Spatial ecology of lions in a small, semi-fenced park surrounded by dense human populations: the case study of Nairobi National Park, Kenya

Environmental Biolog

DNA metabarcoding illuminates the contribution of small and very small prey taxa to the diet of lions

Environmental Biolog

Effectiveness of a LED flashlight technique in reducing livestock depredation by lions (Panthera leo) around Nairobi National Park, Kenya

Conservation Biolog

Whole genome sequencing and the application of a SNP panel reveal primary evolutionary lineages and genomic variation in the lion (Panthera leo)

Background Previous phylogeographic studies of the lion (Panthera leo) have improved our insight into the distribution of genetic variation, as well as a revised taxonomy which now recognizes a northern (Panthera leo leo) and a southern (Panthera leo melanochaita) subspecies. However, existing whole range phylogeographic studies on lions either consist of very limited numbers of samples, or are focused on mitochondrial DNA and/or a limited set of microsatellites. The geographic extent of genetic lineages and their phylogenetic relationships remain uncertain, clouded by massive sampling gaps, sex-biased dispersal and incomplete lineage sorting. Results In this study we present results of low depth whole genome sequencing and subsequent variant calling in ten lions sampled throughout the geographic range, resulting in the discovery of >150,000 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs). Phylogenetic analyses revealed the same basal split between northern and southern populations, as well as four population clusters on a more local scale. Further, we designed a SNP panel, including 125 autosomal and 14 mitochondrial SNPs, which was tested on >200 lions from across their range. Results allow us to assign individuals to one of these four major clades (West & Central Africa, India, East Africa, or Southern Africa) and delineate these clades in more detail. Conclusions The results presented here, particularly the validated SNP panel, have important applications, not only for studying populations on a local geographic scale, but also for tracing samples of unknown origin for forensic purposes, and for guiding conservation management of ex situ populations. Thus, these genomic resources not only contribute to our understanding of the evolutionary history of the lion, but may also play a crucial role in conservation efforts aimed at protecting the species in its full diversity.Environmental Biolog

Human-Lion conflict around Nairobi National Park: Lion (Panthera leo melanochaita, Hamilton Smith, 1842) Population Structure, Landscape Use and Diet, in a Semi-Fenced Park

Large carnivore population is globally declining as a result of the fragmentation of habitat, large prey depletion and retaliatory killing by pastoralists. Despite Kenya declaring approximately 8 percent of the land as wildlife protected areas, there are less than 2000 lions left in the wild. This trend is worrying and Kenya Wildlife Service developed conserve and manage large carnivores’ strategy. This justify the reason for Nairobi Lion Research Project. Understanding the factors influencing human–lion conflicts would reduce retaliatory killing of lions and improve conservation of lions. Therefore, the aim of this study is to ensure conservation of lions in NNP and in the surrounding areas, specifically in relation to human–lion conflicts. It focuses on population size and pride structure, home ranges and movements, prey choice and diets and examine socio-economic aspects of lion–livestock conflicts and application of LED flashlights. I found that Nairobi National Park has high lion’s density per100 km2, small home range and avoid the urban fringe of Nairobi City. They supplement diet with very small prey (Conservation Biolog