Resolving a conservation dilemma: Vulnerable lions eating endangered zebras

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Conservation Biology
• Wildlife Management

Background:

• Predator-prey dynamics are crucial for ecosystem stability.
• Recovering predator populations can impact prey species, raising conservation concerns.
• The interaction between lions (Panthera leo) and endangered Grevy's zebra (Equus grevyi) in Laikipia, Kenya, requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the top-down pressure exerted by lions on Grevy's zebra and plains zebra populations.
• To determine if lion predation rates on Grevy's zebras are sufficient to drive population declines.
• To identify the primary threats to Grevy's zebra recovery in Laikipia County.

Main Methods:

• Line transect surveys to estimate zebra densities.
• Satellite telemetry to track movements of lions and zebras.
• Analysis of predation rates by comparing field data with random encounter models.

Main Results:

• Lions preyed on Grevy's zebras significantly less than expected in 94% of scenarios.
• Lions preyed on plains zebras as expected or less than expected in 94% of scenarios.
• Grevy's zebra population trend suggests stabilization, with tripled recruitment rates since 2004.

Conclusions:

• Lion predation is unlikely to be the primary driver of Grevy's zebra population dynamics.
• Competitive displacement by livestock and interference competition with plains zebras are the predominant threats to Grevy's zebra recovery.
• Conservation efforts should focus on mitigating livestock and interspecific competition impacts.