Authors
Stanslaus B Mwampeta, Eivin Røskaft, Robert Fyumagwa, Jerrold L Belant
Publication date
2024/1
Source
Mammal Review
Volume
54
Issue
1
Pages
47-62
Description
  1. Since the 1990s, the number of lions (Panthera leo) has declined by about 43% across African range states. Reliable lion population estimates can contribute to effective management and inform local and international conservation policies. Though many survey methods have been used to estimate lion abundance, an assessment of their usefulness and effectiveness is lacking.
  2. We reviewed and identified available methods used to estimate lion populations, then investigated their feasibility, cost‐effectiveness and suitability to achieve primary objectives.
  3. We identified 12 methods in two categories: direct (minimum counts, call‐in surveys, capture–recapture, opportunistic sightings, remote cameras, distance‐based and aerial counts) and indirect (track counts, secondary information, prey‐based, genetic samples and roar counts).
  4. We identified 48 studies (57%) in which lion population estimation was not …
Total citations
20241
Scholar articles
SB Mwampeta, E Røskaft, R Fyumagwa, JL Belant - Mammal Review, 2024