Northeastern CAR: Female Lion Photographed After Six Years, Marking a Key Step in Population Recovery

Edited By : Fatomatou konè

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) captured a significant photograph of a female lion in northeastern Central African Republic (CAR) for the first time in six years, marking an important development in the species’ regional recovery. The image, taken within Bamingui-Bangoran National Park, shows a lactating lioness, indicating the presence of cubs and suggesting ongoing reproduction. Previous camera trap records in the area had only documented male lions, with no evidence of breeding females or offspring, highlighting the rarity and importance of this finding. WCS estimates that the total lion population in this part of CAR remains critically low, numbering only a few dozen individuals.

The habitat in northeastern CAR remains relatively intact and experiences limited human disturbance, providing a foundation for potential wildlife recovery. However, conservation efforts face multiple challenges, including illegal ivory poaching, commercial bushmeat hunting, and unsanctioned resource extraction. These pressures are intensified by the activities of armed groups and persistent regional insecurity, which complicate monitoring and protection measures for vulnerable species. Despite these obstacles, the recent sighting offers cautious optimism about the resilience of lions in this fragile ecosystem.

WCS emphasizes the necessity of continued protection and vigilant management to safeguard this critical habitat and its wildlife. The return of a breeding female lion could signify a pivotal moment for conservation in northeastern CAR, underscoring the broader importance of preserving biodiversity amid ongoing threats. Sustained efforts and collaboration among local authorities, conservation organizations, and communities will be essential to ensure the survival and growth of the lion population in this region.