A lion population under threat : understanding lion (Panthera leo Linnaeus, 1758) ecology and human-lion interactions related to livestock predation in Waza National Park, Cameroon

Lions in Waza National Park Cameroon were studied with focus on lion ecology and the human-lion conflicts due to livestock predation. The number of adult lions has declined from 40-60 in 2002 to 14-21 in 2008, which represents a reduction of about 65% in 6 years. The human-livestock pressure on the park is enormous, 31% of photographs captured by camera traps in 2008, were of humans and livestock in the park. Retaliatory killing of lions by herders is high, as lions increasingly predate on cattle due to the strong decline of their natural prey. Lion home ranges have increased from a mean of 630 km² in 2000 to 1015 km² in 2008, extending to areas outside the park. Livestock constitutes as much as 21.6% of the diet. Characteristics of the diet and movements of the lion reflect a survival strategy of lions under highly disturbed conditions. Although the Waza lion population now seems to be most threatened, concerte d conservation efforts could save this population from local extinction. The government must greatly improve park protection through the park management authority and law enforcement, as well as providing financial and human resources for the park. Furthermore, local communities living close to the park must receive direct benefits from park revenues