Lion numbers in the country are at a critical low while hyenas are faring well across four major protected areas in Uganda, according to new survey findings co-led by Griffith University, Southern University of Science and Technology (China) and Northern Arizona University.
Researchers unveiled the first comprehensive population estimate of Uganda’s lions, leopards, and spotted hyenas in nearly two decades.
Conducted across six major protected areas – including the 4000 km2 Murchison Falls and the 2400 km2 Queen Elizabeth Conservation Area – this innovative study was a collaborative feat involving more than 100 conservation stakeholders. Using advanced spatial capture-recapture methods set a new standard for wildlife monitoring in Africa, the findings are already influencing conservation policy, and served as the foundation for Uganda’s new Strategic Action Plan for Large Carnivore Conservation (2023-2033).
Lions are in decline across most protected areas while hyenas show resilience
The study showed that populations of lions in the Queen Elizabeth and Kidepo Valley National Parks were critically low, with fewer than 40 and 20 individuals remaining respectively.
In contrast, spotted hyena populations appear to be faring well with the Murchison Falls National Park population holding Africa’s largest density recorded to date at 45 individuals per 100 km².
The radically different numbers of hyenas displaying resilience could be indicative of a trophic imbalance.
“We could be seeing a release in hyena numbers as populations of lions decline,” Griffith University lead researcher Dr Alexander Braczkowski said.
“However in places like Murchison Falls, we are seeing high densities of all three species, lions, hyenas, and leopards.”
Murchison Falls National Park is the last critical lion stronghold in Uganda
The study identified the Murchison Falls National Park (Uganda’s largest protected area) as a vital area for lion conservation.
The region supported high lion densities (seven lions per 100 km²) and an abundance of 240 individuals in a 3233 km² sampling area compared with Queen Elizabeth and Kidepo Valley despite significant pressures from wire snare poaching and oil exploration, making it a critical priority conservation area in the country.
Leopards holding on across most of the country
While leopard densities varied, Murchison Falls recorded some of the highest in Africa at 14 individuals per 100km², the highest recorded to date in Africa.