Lion Program

Why do lions sometimes climb trees? We talked to Panthera lion experts Paolo Strampelli, Kristoffer Everatt and Philipp Henschel to help us explain this phenomenon — which is actually more common than you might think! 

In 2024, Panthera, the Direction des Parcs Nationaux (DPN) of Senegal and the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) embarked on one of the most ambitious wildlife monitoring efforts ever attempted in a protected area in Africa. 

Did you know that lions sometimes hunt elephants and crocodiles? Dr. Kris Everatt, Conservation Scientist and Panthera Canada Director, is intrigued by this phenomenon. Learn more about these unusual behaviors in his blog. 

Learn all about why, when and how male lions form coalitions as well as insight into the importance this phenomenon has for wild cat conservation. 

Wild cats have a reputation for being solitary. But there are exceptions to this rule, most notably amongst cheetahs and, of course, lions. For the largest cats roaming Africa’s plains, fraternal alliances are key to successfully passing on their genes.

Last month, our team had the incredible fortune of discovering a den of four-day-old lion cubs nestled in the heart of Kafue National Park. This heartwarming sight served as a powerful confirmation that our dedicated efforts to help lions in the park are yielding positive results. Later, when a nearby fire threatened the den, we intervened to save the cubs, bolstered by the progress we were making.

Did you know that wild cat ranges collectively cover 74 percent of the Earth’s landmass? These habitats occur in three of every four Key Biodiversity Areas, sites that contribute significantly to the planet’s biodiversity and overall health. By preventing wildlife disease, preserving water quality and supporting carbon storage, wild cats make these biodiverse areas healthier.

Learn about how we work with partners in Angola, a landscape critical to the survival of numerous African carnivores, including wild cats. Hear from a woman community game guard about what makes her job so important to wild cats — and us.  

In a country of lions, leopards and cheetahs, we are uncovering mysteries every day. But on the plains of Angola, we still have much to learn about the under-researched state of the country’s wildlife.

It’s quite the paradox — when we protect goats and cattle, we also save lions. But in Africa, where we work to protect a variety of different cat species, including cheetahs, leopards and, of course, the largest of the African cats, the lion, this is true.

In this blog, learn from Panthera Senegal lion tracker Mouhamadou Mody Ndiaye about a day in his daily life. Find out what it takes to work to protect Senegal’s Critically Endangered lions as you walk through the brush with him. 

My eyes scan the brush, searching for the elusive manes and paws of the largest felid in West Africa. Finally, a shaggy brown coat comes into view. Click! I take a photograph — one critical to helping the lions of this landscape.

The lions of both Africa and India are creatures who have captured the imaginations of people for millennia. But we also must acknowledge that their numbers have declined to roughly 24,000 individuals. For a variety of factors, including poaching and habitat loss, lions are growing more and more threatened.