The Congo Lion

[Ngala]

Photo and information credits: Philipp Henschel
"Gabon’s sole lion still on the prowl in Plateaux Batéké National Park!
The adult male lion, first photo-trapped in the park in January 2015, is currently the only wild lion surviving in Gabon, since the species became extinct in the country the mid-1990ies. After a few months without new records, the male was repeatedly filmed by camera traps in July (see photo) and September, through efforts from Panthera, The Aspinall Foundation (TAF) and Gabon’s National Park Agency (ANPN). A real breakthrough was the collection of a hair sample from the lion one week ago, discovered in the cracks of the bark of a tree the lion marked, while following its spoor. This sample will permit the establishment of the genetic makeup of this lion, hopefully helping to assess his origin and to identify suitable females for release into the area, should the Gabonese authorities aim to reestablish a breeding lion population in Batéké. There are two recognized sub-species of lion in Africa, and this lion is located on the limit between the two, and could belong to either. We will know more soon…"

*This image is copyright of its original author

Reply