A study assessing 186 protected areas (PAs) across 24 African countries found that about 60% are effectively conserving African lions and their prey. While this reflects moderate success, significant room for improvement remains. Key factors influencing effectiveness include adequate funding, staffing, and active human-wildlife conflict mitigation to reduce retaliatory killings. The study also emphasizes the importance of robust monitoring and research to guide adaptive management strategies. Persistent threats—such as poaching, habitat loss, and insufficient resources—still jeopardize lion populations. To enhance PA performance, the study recommends increasing investment in park infrastructure, engaging local communities through participatory conservation, and expanding data-driven decision-making. These steps are vital for securing the future of Africa’s lions and the ecosystems they help anchor.
