South African National Parks (SANParks) has launched a new survey of the lion population in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in partnership with the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT).

The survey will run until October 2026 and aims to provide researchers with a clearer understanding of the park’s lion population, including the number of lions, where they are found and how they move across the landscape.

Lions play an important role in maintaining the balance of the Kgalagadi ecosystem, making accurate population data essential for effective conservation and management.

Researchers using cameras and vehicle surveys

Field teams will operate across different sections of the park, using vehicle-based surveys and camera traps to gather information on lions.

Visitors may encounter SANParks and EWT research vehicles carrying official branding while the survey is underway.

Researchers may also occasionally stop near lions to photograph their whisker spot patterns.

Every lion has a unique arrangement of whisker spots, allowing researchers to identify individual animals and build a more accurate record of the population.

The technique enables researchers to track individual lions over time and improve their understanding of population numbers and movements.

Visitors urged to give wildlife space

SANParks has urged visitors to exercise caution and give both wildlife and research teams sufficient space during the survey.

Tourists are asked to maintain a respectful distance from lions and other animals, avoid crowding wildlife or research vehicles and follow instructions from SANParks officials and researchers.

The cooperation of visitors is important to ensure that the research can be conducted safely without disturbing the animals or interfering with the survey teams.

Supporting long-term lion conservation

The information collected during the survey will contribute to the long-term management and conservation of lions in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

By improving knowledge of the population size, distribution and movements of lions, SANParks and its conservation partners will be better positioned to make informed management decisions.

The research is ultimately aimed at supporting the continued survival of lions and protecting the wider Kgalagadi ecosystem on which the species and other wildlife depend.

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