Rangers lead conservation efforts to protect Uganda’s lions
In a pioneering move for African wildlife conservation, Ugandan park rangers are spearheading efforts to monitor the country's lion population. A recent study published in Nature Communications Biology highlights the crucial role these rangers play in protecting one of Africa's most iconic species.
The research, conducted in Uganda's largest protected area, Murchison Falls National Park, reveals that the Nile Delta region is a critical stronghold for African lions. Rangers from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, trained in advanced survey techniques, estimated a significant lion density of 13.91 per 100 square kilometres in this area.
This initiative not only showcases Uganda's commitment to wildlife conservation but also demonstrates a cost-effective approach. The ranger-led surveys proved to be 50% more economical than traditional methods using camera traps.
Dr Alex Braczkowski, the study's lead author, praised the rangers as "unsung heroes of wildlife conservation." Their intimate knowledge of the landscape and animal behaviour has proven invaluable in this research.
Despite challenges such as poaching and oil exploration in the region, this study positions Uganda as a leader in innovative conservation practices. It also highlights the potential for similar ranger-led initiatives across Africa, offering hope for the future of the continent's endangered wildlife.
Source: Science Daily
