From NPR · · 1m 20s
Ten lions poisoned in Tanzania game reserve
Wildlife officials suspect poison killed lions in a protected area where humans and animals compete for resources.
In brief
Wildlife officials suspect poison killed lions in a protected area where humans and animals compete for resources. Large animals across East Africa face mounting threats from poisoning as they clash with human communities over land and livestock. Originally reported by NPR.
Ten lions found dead in Tanzania
Wildlife officials discovered the dead lions on Friday in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and major tourist destination that also hosts pastoral communities raising cattle.
Poison suspected as cause
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority says preliminary findings suggest the lions died after ingesting poison and has launched a full investigation to identify those responsible.
“Preliminary findings suggest the animals may have died after ingesting poison”
Pattern across East Africa
Kenya is investigating the deaths of 18 elephants from suspected poisoning over the summer, with four people arrested. Preliminary tests showed the elephants may have ingested cyanide.
Pesticides and human conflict
Tomato farmers in Kenya's Amboseli region are known to use banned pesticides on their crops, though growers deny using cyanide. Large animals frequently clash with humans over resources across East Africa.
Tanzania's lions under pressure
Tanzania is home to about half the world's wild lions, Africa's largest lion population, but they are listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature due to habitat loss and poaching.
The short version
Large animals across East Africa face mounting threats from poisoning as they clash with human communities over land and livestock.
