South African National Parks (SANParks), in collaboration with the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), has launched an exciting new lion research project in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, a premier wildlife destination spanning South Africa and Botswana. The initiative aims to gather essential scientific data on the park’s lion population—determining how many lions live here, where they roam, and how they navigate this vast arid landscape.
Lions are apex predators that play a critical role in maintaining a balanced and healthy ecosystem. To manage and conserve them effectively, SANParks needs accurate, up-to-date information on their numbers, movement patterns, and territories. Over the coming months, field teams will use safe, non-invasive research methods - such as remote cameras, track identification, visitor sightings, and detailed photographic records - to build a comprehensive understanding of the park’s lion dynamics.
Visitors to Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park may notice clearly marked SANParks or EWT research vehicles. Researchers may occasionally approach lions briefly to capture identification photographs, focusing on distinctive features such as whisker spot patterns, scars, and other unique markings.
SANParks kindly requests all guests to give research teams plenty of space and to drive respectfully without crowding lions. By doing so, visitors actively contribute to the success of this conservation effort.
Guests with questions about the project are encouraged to speak to SANParks staff at reception. Researchers may also be available for informal, safe conversations in designated public areas, offering visitors a unique opportunity to learn more about lion conservation firsthand.
This collaboration between SANParks and the EWT marks a significant step forward in protecting one of Africa’s most iconic and endangered predators- and offers every park visitor the chance to be part of that story.
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