West African Lion

The West African lion (Panthera leo leo) is one of the most endangered lion subspecies, with fewer than 400 individuals surviving in fragmented populations across West and Central Africa. Found primarily in Benin, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Senegal, these lions face threats from habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. Conservation projects focus on protected area management, anti-poaching, and community-based conservation to secure their future.

Key Projects Protecting the West African Lion

1. W-Arly-Pendjari (WAP) Complex Conservation Program

  • The WAP Complex, spanning Benin, Burkina Faso, and Niger, is home to the largest remaining population of West African lions.
  • Managed through partnerships between the governments of the three countries, African Parks, and the EU-funded ECOFAC program.
  • Conservation actions include:
    • Anti-poaching patrols and ranger training.
    • Habitat restoration and prey population recovery.
    • Cross-border coordination for wildlife movement and law enforcement.
  • The Pendjari National Park (Benin) and W National Park (Niger) are managed by African Parks, which has significantly reduced poaching and increased wildlife numbers.

2. Niokolo-Koba National Park (Senegal) Lion Recovery Project

  • Managed by Panthera in collaboration with the Senegalese National Parks Directorate.
  • Focuses on protecting one of the last viable lion populations in West Africa, estimated at fewer than 40 individuals.
  • Key actions include:
    • 24/7 ranger patrols supported by advanced monitoring technology.
    • Camera trap surveys and genetic research to track population health.
    • Community engagement programs to reduce conflict and promote coexistence.
  • This project has led to the first documented lion cub births in the park in decades, signaling population recovery.

3. Panthera’s West and Central Africa Lion Program

  • A regional initiative by Panthera, the global wild cat conservation organization.
  • Works across multiple countries to:
    • Strengthen law enforcement capacity in protected areas.
    • Support scientific research on lion genetics and ecology.
    • Develop corridors linking isolated lion populations.
  • Panthera also partners with local NGOs and government agencies to promote sustainable livelihoods that reduce pressure on lion habitats.

4. ECOFAC (Ecosystèmes Forestiers d’Afrique Centrale et de l’Ouest) Initiative

  • Funded by the European Union, ECOFAC supports biodiversity conservation and transboundary management across the WAP Complex.
  • Provides funding for ranger training, infrastructure, and community developmentto align conservation with local needs.
  • Encourages regional cooperation among West African nations to protect shared wildlife resources.

5. Community-Based Conservation and Human-Lion Conflict Mitigation

  • Programs led by African Parks, Panthera, and local NGOs help communities coexist with lions by:
    • Implementing livestock compensation schemes.
    • Building predator-proof enclosures for cattle.
    • Promoting eco-tourism as a sustainable income source.
  • These initiatives reduce retaliatory killings and foster local support for lion conservation.

Supporting Organizations

  • African Parks
  • Panthera
  • European Union (ECOFAC Program)
  • Government of Benin, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Senegal
  • Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)
  • National Parks Directorates of West African nations

The Broader Mission
The survival of the West African lion depends on coordinated protection across the W-Arly-Pendjari Complex and Niokolo-Koba National Park, supported by African Parks, Panthera, and ECOFAC. Through anti-poaching, scientific monitoring, and community engagement, these projects are rebuilding one of Africa’s most threatened lion populations and preserving a vital part of the region’s natural heritage.