Kenya's thriving lion population defies global trends

By Andrew Wasike

NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) - In the fading light of the African savannah, the distant silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro looms large. Beneath its imposing presence, a remarkable story unfolds, a tale of resilience and conservation that defies global trends.

Here in Kenya, the king of the jungle, the lion, is not just holding on; it's roaring back to life.

According to the Kenya Wildlife Service, the lion population in Kenya has increased by 25% in the past decade, from 2,000 in 2010 to 2,589 in 2021 and even greater numbers in 2023.

As the world grapples with the grim reality of declining lion populations, Kenya's efforts in safeguarding the majestic creatures have emerged as a shining example of success.

- Tracking Lions with Team Lioness

Eunice Peneti, a 30-year-old ranger and the team leader of Kenya's first all-female ranger unit known as Team Lioness, safeguards wildlife on the floor of Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli National Park.

Peneti told Anadolu that together with her dedicated team, they play a pivotal role in the conservation of lions in the region.

She has a deep understanding of lion behavior and knows where to find them.

After a short and slow drive, our eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of movement, suddenly Peneti points to a cluster of bushes in the distance.

"There they are," she whispers.

Following her gaze, one can see a group of lions lying in the shade with several cubs. They are completely oblivious to our presence, their attention focused on the zebra they just brought down.

Peneti speaks about their efforts to protect the lions, which have not only increased the lion population but also deterred poachers.

"Our presence in the park is a deterrent to those who seek to harm these magnificent animals. By actively patrolling and engaging with the local community, we ensure that these lions can live and thrive in a safe environment," she said.

“We have seen a boom in the lion numbers, especially the cubs. There are so many lions with little ones or young adults. This tells us that the lion numbers have increased.”

As we leave, a magnificent lioness stands tall on a towering anthill, her golden fur gleaming in the sunlight, her piercing amber eyes scanning the horizon, surveying her domain, ever vigilant for any sign of danger.

- The Science of Lion Conservation

Scientists have been working tirelessly to understand the lion's biology, behavior and ecology.

This knowledge has been used to develop innovative conservation strategies such as collaring lions to track their movements and identifying key habitats.

Yussuf Wato, the Biodiversity, Research and Innovation Program manager at the World Wide Fund for Nature Kenya (WWF-Kenya), says a lot of factors have contributed to the lion boom.

“Lions are the iconic symbol of Africa, and their recovery in Kenya is a beacon of hope for the future of this continent's wildlife. The increase in numbers in Kenya has defied global trends,” Wato said.

He added that the current census was more accurate and efficient as researchers used the spatially explicit capture-recapture (SECR) method for estimating lion populations, which is a non-invasive method.

“The recovery of Kenya's lion population is due to the power of conservation. Conservation organizations have implemented a variety of initiatives to prevent human-wildlife conflicts, such as predator-proof bomas (enclosures), lion lights and community-led conservancies," Wato said.

Predator-proof bomas are fortified enclosures that protect livestock from lions at night, while lion lights are flashing lights that deter lions from approaching human settlements.

A study published in the journal Frontiers in Conservation Science found that predator bomas reduced livestock predation by 80%.

In addition, a study published in the journal Oryx found that lion lights reduced lion attacks on livestock by 70%.

- Community-Based Conservation

There has also been a rise in the number of community-led conservancies, which are protected areas that are managed by local communities, giving 100% of the revenue in tourism funds back to the community and providing a safe haven for lions and other wildlife.

Wato also noted that the conservancies have helped reduce the number of lions killed in retaliation for livestock predation.

"When communities benefit from lion conservation, they are more likely to support it," he said.

“Increased investment in conservation, the establishment of conservancies, and the involvement of local communities have all played a role. I am optimistic about the future of lions in Kenya, and I believe that these majestic creatures can continue to thrive for generations to come,” Wato added.

Azzedine Downes, president and CEO of the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), told Anadolu that such community conservancies limit human-wildlife conflict.

"The issue of human-wildlife conflict, it always increases when there isn't enough space. So that is why it is so critical. The issue of sharing the earth is really what it's about; animals and people thriving together in a place that we call home.”

One example of a successful community-based conservation initiative is the Maasai Mara Wildlife Conservancies Association.

The association represents a network of more than 150 conservancies, each thoughtfully overseen by Maasai communities, offering a secure sanctuary for lions and diverse wildlife, all the while contributing substantially to the economic vitality of local communities.

- The Future of Lion Conservation

Kenya's success story in lion conservation offers hope for the future of these majestic creatures.

Lions have earned a place on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List of threatened species, a designation of utmost concern.

A study from the IUCN has sounded the alarm, revealing a disheartening 43% decline in the African lion population between 1993 and 2014.

By learning from Kenya's example, experts say other countries can develop innovative strategies to protect and boost their own lion populations.

David Mascall, a lion expert, warns that if nothing is done, the future of lions across Africa is grim, “and future generations might not see these lions, maybe in a picture in a book.”

Philip Muruthi, Vice President of Species, Conservation and Science at the Africa Wildlife Foundation (AWF), emphasized to Anadolu that “largely, the lion populations are stable. Lions are an important asset and must be conserved for the benefit of people and the ecological role they play in the ecosystem.”

Kenya's lions are a symbol of hope for the future, proving that governments working with communities can still turn the tide for wildlife conservation.