Kruger National Park lion study reveals critical findings
New research by EWT and partners shows Kruger lions face pressures from poaching and environmental factors, highlighting the need for stronger protection efforts.
PHALABORWA – The Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area, spanning South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, remains one of the last strongholds for lions (Panthera leo) in southern Africa.
At its core lies Kruger National Park (KNP), which serves as a critical source population for surrounding reserves.
Outdated data sparks new survey
According to Eleanor Momberg of the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), a park-wide survey conducted in 2005 estimated that the lion population was at 1 803 individuals.
With the data more than two decades old and growing reports of poaching, particularly in the northern regions, concerns about the current state of lions intensified.
2024 Survey focuses on Northern Kruger
In 2024, EWT, in partnership with Sanparks and the Lion Recovery Fund, conducted a new survey in the northern half of the park.
The study was built on a 2023 survey in the Nxanatseni North region, where 105 lions were recorded over three months using search encounters and camera traps.
In 2024, researchers focused on Nxanatseni South, applying spatial capture-recapture methods.
This technique uses photographs of lions’ whisker spot patterns to identify individuals, improving accuracy by preventing double-counting.
Survey reveals uneven lion distribution
Between July and September 2024, the EWT carnivore conservation team travelled over 10 400 kilometres, recording 182 detections of 74 individual lions, 22 males, and 52 females.
Cubs under one year old were excluded due to high mortality rates.
From this dataset, the population in Nxanatseni South was estimated at 144 lions, with a density of 3.5 lions per 100 square kilometres.
The findings reveal uneven distribution across the study area.
Higher lion densities were recorded in regions with productive soils and abundant grazing, supporting large herbivore populations.
Lower densities were observed in western sections, where mopani woodlands, proximity to communities, and exposure to poaching may be limiting factors.
Other areas showed moderate densities, likely influenced by poor soils, low rainfall, and rugged terrain.
Poaching threats confirmed
Although poaching was not directly measured, evidence of illegal activity was found.
Poached lions were recorded within the study area, particularly along the park’s western boundary and in neighbouring Limpopo National Park in Mozambique.
Conservationists urge stronger protection
Momberg warned that the findings are cause for concern.
“These findings are deeply concerning, especially given the critical role KNP plays as a source population for lions across the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area.
“While some areas remain stable, the uneven distribution and lower densities in others highlight increasing pressures on the species.
“Evidence of illegally killed lions underscores the urgency of strengthening protection efforts.
“Continued research will be essential to understand how environmental factors and human pressures are shaping lion populations.”
Further research needed to protect lions
The report concludes that the trends are troubling, given the conservation importance of Kruger’s lions. It calls for further research into the effects of water management and growing human pressures.
