red, a good conservationist should take action before a species becomes critically endangered. “Saving” an endangered species is expensive and, on the whole, ineffective if we look at past attempts.

Due to the size of this report it has been prepared in two different formats for download, please choose the type of file you wish to view.

Microsoft Word document format click here (0.38MB)
Adobe Acrobat PDF format click here (0.35MB)