Lions have lost approximately 84% of their historic range across Africa. As the remaining populations contend with smaller, more isolated areas, our concerns deepen. These islands on the landscape may now contend with genetic inbreeding if connectivity is not maintained. The Okavango Region of northern Botswana is part of the last stronghold for lions in southern Africa, yet connectivity between the Delta and other protected areas is still undocumented. In fact, according to the IUCN Red List, Lions no longer inhabit the region between the northern Okavango and the border with Namibia.
However, we have evidence that could help EXPAND lion range and prove critical connectivity for this essential lion habit.
We received a grant from WWF to conduct extensive lion surveys across NG11, NG13 and NG14 (map below) to determine lion population connectivity and dispersal routes. After extensive training with our collaborators at Oxford’s WILD CRU (photo above, Robynne Kotze and Botilo Tshimologo), we set up over 30 stations to provide proof that lions reside between the Okavango and the Namibian border. On August 31, we received the first lion photos from our survey- a lioness with two subadult males residing firmly in NG11!
As we expand our surveys over the next several years, we hope to provide ample evidence that the woodlands north of the Okavango are not devoid of lions, but actually a thriving habitat with multiple breeding females and ample wild prey. Based on the conversations we’ve had with local villagers and the evidence we’ve collected; we believe that in the end we will expand the range map for lions instead of reporting another loss.
As we scale up our survey across NG11, NG13 and NG14. Watch this space for more details as we learn more.
