Lions continue to thrive in Akagera National Park with their number now having grown to 58 lions, according to the park's management. As noted, lions, once totalling up to 300 individuals, were completely wiped out from Akagera, central Africa's largest protected wetland and the last remaining refuge for savannah-adapted species in Rwanda, in 2001. Following a 15-year absence, seven lions were translocated from South Africa and returned to the area. In 2017, two more males were translocated to increase genetic diversity in the community. ALSO READ: Akagera park says 2022 their best year yet as safari industry rebounds Now, according to the park’s management, the park boasts a ‘completely known’ population, 58 lions. Akagera National Park on Twitter: Lions were extirpated from Akagera by 2001. Following a 15-year absence, 7 lions were reintroduced to the park followed by 2 males in 2017 to add genetic diversity to the population. To date, lions continue to thrive in Akagera and the number of lions has now grown to 58 lions. Lions were extirpated from Akagera by 2001. Following a 15-year absence, 7 lions were reintroduced to the park followed by 2 males in 2017 to add genetic diversity to the population. To date, lions continue to thrive in Akagera and the number of lions has now grown to 58 lions. pic.twitter.com/73nTHxGr1L — Akagera National Park (@AkageraPark) March 26, 2023 ALSO READ: Revenue-sharing scheme inspires communities to protect Akagera National Park Akagera’s Conservation and Research Department works to monitor the growing population of the lions and ensure any changes to the population are documented. For example, “with 21 cubs born in 2022, fully understanding the family tree is key in supporting future management decisions,” they said in a statement. ALSO READ: Arrival of white rhinos boosts Rwanda tourism “Routine tracking on the ground, coupled with sightings and reports from other staff and guests allow the department to better understand the population.” As noted, tracking gives them an opportunity to assess lions’ social structure, group interactions, diet and individuals’ health and condition. This has further ensured there is no poaching of lions and no human-lion conflict along the park boundaries since the animals’ reintroduction. ALSO READ: Rwanda launches air balloon rides in Akagera park As noted, all signs now suggest the lions have settled in well to Akagera and are behaving normally. As of now, there are two main prides; one in the north and one south of the park. “Both prides associate with one dominant coalition of males. A third smaller pride uses the northern-extreme of the park, and four subordinate coalitions move throughout the park, avoiding the more dominant males,” the statement read. Akagera National Park is Rwanda's only Big Five destination. It hosts populations of lion, leopard, elephant, black rhino and buffalo. The Big Five wildlife – the African Elephant, the lion, the leopard, the African Buffalo and the Rhinoceros, are believed to be the animals that balance the ecosystem. ALSO READ: Rhinos return to complete 'The Big Five' of Akagera park
