a lion sitting in a tree staring directly into the camera

Why we don’t really know how many lions live in Africa

Counting lions is surprisingly complicated, but a new method promises more accuracy and detail, scientists say.

A lioness rests in the fork of a tree in Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park. With lion numbers rapidly depleting, researchers say it’s crucial to have clear and accurate population estimates to help guide conservation efforts.

Lions have experienced a shocking decline; that much is clear. They’ve disappeared from well over 90 percent of their historic range in Africa in the last 120 years. And in the past quarter century alone, their population has declined by about half.

But just how many lions are left in Africa? The answer is surprisingly fuzzy. The most commonly cited estimate is 20,000, but many lion researchers aren’t entirely comfortable with that number.

It’s “based largely on guesswork rather than science,” says Nic Elliot, a lion researcher at Oxford University. “We just don’t know how many there are in Africa.”

Lions are difficult to count because they have low population densities, are mostly active at night, blend in with their surroundings,

Unlock this story for free
Create an account to read the full story and get unlimited access to hundreds of Nat Geo articles.

Unlock this story for free

Want the full story? Sign up to keep reading and unlock hundreds of Nat Geo articles for free.
Already have an account?
SIGN IN

Read This Next

Why are these orcas killing sharks and removing their livers?
How to eat in 6 of the world’s most stunning places
Cliff art reveals the majesty of the Amazon’s aquatic realm

Go Further

Subscriber Exclusive Content

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet