Dissertations / Theses: 'Panthera leo'

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Elliot, Nicholas Bryant. "The ecology of dispersal in lions (Panthera leo)." Thesis, University of Oxford, 2014. http://ora.ox.ac.uk/objects/uuid:0cc8101b-1048-44ef-921e-1b44a2356c7e.

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As ecosystems become increasingly fragmented, there has been a proliferation of research into fields such as resource use, movement ecology and habitat connectivity. To understand how species may adapt to threats associated with habitat fragmentation it is necessary to study these processes in dispersing individuals. However, this is seldom done. Dispersal is one of the most important life-history traits involved in species persistence and evolution, but the consequences of dispersal are determined primarily by those that survive to reproduce. Although dispersal is most effectively studied as a three-stage process (departure, transience and settlement), empirical studies rarely do so and an investigation into the entire process has probably never been carried out on any one species. Here I investigate the survival, resource use, movement ecology and connectivity of African lions (Panthera leo) in all three dispersal phases in addition to adulthood. I make use of a longterm dataset incorporating radio-telemetry and observational data from lions in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe. Dispersal is inherently risky and my results show that male lions that disperse while young suffer high mortality, young dispersal being brought about by high off-take of territorial males. Dispersing males may be aware of risks associated with territorial adults as they position themselves far from them and utilise habitats and resources differently. However, dispersers, compared to adult males and females, are far less averse of risky, anthropogenic landscapes, suggesting they are the demographic most prone to human-lion conflict. The ontogenetic movement behaviour of lions reflects a transition from directional movement during transience, suggestive of sequential search strategies, to random or periodic use of a fixed territory after settlement. In terms of habitat connectivity, I show that radically different conclusions emerge depending on which demographic is used to parameterise connectivity models. Understanding the shifting mechanisms that species adopt throughout ontogeny is critical to their conservation in an increasingly fragmented world.

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du, Preez Byron Dennis. "The impact of intraguild competition with lion (Panthera leo) on leopard (Panthera pardus) behavioural ecology." Thesis, University of Oxford, 2014. http://ora.ox.ac.uk/objects/uuid:6c17014e-2c58-40e5-866e-d1ce88fe0e89.

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Single-species research dominates the field of ecology; however there is a growing appreciation of the importance of a multi-species approach to holistic conservation. Carnivores exert a top-down control on other species, and are vital components of stable ecosystem functioning. Physiologically adapted for predation upon other animals, competition between carnivores can be particularly aggressive; frequently resulting in mortality, and even population suppression. Big cat research has historically focused on those species that are most easily observable; in particular the lion Panthera leo. The majority of the Felidae however are secretive and elusive, and receive relatively little scientific attention. In particular, there are few data available that measure the effect of direct intraguild interactions between carnivores. Using leopards Panthera pardus as a model species, this research aimed to investigate the impact of lions on the behavioural ecology of a socially subordinate carnivore. Leopards are the most abundant large carnivore in Africa, and have the largest global range of all felids; their ecological niche overlapping with that of both lions and tigers. The knowledge gained from examining their competitive interactions is therefore widely relevant, and may be applicable to other subordinate carnivore species that remain unstudied. Biotelemetry and camera-trap data were modelled using novel algorithms to show that lions impact on leopard population density, demographics and spatial ecology. Faecal analyses suggest that dietary niche segregation may facilitate sympatry. These results indicate the level of impact that large carnivores can exert over smaller species, and the potential for a focus on single-species conservation to undermine holistic conservation. The manifestation of intraguild competition has a significant influence on an animal’s ecology; leopards are generalist species that cope with persecution by adapting their behaviour and niche. Ecological specialists may not fare as well under competitive pressure, and proactive conservation initiatives may be required for endangered species.

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Spong, Göran. "Genetic consequences of dispersal and social behavior in lions, Panthera leo /." Uppsala : Acta Universitatis Upsaliensis : Univ.-bibl. [distributör], 2001. http://publications.uu.se/theses/91-554-5129-2/.

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Funston, PJ, MGL Mills, PRK Richardson, and Jaarsveld AS Van. "Reduced dispersal and opportunistic territory acquisition in male lions (Panthera leo)." Journal of Zoology, 2003. http://encore.tut.ac.za/iii/cpro/DigitalItemViewPage.external?sp=1000875.

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Life-history patterns in lions Panthera leo living in savanna woodlands of the Kruger National Park, South Africa, were investigated and compared with those of the Tanzanian ‘plains-like’ ecosystems (e.g. Serengeti Plains and Ngorongoro Crater). First, lower levels of mortality in the juvenile age classes were found in Kruger lions, which in turn, extend the inter-birth period. A further difference was a prolonged period of association of sub-adult males with their natal pride, either directly or in a land tenure system that has not been described previously. Most (80%) of young male coalitions rather than becoming nomadic, remained close to their natal territory after leaving the pride, either as non-territorial sub-adults or adults and even as territorial adults. Only 20% of coalitions did not stay close to their natal range, one of which acquired a territory 20 km away from its natal pride. The pattern of territory acquisition, in fact, was one in which the majority of holders acquired territories close to their natal ranges. These behaviour patterns contrast markedly with those from ‘plains-like’ ecosystems where dispersing males usually move far away from their natal pride’s range (>200) km and often remain nomadic for extended periods of time. Dense bush and access to sufficient prey resources in the form of resident buffalo Syncerus caffer herds may be important factors allowing extended residence near the natal pride’s territory. Buffalo were more available in our study area habitat than in neighbouring habitats, and comprised the majority of male lion kills. Extended male residence contrasts markedly with current theory on dispersal in polygynous mammals, which holds that only one sex (females for lions) gain an advantage by staying close to the territory of their natal pride. In Kruger it seems that both sexes gain an advantage by not dispersing far, and use currently undocumented mechanisms to avoid inbreeding.

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Funston, PJ, MGL Mills, PKR Richardson, and Jaarsveld AS van. "Reduced dispersal and opportunistic territory acquisition in male lions (Panthera leo)." Journal of Zoology, 2003. http://encore.tut.ac.za/iii/cpro/DigitalItemViewPage.external?sp=1001051.

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Life-history patterns in lions Panthera leo living in savanna woodlands of the Kruger National Park, South Africa, were investigated and compared with those of the Tanzanian ‘plains-like’ ecosystems (e.g. Serengeti Plains and Ngorongoro Crater). First, lower levels of mortality in the juvenile age classes were found in Kruger lions, which in turn, extend the inter-birth period. A further difference was a prolonged period of association of sub-adult males with their natal pride, either directly or in a land tenure system that has not been described previously. Most (80%) of young male coalitions rather than becoming nomadic, remained close to their natal territory after leaving the pride, either as non-territorial sub-adults or adults and even as territorial adults. Only 20% of coalitions did not stay close to their natal range, one of which acquired a territory 20 km away from its natal pride. The pattern of territory acquisition, in fact, was one in which the majority of holders acquired territories close to their natal ranges. These behaviour patterns contrast markedly with those from ‘plains-like’ ecosystems where dispersing males usually move far away from their natal pride’s range (>200) km and often remain nomadic for extended periods of time. Dense bush and access to sufficient prey resources in the form of resident buffalo Syncerus caffer herds may be important factors allowing extended residence near the natal pride’s territory. Buffalo were more available in our study area habitat than in neighbouring habitats, and comprised the majority of male lion kills. Extended male residence contrasts markedly with current theory on dispersal in polygynous mammals, which holds that only one sex (females for lions) gain an advantage by staying close to the territory of their natal pride. In Kruger it seems that both sexes gain an advantage by not dispersing far, and use currently undocumented mechanisms to avoid inbreeding.

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Schildkraut, Rachael. "Characteristation of positive welfare indices in captive african lions (Panthera leo)." Thesis, The University of Sydney, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/2123/16739.

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Providing captive animals with optimal welfare is a key aim of zoos and aquariums and has traditionally been evaluated through “input measures”. These measures are important but fail to capture the experience of the animal, a critical component of welfare. This project is a first step towards developing “output measures” - positive animal-based metrics – to be used as a benchmark to assess the welfare. This study provided a thorough account of captive lion behaviour in modern facilities and compared this behaviour to that of wild conspecifics. Nine adult African lions from three facilities were studied. Hair (unsuccessful) and faecal (successful) sample collection was attempted for measurement of corticosterone levels as a stress indicators. Behavioural data for each lion was also measured daily, collected through instantaneous scans and continuous focal follows. A comprehensive behavioural ethogram and activity budget was generated for captive lions and behaviour was aligned with corticosterone levels. The lions exhibited variation in daily faecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM) levels with few peaks, demonstrating that they were not chronically stressed. Mean baseline FGM levels in dry faeces was 128.96 ± 10.47 ng/g, with significant differences between sexes and facilities. There was no significant relationship between FGM and aggression or activity (p= 0.27). This suggests that prior validations are required to identify certain behaviours as indicators of stress or poor welfare. The results provide an account of captive lion behaviour and FGM levels, in addition to trialling multiple measurements of welfare to provide robust animal welfare assessment. This study is the first step in linking excreted hormones and observed behaviour for captive lions. The results presented provide opportunities for animal institutions to evaluate which aspects of their lion husbandry practices promote optimal lion welfare.

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Tumenta, PN, JS Kok, Rijssel JC van, R. Buij, BM Croes, PJ Funston, Longh HH de, and de Haes HA Udo. "Threat of rapid extermination of the lion (Panthera leo leo) in Waza National Park, Northern Cameroon." Blackwell Publishing Ltd, 2009. http://encore.tut.ac.za/iii/cpro/DigitalItemViewPage.external?sp=1001447.

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Abstract Lion populations in West and Central Africa are small and fragmented. In areas where park management is weak, threats will likely facilitate the extinction of the lion. Wildlife management requires knowledge of the population estimate. The population of lions in Waza National Park (Waza NP) was assessed by individual identification of members in the population. The population was assessed to comprise of 14–21 adult individual lions. The age structure was skewed towards adults; cubs comprised 22% of all lions identified while the sex ratio was 1 : 3. Two out of four collared lions were lost to illegal, retaliatory killings within 1 year; and probably two more males and one more female were also killed during this period. The lion population appears to have declined during the last 5 years with six lions dying per year, which is at a much higher rate than observed in the previous decades. Human-livestock pressure has increased tremendously in this period, resulting to frequent human-lion conflicts. To ensure the survival of the lion in Waza NP and in the entire region, management needs to intensify efforts to mitigate the pressure from humans and their livestock.

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Hartman, Marthinus Jacobus. "Morphology of the female reproductive organs of the African lion (Panthera leo)." Diss., University of Pretoria, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/40695.

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The objectivie of this study was to describe the splanchnology and topography of the female reproductive organs of the African lion. The reproductive organs of three embalmed cadavers from three-year-old known aged nulliparous lionesses weighing between 120 kg and 140 kg were studied. Two fresh carcasses from another study were used for some of the topographical photos since these rendered better quality images. The project was approved by the Animal Use and Care Committee and Research Committee of the University of Pretoria (protocol number V038-09). The topography and splanchnology of the reproductive organs were studied and described in situ and after removal. The kidneys were located far caudally in relation to the thirteenth ribs with the left kidney further caudal. The suspensory ligament was very well developed. It originated in a fan-like manner from the dorso-lateral abdominal wall lateral to the kidney extending up to a few centimetres cranial to the kidney. The proper ligament of the ovary was well developed and consisted of several clearly distinguishable bands. The broad ligament resembled that of the cat with the exeption of the cranial part of the mesovarium being very well developed. The round ligament was well developed and inserted on the medial femoral fascia. It therefore did not extend to the vulva as in other canine and feline species. The left ovary was longer, wider and heavier than its right counterpart and the ovaries were relatively small in relation to body weight. The ovarian bursa had a short mesosalpinx that did not cover any part of the ovary and the fimbriae extended the entire length of the ovary. The urethral tuberculum as well as the urethral crest was very well developed. The left uterine horn was longer than the right and the tip of the uterine horn was located dorsal to the proper ligament. The uterine tube was prominently convoluted, situated entirely on the lateral aspect of the ovary and was found to open directly into the tip of the uterine horn and not onto a papilla. The female reproductive organs of the African lion resemble that of the domestic cat and dog with some major differences especially to the size and development of certain structures. The clinical relevance of these differences has to be debated and some thoughts might include the following: 1) does the suspensory and proper ligaments of the gravid uterus contract to suspend the entire uterus closer to the body wall during hunting since the lioness is the primary hunter in the pride? 2) does the lioness have to roll on her back and extend her back legs after mating to facilitate sperm entering the dorsally located tip of the uterine horn while the round ligament stabilises the terminal part of the uterine horn, and does this have a bearing on the fact that multiple copulations are required over a prolonged period for conception by lions? 3) do more ovulations take place from the bigger left ovary and? 4) are more conceptusses borne by the longer left uterine horn? The anatomical information obtained during this study was subsequently applied in a surgical study on sixteen lionesses using laparoscopy to perform laparoscopic ovariectomy and salpingectomy. The availability of these two laparoscopic procedures subsequently led to a wider interest to its application in population control of lions in the smaller national parks of South Africa.
Dissertation (MMedVet)--University of Pretoria, 2012.
gm2014
Companion Animal Clinical Studies
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Moeller, Michelle-Louise. "Factors affecting lion (Panthera Leo) spatial occurrence in the Zambezi region, Namibia." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/95930.

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Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2014.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Lion populations globally are on the decrease and their habitats are fragmenting. Despite their importance in the Zambezi Region in Namibia, very little research has yet been undertaken to understand their occurrence in this area. One of the primary motivations behind this study was the Kavango Zambezi Trans Frontier Conservation Area’s (KAZA TFCA) need to identify trans-boundary movement of carnivores. The collaborative approach with the Ministry of Environment and Tourism in Namibia facilitated the collaring of lions in three National Parks. A number of species were collared and this study focuses on the occurrence of lions in the Zambezi Region. From the lion home range analysis we could see that the home-range sizes of the collared lions varied greatly across the study area. The difference in home range size is largely due to human pressure surrounding the protected areas. Geographically weighted regression assisted in understanding which were the main drivers of lion occurrence, but further investigation was needed using the Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model for presence-only data. The factors that were investigated as possibly affecting the occurrence of lions included the following: rivers, land cover, land use, elevation and human activity. After pursuing various research models and manipulating data among all these factors, no single factor or combination of factors was found to be reliable predictors on lion occurrence in the study area. As is discussed in recommendations for further research in Chapter 6, it became clear that quantitative data cannot be used in isolation to predict where lions may occur.
AFRIKKANSE OPSOMMING: Leeu-bevolkings is wêreldwyd aan die afneem en hulle habitatte fragmenteer al hoe meer. Ten spyte van hulle intrinsieke belang vir die Zambezi streek in Namibië is daar ‘n gebrek aan navorsing om die voorkome van leeus in hierdie streek te verstaan. ‘n Belangrike motivering vir hierdie studie was die vereiste van die “Kavango Zambezi Trans Frontier Conservation Area” (KAZA TFCA) om grensoorstekende bewegings te verstaan, in onder andere karnivore. In samewerking met KAZA TFCA is GPS-halsbande aangebring aan leeus in drie wildsparke, asook aan individue van ander spesies; hierdie studie fokus spesifiek op leeus in die Zambezi streek. Analise van die leeus se loopgebied toon breë variasies oor die studiegebied, vir die individue met halsbande, hoofsaaklik te wyte aan menslike druk vanuit omliggende nedersettings. Hierdie studie gebruik geografies geweegde regressie om die belangrikste faktore in die teenwoordigheid van leeus te verstaan, terwyl Maximale Entropie modelle (MaxEnt) vir slegs teenwoordigheid data in verdere ondersoeke ingespan is. Die volgende faktore is ondersoek ten opsigte van hulle moontlike bydrae tot die voorkome van leeus: riviere, land bedek, grondgebruik, hoogte en menslike aktiwiteite. Verskeie statistiese navorsingsmodelle is ondersoek, met inagneming van data vir al die faktore, maar geen betroubare aanwyser of aanwysers vir leeu-teenwoordigheid is gevind nie. Dit is duidelik dat bloot kwantitatiewe data ontoereikend is om leeuteenwoordigheid te voorspel, soos uiteengesit in hoofstuk 6.

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Beukes, Barend Otto. "Demographic characteristics of lion (Panthera leo) in the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park." Thesis, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11838/2346.

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Thesis (MTech (Nature Conservation))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2016.
Lions are threatened across their natural range. The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (KTP), comprising the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park (KGNP; South Africa) and Gemsbok National Park (GNP; Botswana), is a stronghold for the species. Population size and demography of lions in the KGNP has been addressed in four historic studies. Studies in mid-1970 and 1990 reported a female biased population whereas in 2010 the sex structure was skewed towards males (56%). The bias in sex ratios towards males was first observed in cubs and sub-adults in 2001 and later, in 2010, throughout the population. Furthermore, in the 2010 assessment of the lion population, a smaller proportion of cubs (< 2 yrs) were observed in comparisons to the preceding studies (10% vs. ≥ 23%). The skew in age and sex structures that were observed in the KGNP led to concerns over the long-term sustainability of the greater KTP lion population. The lion population carries further risks associated with the stochastic, arid environment, in which the KTP lion population persists. Human-lion conflict on the borders of the KTP and anthropogenic alterations of the environment further threaten lion demographic stability.

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Spong, Goran. "Genetic Consequences of Dispersal and Social Behavior in Lions, Panthera leo." Doctoral thesis, Uppsala universitet, Institutionen för evolutionsbiologi, 2001. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-1424.

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This thesis combines behavioral observations of African lions (Panthera leo) with genetic analyses, in an attempt to clarify causes and consequences of lion group living. The numerous complex cooperative behaviors of lions present an excellent opportunity to investigate the evolution and maintenance of group living. This thesis focuses on female group living and male dispersal patterns. Lion sociality is found to be more complex than previously thought. Short dispersal distances result in strong kinship ties among prides, creating the potential for kin selection to operate among prides. Simultaneously, some prides contained unrelated females, depriving females in such prides of inclusive fitness benefits from group living. Concurrent with short dispersal distances in both males and females, significant genetic differentiation could be detected over relatively short distances in analyses of males. Extensive behavioral observations showed that territorial behaviors were unaffected by kinship ties to intruders. Instead, favorable odds and several environmental conditions were important factors. Space use analyses showed large overlap among prides. Again, kinship did not affect degree of overlap. Conclusively, these results show that the ultimate causes of lion sociality remain elusive, but that kin selection may be less important than generally thought. Lion sociality seems to be explicable mainly in terms of direct fitness benefits, which therefore should be given more attention.

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Hartman, Marthinus Jacobus. "Arterial supply and histology of the female reproductive organs of the African lion (Panthera leo)." Diss., University of Pretoria, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/36814.

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This masters project was undertaken to have a better knowledge of the female lion reproductive tract and to equip the author for future surgical studies on this organ system. The objectives of this study were to describe the arterial supply and histology of the female reproductive organs of the African lion. The reproductive organs of three embalmed cadavers and two fresh carcasses from three-year-old known aged nulliparous lionesses weighing between 120 kg and 140 kg were studied. The project was approved by the Animal Use and Care Committee and Research Committee of the University of Pretoria (protocol number V038-09). The arterial supply of the reproductive organs was studied and described in situ and after removal and histology was subsequently performed. A novel technique in Veterinary anatomy involving the maceration of a silicone cast was used in the two fresh carcasses and all five specimens were incorporated in the comparative and arterial studies. Histology was performed on organs from the three embalmed cadavers. The anatomical information obtained during this study was subsequently applied in a surgical study on sixteen lionesses using laparoscopy to perform laparoscopic ovariectomy and salpingectomy. The availability of these two laparoscopic procedures subsequently led to a wider interest to its application in population control of lions in the smaller national parks of South Africa.
Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2013.
gm2014
Anatomy and Physiology
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Cederlund, Joakim. "Behavioural responses of Amur tigers (Panthera tigris altaica) and African lions (Panthera leo) to conspecific urine and to a component of tiger marking fluid." Thesis, Linköpings universitet, Biologi, 2018. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-148053.

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Olfactory signals are an important means of social communication among felids. However, not much is known about how individual volatiles of body-borne odours influence behavioural responses. 2-acetyl-1pyrroline has recently been identified as a characteristic component of tiger marking fluid, while being absent from lion marking fluid. One pride each of captive Amur tigers (Panthera tigris altaica) and African lions (Panthera leo) were presented with wooden logs impregnated with four different odours and their behaviour was observed. The tigers displayed significantly more interactions towards the marking fluid component (2-acetyl-1-pyrroline), the conspecific urine odour, and the fruity odour (iso-pentyl acetate) than towards the near odourless control (diethyl phthalate). The lions displayed significantly more behaviours towards conspecific urine than towards any of the other odours. In general all lions interacted more with the logs than tigers. Hence, these results support the notion that 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline is a species-specific odorant for tiger olfactory communication. Furthermore, the results show that a single compound (2-acetyl-1pyrroline) can elicit behavioural responses to the same degree as a complex chemical mixture (tiger urine). The high number of interactions performed by both species towards the wooden logs impregnated with conspecific urine suggests that conspecific odours are suitable to use as olfactory enrichment for captive felids.

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Lajas, Luís Miguel de Jesus Mota Fernandes. "Survey of parasitic diseases in African-lion (Panthera leo) from Niassa National Reserve, Mozambique." Master's thesis, Universidade de Lisboa. Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10400.5/10852.

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Dissertação de Mestrado Integrado em Medicina Veterinária
Panthera leo - The African lion - is an iconic species of the African continent, classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Once believed to be a widespread species throughout Africa, the African lion is now extinct in most of its range in West Africa and is facing considerable population declines in Eastern and Southern Africa. Niassa National Reserve (NNR) is the largest conservation area in Mozambique and it is also one of the most important conservation areas remaining in Africa. It supports the highest densities of wildlife in the country. It has also been identified as one of the few “lion strongholds” where the species has a better chance of long term survival. Infectious diseases are known to negatively impact the survival of lion populations and are considered a main threat that can significantly impair conservation efforts. However, the impact of parasitic infections has been overlooked and poorly documented in wild lions. To the best of the author’s knowledge, no studies addressing this subject have been conducted on this lion population or any other in Mozambique. In order to characterize the parasitological fauna of these animals, a study was carried out in the Niassa National Reserve, with the full support of the Niassa Carnivore Project and in partnership with the Administration of the Niassa Reserve. In total, 44 lion faecal samples were collected in an area of 600 km² (Concession L5-South), and later processed and analyzed at the Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lisbon University. Results show that 65.9 % (29/44) of the samples were infected with parasites, namely 47.7 % for Toxocara sp., 31.8 % for Aelurostrongylus sp., 27.3 % for Taeniidae, 25 % for Spirometra sp.,18.2 % for Paramphistomum sp. and 13.6 % for Linguatula sp. Out of the 29 positive samples, 72 % (21/29) were co-infected, registering double infection in 21 % (6/29), triple in 34 % (10/29), quadruple in 10 % (3/29) and fivefold in 7 % (2/29). These results are consistent with previous studies performed in the African continent, with the exception of Linguatula sp., which had not yet been reported in wild lions. These results highlight the importance of further studies in this subject, not only with this and other animal species but on human populations as well. In order to carry out the identification of the species of parasites found it to would be important to associate classic parasitology techniques with molecular biology techniques. In the future, it would also be important to complement this study with results regarding the presence of other pathogens such as viruses and bacteria.
RESUMO - O Panthera leo - o Leão-Africano - é uma espécie emblemática do continente Africano, classificada como Vulnerável pela International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Outrora visto como uma espécie abundante em África, o Leão-Africano encontra-se hoje extinto na grande maioria da sua área de distribuição na África Ocidental, e enfrenta declínios populacionais consideráveis na África Oriental e Austral. A Reserva Nacional do Niassa (RNN) é a maior área de conservação em Moçambique e das mais importantes em África. Esta Reserva concentra as maiores densidades de fauna selvagem no país. Esta área foi identificada como um das poucas “fortalezas do leão-africano”, onde a espécie terá melhores hipóteses de sobreviver a longo prazo. As doenças infeciosas são conhecidas por terem impactos negativos na sobrevivência de populações de leões e são consideradas uma das principais causas que pode condicionar os esforços de conservação na espécie. Contudo, o impacto das infeções de origem parasitária tem sido fracamente documentado em leões selvagens. Anteriormente, não foram realizados quaisquer estudos relativos a este tema nesta população de leões ou em qualquer outra em Moçambique. De modo a caracterizar a fauna parasitológica destes animais, foi realizado um estudo na RNN, com o total apoio do Projecto dos Carnívoros do Niassa (NCP) e a Administração da Reserva do Niassa. No total, foram colhidas 44 amostras fecais numa área de cerca de 600 km² (Concessão L5-Sul), que foram posteriormente processadas no Laboratório de Parasitologia e Doenças Parasitárias da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária da Universidade de Lisboa. Os resultados demostraram que 65.9% (29/44) das amostras continham formas parasitárias, nomeadamente: 47.7% continham ovos de Toxocara sp., 31.8% com larvas L1 de Aelurostrongylus sp., 27.3% continham ovos de Taeniidae, 25% com ovos de Spirometra sp., 18.2% continham ovos de Paramphistomum sp., e 13.6% continham ovos de Linguatula sp. Nas 29 amostras positivas, 72% (21/29) foram observadas coinfecções de dois parasitas em 21% (6/29), três em 34% (10/29), quatro em 10% (3/29) e cinco em 7% (2/29). Estes resultados estão de acordo com estudos anteriormente realizados no continente Africano, com exceção de Linguatula sp., que não tinha sido reportado em leões selvagens. Estes resultados revelam a importância da continuação de estudos nesta área, com esta e outras espécies animais e as populações humanas. Para tal seria importante associar as técnicas de parasitologia clássica a técnicas de biologia molecular para proceder à identificação das espécies de parasitas encontradas. De futuro, seria também importante complementar este estudo com resultados relativos à presença de outras agentes como vírus e bactérias.

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Barros, João Bosco Gonçalves de. "Análise morfofuncional do testículo e espermatogênese de leões africanos (Panthera leo, Linnaeus, 1758) adultos." Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 2005. http://locus.ufv.br/handle/123456789/5013.

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The study of the testis morphology and the spermatogenetic process in wild animals is fundamentally important for the knowledge about the physiologic patterns by which the assisted reproduction protocols are established. The following objectives were proposed in this study: to describe the data of both testis morphometry and seminiferous tubule; to quantify the population relationships of the seminiferous epithelium, Sertoli cell indexes, and the testis spermatic reserve, as well as to characterize and describe the arrangement of the intertubular space components in adult African lions (Panthera leo) kept in captivity. So, testis fragments taken from five adult lions proceeding from zoological parks located in São Paulo and Minas Gerais states. The animals were submitted to testis biopsies in order to obtain biological material for the histological evaluation of the obtained fragments. The average body weight of these animals was 183.7 kg, from which 0.015% were allocated in testis mass and 0.009% were specifically in the seminiferous tubules that represented 75.6% of the testis parenchyma. The average diameter of the seminiferous tubules was 252.7 m and the average thickness of the seminiferous epithelium was 93.2 μm. The African lions averaged 12.3 meters for seminiferous tubule per testis gram. In these animals seminiferous epithelium, 10.3 primary spermatocytes at preleptotene phase are produced by A-type spermatogonia. During meiotic divisions, only 2.7 spermatids were produced from primary spermatocytes. The general spermatogenesis production of the African lions kept in captivity was 22.1 cells, and each Sertoli cell was able to sustain and maintain 14.9 cells of the germinative line, from which 7.9 are round spermatids. At each seminiferous epithelium cycle, approximately 103 million spermatozoids are produced by each gram of testis. In relation to the intertubular compartment in African lions testis, about 16% of the testis parenchyma is occupied by Leydig cells, 7.1% by conjunctive tissue, and 0.7% by blood vessels. The average volume of the Leydig cells and their average nuclear diameter were found to be 2578 μm3 and 7.1 μm, respectively. The Leydig cells occupied 0.0019% of the corporal weight, on the average, and their average number for each testis gram was superior to that found for most mammals, as exceeding 50 million.
O estudo da morfologia testicular e do processo espermatogênico em animais selvagens é fundamental para o conhecimento de padrões fisiológicos, pelos quais podem-se estabelecer protocolos em reprodução assistida. Os objetivos deste estudo foram descrever dados de morfometria testicular e túbulo seminífero, quantificar as relações populacionais do epitélio seminífero, índice de células de Sertoli e a reserva espermática testicular, e ainda, caracterizar e descrever o arranjo dos componentes do espaço intertubular, em leões africanos (Panthera leo) adultos, mantidos em cativeiro. Para tal, foram utilizados fragmentos testiculares obtidos de cinco leões adultos, provenientes de Parques Zoológicos dos Estados de São Paulo e Minas Gerais, os quais foram submetidos a biópsias testiculares a fim de se obter material biológico para avaliação histológica dos fragmentos obtidos. Nos animais estudados, o peso corporal médio foi de 183,7 kg, dos quais 0,015% estão alocados em massa testicular e 0,009%, especificamente em túbulos seminíferos, os quais representaram 75,6% do parênquima testicular. O diâmetro médio dos túbulos seminíferos foi de 252,7μm e a espessura média do epitélio seminífero foi de 93,2μm. Os leões africanos apresentaram, em média, 12,3 metros de túbulo seminífero por grama de testículo. No epitélio seminífero destes animais, 10,3 espermatócitos primários em pré-leptóteno são produzidos por espermatogônias do tipo A. Durante as divisões meióticas, apenas 2,7 espermátides foram produzidas a partir de espermatócitos primários. O rendimento geral da espermatogênese de leões africanos mantidos em cativeiro foi de 22,1 células e, cada célula de Sertoli, foi capaz de sustentar e manter 14,9 células da linhagem germinativa, das quais 7,9 são espermátides arredondadas. A cada ciclo do epitélio seminífero, cerca de 103 milhões de espermatozóides são produzidos por grama de testículo. Em relação ao compartimento intertubular do testículo de leões africanos, cerca de 16% do parênquima testicular é ocupado por células de Leydig, 7,1% por tecido conjuntivo e 0,7 % por vasos sanguíneos. O volume médio das células de Leydig e o seu diâmetro nuclear médio, encontrados foram, respectivamente, 2578 μm3 e 7,1 μm. As células de Leydig ocuparam em média 0,0019% do peso corporal e seu número médio por grama de testículo apresentou-se superior ao encontrado para a maioria dos mamíferos, ultrapassando os 50 milhões.

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Cotterill, Alayne. "Behavioural adjustments of lion (Panthera leo) in response to risk of human-caused mortality." Thesis, University of Oxford, 2013. https://ora.ox.ac.uk/objects/uuid:168dba11-be33-4d09-9c68-8c204c126098.

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Fear of predation can have a major impact on the behaviour of prey species. Despite recent codifying of the concept of the ecology of fear, there has been relatively little focus on how these ideas apply to large carnivore species which, although not prey sensu stricto, may experience fear as a result of threats from humans. This thesis argues that large mammalian carnivores are subject to a Landscape of Fear similar to that described for prey species, and will respond behaviourally to fear of human-caused mortality. The idea of a "Landscape of Coexistence" is introduced to denote the perceived risk from humans and associated behavioural responses that can be overlain on spatio-temporally heterogeneous landscapes. Literature on the ecology of fear for large mammalian carnivores and, as there is a dearth of such literature, the current theory on the ecology of fear for other guilds is reviewed, and how this might inform large carnivore behaviour in a Landscape of Coexistence is explored. Behavioural effects of human-caused mortality risk are revealed for lions living in a human dominated landscape (Laikipia County, Kenya), specifically how lions adjust their movement patterns, habitat use and foraging tactics when in proximity to humans. It is argued that these behavioural adjustments represent a trade-off between maximising fitness enhancing activities and minimising the risk of human-caused mortality, thus need to be taken into consideration along with the lethal effects of humans when explaining the density, distribution and behaviour of lions throughout much of their remaining range. Although fear is generic, 'human-caused mortality risk' represents a distinct and very important sub-set of the ecology of fear for the carnivore guild. The existence of a Landscape of Coexistence has implications for understanding their foraging ecology, and ultimately their population dynamics and role in the ecosystem, and is therefore, important for the conservation of large carnivores throughout large parts of their remaining ranges.

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Ide, Annalize. "The histopathology of lions (Panthera leo) suffering from chronic debility in the Kruger National Park." Diss., University of Pretoria, 2002. http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-03092005-073210/.

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Beukes, Maya. "Spatial and temporal variation in lion (Panthera leo) diet within the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park." Thesis, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11838/2345.

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Thesis (MTech (Nature Conservation))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2016.
A survey in 2010 suggested that the lion (Panthera leo) population of the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park (KGNP) was exhibiting a skewed sex ratio in favour of males, which can ultimately lead to a decline in lion population numbers. In the KGNP artificial water provision has influenced the abundance of resident prey and potentially, lion diet and body condition. Changes in mammalian diet, and consequently body condition, have been found to influence the sex ratio of offspring. In response to a concern that diet may be influencing lion sex ratios in the KGNP, aspects of the spatial and temporal variation in lion diet were investigated between May 2013 and June 2015. The lion diet profile in the KGNP was described using evidence of prey remains identified through GPS cluster analysis (n = 278) from seven collared lionesses, lion scat analysis (n = 189) and opportunistic observations of lion feeding events (n = 52). Spatial variation in diet was investigated between three regional landscape types (north, south and west), based on the different vegetation types represented within each area, and two habitat types (riverbeds and dunes). Seasonal variations were assessed according to the hot-wet season (November to April), and the cold-dry season (May to October). Findings were also used to assess whether lion diet in KGNP has changed over the last 45 years through evaluating results from historical lion diet studies.

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19

Miguel, Eve. "Contacts et diffusion de pathogènes des ongulés sauvages aux ongulés domestiques Africains." Thesis, Montpellier 2, 2012. http://www.theses.fr/2012MON20064/document.

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L’augmentation depuis une trentaine d’années des maladies infectieuses dites émergentes ou ré-émergentes chez l’homme, causées à plus de 70% par des pathogènes issus d’espèces hôtes animales (i.e. Ebola, SIDA), stimule l’étude de systèmes éco-épidémiologiques à l’interface entres populations humaines et animales (i.e. sauvages et/ou domestiques).Le contact entre hôtes est un phénomène important dans l’étude de ces systèmes car il permet la transmission des pathogènes entre individus et la diffusion de maladie au sein et entre populations. Nous avons choisi la maladie de la fièvre aphteuse comme modèle d’étude de la transmission de pathogènes des populations sauvages vers les populations domestiques. Le buffle africain (Syncerus caffer) étant le réservoir présumé de cette maladie fortement contagieuse, nous nous sommes interrogés sur les conditions de transfert au bétail (Bos taurus et Bos indicus) du virus aphteux aux frontières de trois parcs nationaux africains qui constituent des interfaces entre espaces anthropiques et protégés perméables aux mouvements d’animaux. Dans le cadre de ce doctorat 4 protocoles ont été mis en place entre 2010 et 2011 au Zimbabwe. Premièrement, des colliers GPS (Global Positionning System) ont été déployés sur des bovins sauvages/domestiques pour décrire leurs déplacements dans le paysage et quantifier les contacts interspécifiques. Des colliers furent également posés sur l’une des espèces prédatrices de ces ongulés: le lion (Panthera leo). L’intégration de la guilde des prédateurs nous a permis d’estimer les modifications de l’utilisation de l’espace par les herbivores en réponse à la présence de carnivores et les conséquences en termes de contacts et de transmission interspécifique de pathogènes. Deuxièmement, un suivi longitudinal sérologique sur le bétail a complété le protocole télémétrique avec des prélèvements répétés sur des individus marqués selon le cycle saisonnier. Troisièmement, les contacts au sein des populations de bovins domestiques ont été caractérisés par des enquêtes auprès des éleveurs. Quatrièmement, le rôle potentiel de la diversité des hôtes sur le risque infectieux d’un écosystème a été exploré par l’estimation de densité de macro-parasites dans le paysage selon une variation de la gamme d’hôtes potentiels (i.e. (i) sauvages, (ii) sauvages et domestiques et (iii) uniquement domestiques).Nos résultats montrent que (1) les taux d’interaction interspécifiques, estimés par télémétrie, varient entre sites et présentent une saisonnalité prononcée (i.e. pic saison sèche chaude). (2) La distribution des ressources conditionne la périodicité et la distribution de ces contacts dans les différents compartiments du paysage. (3) La fréquence des incursions du bétail dans un espace protégé ainsi que les taux de contacts avec les buffles influencent positivement la probabilité d’acquisition d’anticorps anti-aphteux chez le bétail. La probabilité de perte d’anticorps est également fonction du niveau d’interaction avec les buffles mais selon une relation négative. (4) La densité du réseau d’interaction intra-spécifique domestique influence positivement l’incidence sérologique de la fièvre aphteuse. (5) La présence de prédateurs supérieurs dans le paysage permettrait de limiter les incursions du bétail dans les espaces protégés et diminuerait la probabilité d’infection par les populations d’hôtes sauvages. (6) Enfin les densités de macro-parasites dans la végétation sont supérieures dans des espaces communaux sans interaction avec les populations sauvages et où la richesse spécifique des hôtes est plus faible. Les résultats de cette étude sur la transmission interspécifique de pathogènes entre populations sauvages et domestiques dans les écosystèmes tropicaux ouvrent des champs de réflexion encore largement inexplorés, notamment sur l’évolution de la virulence et des modes de transmission des pathogènes ayant comme hôtes des populations sympatriques sauvages et domestiques
Emerging or re-emerging diseases in human populations have increased over the last thirty years. Since 70% of such diseases are caused by pathogens originating from animal hosts (i.e. Ebola, AIDS, and avian influenza), this increase has prompted the study of eco-epidemiological systems that occur at the interface between human and animal populations (i.e. wild and/or domestic). Contacts between hosts are particularly important factors in these systems since they result in pathogen transmission among individuals and, therefore, disease diffusion within and among populations. We used foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) as a model to study pathogen transmission from wild to domestic populations. As the African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) is the presumed reservoir of this highly contagious disease, we examined the conditions in which the virus was transmitted to cattle sensitive to the disease (Bos taurus and Bos indicus) at the borders of African national parks; these areas are interfaces between anthropogenic and protected areas in which animals can move freely.In the context, 4 protocols were implemented between 2010 and 2011 in Zimbabwe. First, GPS (Global Positioning System) collars were placed on cattle and buffalo in order to describe and analyze their movements across the landscape as well as to quantify interspecific contacts. In one of the study sites, collars were attached to one of the predators of these ungulates: the lion (Panthera leo). By integrating the predator guild into our telemetry protocols, we could examine the potential changes in spatial use by cattle and buffalo in response to predator presence and their consequences for contact dynamics and interspecific pathogen transmission. Second, a longitudinal serological survey was conducted in which tagged individuals were sampled repeatedly over the course of different seasons. Third, to characterize contacts within the domestic host population, interviews were conducted with cattle owners regarding their husbandry practices across seasons. Fourth, to describe the potential role of host diversity in ecosystem infection risks, macroparasite density (i.e. ticks) was estimated for landscape compartments that contrasted in terms of potential hosts present (i.e. (i) wild, (ii) domestic and wild, and (iii) domestic only).Our study primarily shows the following results. (1) Interspecific interaction rates, as estimated by telemetry, vary between sites and have a pronounced seasonality (peak occurs during the hot dry season). (2) Resource distribution (i.e. water and grazing areas) seems to condition the frequency and distribution of these contacts in the different landscape compartments. (3) Cattle incursion frequencies into protected areas and the frequency and intensity of contact with buffalo significantly positively affect the probability of foot-and-mouth antibody acquisition in cattle. The probability of antibody loss in cattle is also a function of diminished rates of interaction with buffalo. (4) Intraspecific interaction densities positively influence FMD serological incidence in cattle. (5) Top predator presence in the landscape could limit cattle incursion into protected areas and reduce the likelihood of their being infected by wild host populations. (6) Finally, the estimated densities of macroparasites in the vegetation were higher in communal spaces where there was no interaction with wild hosts and where host species richness was weak.The results of this study on the interspecific transmission of pathogens between wild and domestic populations in tropical ecosystems encourage the exploration of research topics that are still largely unexplored, including the evolution of virulence transmission modes of pathogens hosted by sympatric wild and domestic populations

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Barton, Lucinda. "Degenerative Joint Disease in Captive Large Cats: the radiographic characteristics and clinical presentation of DJD in captive cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus), lions (Panthera leo) and tigers (Panthera tigris)." Thesis, The University of Sydney, 2022. https://hdl.handle.net/2123/29741.

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Lions, tigers and cheetahs are commonly held in zoos, experiencing greater longevity in captivity than the wild. As a result, they are more likely to develop age-related diseases, including degenerative joint disease (DJD). However, the prevalence, distribution, severity and clinical presentation of DJD in these species is currently unclear. To address these knowledge gaps, 14 institutions provided radiographic studies and matched clinical records for all cheetahs, lions and tigers that underwent imaging between 1979-2019. Radiographic arthropathies were identified and the correlation between arthropathy status and a range of predictors was examined. Radiographic DJD status was then matched with clinical entries to investigate the presenting signs of DJD in these three species. Arthropathies were found to be common and almost exclusively degenerative in nature. Increasing age was the strongest predictor for joint disease, and a significantly lower prevalence of disease was recorded for the cheetah. Whilst all species showed unique patterns of disease, similarities existed between the lion and tiger, with severe axial DJD a feature. There was a conspicuous absence of appendicular DJD detected in older cheetahs, however axial DJD is reported in this species for the first time, with both increased prevalence and severity found in cheetahs from urban compared with open-range zoos. The meniscal ossicle and supinator sesamoid bone were identified as normal structures that become radiographically evident with skeletal maturation, with the supinator sesamoid bone reported in the tiger, and the meniscal ossicle in the Sumatran tiger, for the first time. A spectrum of DJD-associated presenting clinical signs was established for the three species. Combined, these findings will facilitate radiographic diagnosis of DJD and enhance understanding of the clinical impact of this disease in captive nondomestic felids, whilst also providing impetus for further research in this area.

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Bhalla, Shivani. "Demography and ranging behaviour of lions (Panthera leo) within a human-occupied landscape in northern Kenya." Thesis, University of Oxford, 2017. https://ora.ox.ac.uk/objects/uuid:e1d5ed49-b760-4328-bdac-c77ca7acfab3.

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Lion populations across Kenya are threatened, primarily as a result of habitat loss and human persecution in response to livestock depredation. This study provides the first population insights into lions within the Samburu-Isiolo ecosystem; considering both the protected area network and the surrounding human-occupied landscape. These results are particularly pertinent given Kenya's low lion population. The demography of the lion population in the Samburu-Isiolo ecosystem was studied to provide data on the area's basic lion population structure. Due to the small size of the protected areas within the study area, it was expected that lions would frequently move outside the Reserves into the human-occupied landscapes that surround the protected areas and, therefore, their ranging behaviour was also assessed. Community Conservancies exist around the protected areas, where wildlife conservation is encouraged. However, the increasing human and livestock populations within these areas conflicts intensely with the spatial requirement of lions. This has numerous implications; from direct mortality to reducing the opportunities for immigration of new lions into the protected areas, or safe dispersal from them. Therefore, the presence of suitable habitat in one community area adjacent to the protected areas was examined using a Habitat Suitability Model (HSM) in order to explore these issues. The demography of the lions within the study area was found to be comparable to other populations across Africa, although displayed higher sex ratios, and lower cub dispersal figures. Whilst the ranging behaviour of the prides displayed core ranges along the rivers, it was noted that they each had their distinct areas of intensive use. Male ranges were larger than females and shrunk during the drought in 2009 and expanded again in 2010. Despite displaying ranges within the limits of the protected areas, it is known that between 2008 and 2010, 10 lions disappeared and moved outside the protected areas. The HSM showed that highly suitable habitat did exist within the Community Conservancy, highlighting the presence of safe refuges for carnivores, with more suitable habitat found to be available at night compared to during the day. Despite the presence of highly suitable habitat, human-lion conflict was a common occurrence in these areas. Anthropogenic factors will have an impact on the demography of lion populations, whether they exist inside or outside protected areas. If suitable habitat did not exist within the human-occupied landscape, it is expected that there would be reduced immigration of new males, longer pride tenures within protected areas and the potential risk of inbreeding. Conflict mitigation measures are important in reducing human-lion conflict, however, this study also recommends the presence of safe refuges in the form of Conservation Areas within the Community Conservancy network in northern Kenya. The model of Conservation Areas acting as safe refuges is essential for the conservation of lions outside protected areas throughout remaining parts of their range in northern Kenya.

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22

Everatt, K. T. (Kristoffer). "Influence of bushmeat poaching and pastoralism on African lion Panthera leo (Linnaeus, 1758) ecology in rural Mozambique." Diss., University of Pretoria, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/79714.

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The African lion, Panthera leo, has suffered dramatic population and range declines over the last few decades and is listed as Vulnerable to extinction by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Quantification of the factors limiting the abundance and distribution of lions in human disturbed systems is critical if we wish to promote the conservation of the species beyond the sanctuaries of a limited number of reserves. From September 2011 - November 2012, I studied aspects of the population and habitat ecology of lions in the developing Limpopo National Park (LNP), Mozambique; a woodland savannah ecosystem supporting relatively low prey densities and inhabited by subsistence-agro-pastoralisthunters.
Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2013.
Centre for Wildlife Management
MSc
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23

Dos, Santos Abade Leandro Alécio. "Human-carnivore conflict in Tanzania : modelling the spatial distribution of lions (Panthera leo), leopards (Panthera pardus) and spotted hyaenas (Crocuta crocuta), and their attacks upon livestock, in Tanzania’s Ruaha landscape." Thesis, University of Oxford, 2013. http://ora.ox.ac.uk/objects/uuid:073a48ab-336a-45a1-ac9f-bc6996c1f58b.

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Tanzania’s Ruaha landscape is an international priority area for large carnivore conservation, harbouring roughly 10% of the world’s lions, and important populations of leopards and spotted hyaenas. However, these large carnivore populations are threatened by intense retaliatory killing due to human-carnivore conflict on village land around Ruaha National Park (RNP), mostly as a result of livestock predation by lions, leopards and spotted hyaenas. Moreover, a current lack of ecological data on the distribution of these carnivores hinders the development of effective strategies for conservation and targeted conflict mitigation in this landscape. This study aimed to identify the most significant ecogeographical variables (EGVs) influencing the distribution of lions, leopards and spotted hyaenas across the Ruaha landscape, and to map areas of conservation importance for these species. In addition, the study assessed the influence of EGVs on livestock predation risk by these carnivores in the village land around RNP, and generated a predictive map of predation risk. The relative importance of livestock husbandry practices and EGVs in terms of influencing predation risk within enclosures was also investigated. Proximity to rivers was the most important variable influencing the distribution of large carnivores in Ruaha, and contributed to predation risk of grazing livestock. The traditional livestock husbandry adopted in bomas appeared insufficient to alleviate the inherent risk of predation by large carnivores. The study produced the first detailed maps of lion, leopard and spotted hyaena distribution in the critically important Ruaha landscape, and identified likely livestock depredation hotspots. These results will target conflict mitigation approaches around Ruaha, by identifying particularly high-risk areas for livestock enclosures and grazing stock. Improving husbandry in these areas could help reduce livestock depredation and retaliatory carnivore killing, therefore reducing one of the most significant conservation threats in this critically important landscape.

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Andersen, Kristian Funding. "Chemocommunication and social behaviour in three Panthera species in captivity, with particular reference to the lion, P. leo." Thesis, University of Cambridge, 1998. https://www.repository.cam.ac.uk/handle/1810/251656.

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This project is a contribution towards the understanding of the mechanisms involved in the chemocommunication systems of large mammals. Data are included on the social behaviour and use of scent marking for the African lion P. leo as well as two other Panthera species namely the Siberian tiger, P. tigris altaica, and the leopard, P. pardus. The study was conducted in three Zoos or Safariparks in Denmark: København Zoo, Givskud Safaripark and Knuthenborg Safaripark. The project comprised behavioural observations of the undistributed social and marking patterns of the study groups. Particular attention was paid towards Spraymarking, Scrape/urination and normal Urination but Clawing, Chinrubbing and Defaecation were also recorded. Methods were developed which made it possible to collect samples of scent marks from the study animals. The scent samples collected were used in an experimental investigation in which the animals were presented with scent marks from foreign individuals of varying sex, age or reproductive status. In the final part of the study the scent mark samples collected were subjected to chemical analysis using the "Headspace" procedure on a combined Gas Chromatograph and Mass Spectrometer. The activity and social interactions of the animals, although under influence of the captive environment, were generally close to what one would expect to see for wild animals. Each animal showed a distinct activity pattern and social repertoire, but more general differences between the sex/age groups were also found. Males tended to stand more than females or cubs and show higher levels of Investigation, whereas females generally moved more than males. Cubs played more than the two adult groups. These trends were seen in all three species. Each animal had a distinct marking repertoire, but generally the male patterns were dominated by Spraymarking followed by Scrape/urination, whereas the female patterns were much more variable. Male lions had higher rates of Spraymarking and significantly higher rates of Scrape/urination than females. No significant difference was found between Spraymarking rates of male and female tiger, but both had significantly higher rates than castrated male tigers. The leopard male had higher rates of the two marking types than the female.

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Midlane, Neil. "The conservation status and dynamics of a protected African lion Panthera leo population in Kafue National Park, Zambia." Doctoral thesis, University of Cape Town, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/9308.

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Includes bibliographical references.
The abundance of African lions Panthera leo has declined rapidly in recent decades, largely due to competition for space with growing human populations. The future persistence of the species in the wild therefore depends heavily on viable populations in large protected areas, where lions play key ecological and economic roles. Zambia is one of nine countries estimated to have over 1000 wild lions, and Kafue, its largest national park, is a key refuge for the species. In this thesis I aimed to address the paucity of management and conservation relevant data on Kafue's lion population. I first used a track-based occupancy survey to determine the broad-scale drivers of lion distribution in the park. My results did not support my a priori expectations of anthropogenic edge effects driving lion occupancy; instead favourable habitat emerged as the best predictor of dry season lion distribution. The lack of edge effects is likely a result of the uniform suppressive effect on prey biomass of ubiquitous illegal bushmeat hunting in Kafue. After using my occupancy results to stratify my study area, I tested the effectiveness and efficiency of two well-established survey methods, track counts and call-up surveys, by comparing the resulting density estimates with that of a reference sample of GPS-collared lions in the study area. Accuracy of the two results was comparable, but the call-up estimate was more precise. However, call-up surveys are subject to variation in response rates that is difficult to quantify. I thus recommend that track count surveys are more suitable for monitoring lion population trends in Kafue. I further provide the first robust density estimate for northern Kafue of 1.83 lions (>1yr old) per 100 km2. Understanding how animals use space is fundamental to their conservation. I therefore used GPS collars to investigate lion spatial ecology at a finer scale, and the effects thereon of the seasonal flooding of large parts of Kafue. Home range sizes were comparable to those of other lion populations in the region. However, seasonal inundation caused lions to expand home ranges, travel greater distances and shift away from favourable habitat in the wet season, potentially contributing to apparent high cub mortality rates. The combination of these factors may limit the resilience of the population in the face of identified local anthropogenic threats (i.e. illegal hunting of ungulates and lions, legal trophy hunting of lions and frequent, uncontrolled bushfires). I provide both direct and indirect evidence of such threats, and conclude that lion abundance in Kafue is limited primarily by the suppressed prey population, while the extent and regularity of bushfires may also have adverse effects. I recommend stronger enforcement of existing regulations pertaining to illegal hunting and fires, and the implementation of recently developed monitoring software to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of limited law enforcement resources. I further conclude that lion hunting quotas were excessive prior to the 2013 ban on hunting in Zambia, and suggest that the ban remain in place for at least three years to enable adequate recovery of the population. If the Zambian government elects to lift the ban, I propose a total combined quota of 5.25 lions per annum for the hunting concessions surrounding Kafue. I further recommend the implementation of strict age-based regulations within a robust adaptive management framework, based on the best available scientific data, to ensure the sustainability of harvest. To evaluate the effectiveness of such management interventions I propose long-term monitoring of lion abundance and distribution in Kafue using annual track count surveys. This study highlights that even the largest of Africa's national parks cannot ensure the survival of flagship apex carnivores. My findings and recommendations may be applicable to other wild lion populations in large protected areas where data paucity limits management effectiveness. Understanding and managing threats to these protected areas at the appropriate scale is critical if they are to meet their conservation objectives and ultimately ensure the persistence of wild lion populations.

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Mweetwa, Thandiwe, and Thandiwe Mweetwa. "Effect of a Temporary Hunting Ban on the Demography of African Lions (Panthera Leo) Using a Protected Area." Thesis, The University of Arizona, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/623259.

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Large carnivores are in decline throughout their range primarily due to anthropogenic influences. This is a concern because these species have high social, economic and ecological value. African lion (Panthera leo) populations are in decline in most parts of the continent and this has been attributed largely to habitat loss, habitat fragmentation, wire snare poaching, black market trafficking in lion parts, retaliatory killings, and poorly regulated trophy hunting. In order to implement effective lion conservation actions, the effect of each factor on lion demography or population dynamics must be well understood. In the past, most studies have used indirect methods to quantify the effects of hunting on lion demography. The temporary ban on lion hunting in Zambia allowed me to study directly how removing a key source of mortality, for males in particular, changed the demography. Using data collected from 2008-2015, I studied how the lion population in and around South Luangwa National Park, Zambia responded to a 3-year moratorium on lion trophy hunting implemented in 2013. For the duration of the study ban, I monitored 386 known individuals in 19 prides and 15 male coalitions. Reproductive activity as represented by cub production appeared to improve after the hunting ban and the number of individually identifiable lions in the study area steadily increased from 88 in 2008 to 197 in 2015. Using a Cormack-Jolly-Seber model, I found that apparent annual survival increased in the absence of hunting for all adult male age classes. The temporary ban on hunting was lifted in 2016 and I recommend that quotas remain conservative in order to allow more time for the population to recover, particularly in the adult male age classes. Better monitoring protocols should also be implemented to promote compliance with hunting regulations.

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Gilfillan, Geoffrey. "An investigation of the olfactory and multi-modal communication of African lions (Panthera leo) in the Okavango Delta, Botswana." Thesis, University of Sussex, 2017. http://sro.sussex.ac.uk/id/eprint/70332/.

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Communication is a crucial mechanism at the basis of animal social behaviour and likely to be of central importance in facilitating the evolution of complex animal societies. This thesis aims to expand our knowledge of the olfactory, vocal and multi-modal communication of wild African lions. Much of our understanding of lion behaviour originates from studies in East Africa, yet the ancestral lion may have been a wetland specialist in habitats such as the Okavango Delta. Here I first employ an established playback design to test whether lions can determine the number of conspecifics calling in large vocal choruses, demonstrating that the upper limit for lions to assess the number of simultaneous callers is three, matching the ability of humans performing a similar task. I then use a novel playback experiment to demonstrate that lions are capable of cross-modal processing of information on individual identity; an ability originally thought to be unique to humans and not previously demonstrated in wild animal populations. Next, I provide a novel and detailed investigation into the olfactory communication of lions. First I analyse the scent-marking of lions and the responses of group members to marks, and demonstrate that chemical signals may play an important role in the social lives of prides. I then use a scent presentation experiment to test the function of urinary scent-marks in communication within and between prides, determining that lion urine signals the social group and sex of the depositor and may be important for sexual assessment and territory defence. Overall this thesis significantly advances our knowledge of the vocal and olfactory communication of African lions, and provides the first evidence that lions are capable of cross-modal individual recognition during communication between conspecifics. Together these results highlight that olfactory and multi-modal communication are important for lions, despite being previously overlooked.

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Vorster, Paul Hendrik. "The feeding and spatial ecology of cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) and lions (Panthera leo) in the Little Karoo, South Africa." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005379.

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The re-introduction of large carnivores into relatively small conservation areas that fall within the historic distribution range of the species is becoming an increasingly common occurrence. The success of such re-introductions depends very much on the quality of the information that is available to guide management decisions, but in many cases, little information is available. The re-introduction of lions and cheetahs to Sanbona created the opportunity to monitor the behaviour of re-introduced predators to a relatively large system that was characterised by a low ungulate stocking density and little standing water. The broad aims were to study the feeding and spatial ecologies of the lions and cheetahs, to collect standard base-line data, and to examine the effects of the low prey density and limited standing water on habitat selection, range size and diet. The diet (data collected from direct observation and faecal analysis) was similar to that reported in previous studies, and lions and cheetahs preferred greater kudu, black wildebeest and springbok. Lions preferred medium to large prey items, and cheetahs preferred medium to small prey items. The hilly and mountainous terrain of much of the reserve meant that only 50% of the total space was available to the predators. Home ranges of most of the predators were focused around the single large body of standing water. This is likely to have been a response to the water, the vegetation, and the prey that was attracted to these. Habitat selection was also influenced by inter and intra-specific interactions at least for a solitary male lion and female cheetahs. Range sizes were larger than on some other reserves and it is suggested that this was a result of the low prey density. These results form the basis for management recommendations including the importance of continuing to monitor the system and opening up additional parts of the reserve to the predators.

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Périquet, Stéphanie. "Partage au sommet de la chaîne alimentaire : comment la hyène tachetée s'adapte à la présence de lions ? : coexistence des prédateurs apicaux dans une savane arborée." Thesis, Lyon 1, 2014. http://www.theses.fr/2014LYO10153/document.

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Étant au somment de la chaîne alimentaire, les grands prédateurs ont la capacité d'influencer le fonctionnement des écosystèmes, y compris au sein de leur guilde. En Afrique, les lions (Panthera leo) et les hyènes tachetées (Crocuta crocuta, hyènes ci-après) sont les plus gros et les plus nombreux prédateurs, et les hyènes sont souvent considérées comme subordonnées aux lions. Néanmoins, notre compréhension de leurs interactions est très limitée, d'autant plus dans les milieux boisés. Ce travail vise à identifier les mécanismes permettant la coexistence des hyènes et des lions. L'hypothèse principale est que les hyènes évitent les lions à la fois dans l'espace et dans le temps. Une revue de la littérature montre que malgré leur fort potentiel pour la compétition d'exploitation (régimes alimentaires similaires) et d'interférence (kleptoparasitisme et prédation), les lions partagent la quasi-totalité de leur distribution avec les hyènes et leurs densités sont positivement corrélées. J'ai collecté des données sur l'écologie des hyènes et des lions durant 2.5 ans à partir d'observations directes et de colliers GPS dans le Parc National de Hwange (PNH), au Zimbabwe. PNH est caractéristique d'une savane dystrophique arborée semi-aride dominée par l'éléphant (Loxodonta africana). L'écologie de la hyène y est largement influencée par la localisation des points d'eau artificiels, des carcasses d'éléphants et des lions. Les hyènes sélectionnent les habitats riches en proies et près des points d'eau, tout comme le font les lions qu'elles n'évitent que dans des conditions extrêmes de vulnérabilité et de risques. Les carcasses d'éléphants représentent une ressource alimentaire majeure pour les hyènes qui en ont augmenté leur utilisation en réponse à une augmentation de la compétition avec les lions. La disponibilité de ces carcasses facilite probablement la coexistence entre les deux carnivores. Les rencontres avec les lions autour de carcasses sont communes et les deux espèces peuvent rester à proximité pendant plusieurs nuits consécutives. En revanche, les rencontres non liées aux carcasses sont de très courte durée et les deux prédateurs s'éloignent rapidement l'un de l'autre. Contrairement à l'hypothèse classique, les hyènes n'évitent pas les lions de manière systématique. Les interactions entre les deux espèces sont complexes et les hyènes répondent aux lions de manière dynamique et réactive plutôt que prédictive. Bien que les lions soient leur plus grand compétiteur, les hyènes restent à proximité dans certaines circonstances, car ils représentent une source alimentaire grâce au charognage et au kleptoparasitisme. Ces résultats apportent de nouvelles connaissances sur les mécanismes de coexistence et d'interactions entre grands carnivores ainsi que sur l'impact potentiel des décisions de gestion sur leur écologie qui peuvent être utiles pour leur conservation
Being at the top of the food chain, apex predators have the potential to influence the whole community structure through food webs, even within their own guild. In Africa, lions (Panthera leo) and spotted hyaenas (Crocuta crocuta, hyaenas hereafter) are the largest and most numerous predators, with hyaenas often thought to be subordinate to the larger lion Never the less, our understanding of their interactions is limited, even more in wooded ecosystems. This work focuses on identifying the mechanisms allowing for hyaenas and lions to coexist, such as resource and habitat partitioning. The main hypothesis is that hyaenas should avoid lions both spatially and temporally. A literature review shows that despite the high potential for exploitative and interference competition (high range and diet overlaps), hyaenas are present at nearly all sites occupied by lions and their densities are positively correlated. I collected data on hyaena and lion ecology, through direct observations and GPS collars, during 2.5 years of fieldwork in Hwange National Park (HNP), Zimbabwe. HNP is characteristic of a semi-arid dystrophic wooded savanna dominated by elephants (Loxodonta africana). In HNP, hyaena ecology is largely influenced by the location of artificial waterholes, elephant carcasses and lions. Hyaenas select for habitats where prey are abundant and locations close to artificial waterholes, as do lions. Hyaenas only spatially avoid lions in extreme conditions of vulnerability and risk. Elephant carcasses are a major source of food for hyaenas and their used increased during a period of increased intraguild competition with lions, which lead to switch in hyaena foraging strategy from active hunting to scavenging. The presence of large carcasses is probably promoting coexistence between the two large carnivores. Encounters with lions at carcasses are common and can occur during several consecutives nights with the two predators staying in the vicinity of each other. However, when not related to food, encounters are very short with both predators often moving away after being in contact. In stark contrast with the classical hypothesis, hyaenas in HNP do not show a general pattern of lion avoidance. Interactions between these two species are complex and hyaenas appear to respond to lion presence is reactive rather than predictive and very dynamic. Even though lions are their main competitors, in some circumstances hyaenas stay in their vicinity, as they can also be a source of food through scavenging and kleptoparatism. These results bring some light on the mechanisms of interaction and coexistence between large carnivores as well as the impact on management decisions on their ecology that could prove useful for planning their conservation

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Mbizah, Moreangels Muchaneta. "The effect of resource abundance and dispersion on the ecology of African lions (Panthera leo) in a semi-arid landscape." Thesis, University of Oxford, 2017. http://ora.ox.ac.uk/objects/uuid:d3c2048e-8137-4bbc-ad53-20e4f67b0e4a.

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In natural ecosystems, resources are often heterogeneously distributed and one of the key challenges in ecology is to understand how environmental heterogeneity influences population dynamics, species distributions, community composition, social structure and individual behaviour. In this study, the spatial and temporal heterogeneity of the Hwange National Park landscape and the ability to measure and quantify the abundance, dispersion and the richness (characterised by herd size and prey size) of prey at the lion home range scale provided us with a unique opportunity to examine the effects of resources on the ecology of a social large carnivore. The abundance, dispersion and richness of prey patches is expected to influence various aspects of the ecology of African lions, including patterns of sociality, ranging behaviour and foraging behaviour. In this study I first assessed the applicability of the spoor count method in estimating relative abundance of herbivores and found it to be a useful index (Chapter 2). I then tested the effect of prey availability on the ranging behaviour (home range size) and the broad-scale social structure (group size) of lions by applying the four main prediction of the Resource Dispersion Hypothesis (RDH) (Chapter 3). Results revealed that all four predictions of the RDH were supported. Indeed home range size increased with increase in the dispersion of prey while lion group size increased with increase in patches richness. I then went on to test the effect of prey availability on the fine-scale social structure (community structure) of lion prides using the social network toolbox and advanced analytical methods (Chapter 4). Results showed that all prides demonstrated strong patterns of within-pride sub-grouping, or 'communities', and that the intensity of sub-grouping behaviour is linked to resource availability. More specifically, communities were more strongly defined as prey dispersion increased and when the body size of available prey decreased. Finally, I applied the optimal foraging and social foraging theories to understand the drivers of lion foraging behaviour (prey preference) (Chapter 5). Results revealed that the richness of prey patches both in terms of prey body size and herd sizes as well as lion hunting group size were important factors in influencing prey preference of lions. The foraging behaviour of this lion population suggested that they seek to maximise energy gain and optimise foraging success. Together the results of this thesis reveal that the dispersion and richness of resource patches are important factors in influencing lion ecology.

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Broekhuis, Femke. "Niche segregation by cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) as a mechanism for co-existence with lion (Panthera leo) and spotted hyaena (Crocuta crocuta)." Thesis, University of Oxford, 2012. http://ora.ox.ac.uk/objects/uuid:b49a3d35-1b89-4c38-91c5-10330589b2be.

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Intraguild competition and predation have been recognised as important ecological factors influencing the population dynamics of carnivores. The effects of these interactions are often asymmetrical due to a size-related dominancy hierarchy. However, it has been suggested that competitively subordinate carnivores can minimise the costs of predation and competition through spatial and temporal avoidance. Here I investigate the ecological and behavioural mechanisms by which cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) coexist with competitively stronger lions (Panthera leo) and spotted hyaenas (Crocuta crocuta). Fieldwork was carried out in the Okavango Delta, northern Botswana, between October 2008 and August 2011. A total of 20 Global Positioning System (GPS) radio-collars were fitted on all known cheetahs (n=6), lion prides (n=5) and spotted hyaena clans (n=6) in the study area (approx. 3 000 km²). Pre-programmed radio-collars recorded locations and activity continuously for each individual and these data were complemented with direct behavioural observations. Cheetah data were analysed with respect to the temporal and spatial likelihood of encountering lions and spotted hyaenas. Results suggest that the response to the risks posed by other predators is species-specific, habitat-specific and dependent on the immediacy of the risk. Resource partitioning was not the main mechanism for coexistence as cheetahs overlapped extensively with lions and spotted hyaenas in time, space and habitat use. Instead, cheetahs adjusted their spatial distribution in response to immediate risks or adapted their habitat use depending on their vulnerability (e.g. behaviours such as feeding or with differing levels of moonlight at night). In general, cheetah temporal and spatial distribution is a hierarchal process, firstly driven by resource acquisition and thereafter fine-tuned by predator avoidance. In addition, habitat heterogeneity seemed to be key in facilitating coexistence. Understanding the behavioural mechanisms that interacting apex predators adopt to regulate these negative interactions could be crucial to carnivore conservation, especially as human-related habitat loss is forcing species into ever smaller areas.

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Purchase, Gianetta K. "Factors affecting the ratio of lions (Panthera leo) to spotted hyaenas (Crocuta crocuta) in protected areas of Africa : competition and/or available prey." Thesis, University of Aberdeen, 2004. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.424968.

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This study attempted to determine if competition was an important influence on the behaviour, distribution and abundance of lion and hyaenas. Complementary contrasting approaches were adopted, an intensive study in two areas, and a comparison among protected areas. The behaviour of lions and hyaenas was compared in two contrasting ecosystems. Matusadona National Park. MNP (Zimbabwe) and Liuwa Plains National Park. LPNP (Zambia). MNP is a closed woodland habitat dominated by resident population of buffalo and impala. LPNP is an open floodplain system dominated by migratory populations of wildebeest and zebra. MNP had a greater ratio of lions to hyaenas (2: 1) whereas in LPNP, hyaenas considerably outnumbered lions (18:1). The study also compared data from 13 Protected areas of Africa that differed in terms of habitat, available pre, size and human influence. In MNP there was no evidence of competitive avoidance behaviour by either species despite a considerable overlap in diet. Both species prey predominantly on buffalo and impala. There was evidence that each species was extending its niche to utilise prey species that would be uneconomic for the other species to use facilitating co-existence. The home ranges of the two species overlapped considerably and the location and size of their home ranges were similar. However, the study was not able to measure temporal distribution and the two species may have been avoiding each other by using the same areas of the park at different times. Further analysis of the responses of the two species to an increase in the population of buffalo, the main prey species of the park indicated that lions might have indirectly affected the hyaenas in the park, as the hyaena population decreased with an increase in the lion population. In the same park, more evidence of an adverse competitive effect was observed when the response behaviour of the two predators to a simulated prey resource (pre-recorded squealing pigs combined with a smelly bait) was compared. Lions responded as expected in areas of high prey density, whereas hyaenas responded more in areas with low prey densities and low visibility of prey suggesting that they were avoiding lions. In contrast, hyaenas in LPNP responded to the simulated resource in areas of high prey densities. The response behaviour of lions did not differ between the two Protected areas despite the fact that lions were outnumbered in LPNP and numerically dominant in MNP. This supports the hypothesis that a larger body size may enable lions to offset the effects of competition.

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Van, de Vyver Daniel. "The effects of a lion (Panthera Leo) re-introduction on a resident cheetah (Acinonyx Jubatus) population In Mountain Zebra National Park, Eastern Cape, South Africa." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/7420.

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The global decline of large (> 10 kg) carnivores has resulted in a variety of conservation measures being put into practice to prevent extinctions. The establishment of predator-proof fences around protected areas has been a successful tool for reducing human-predator conflict. Furthermore, the re-introduction of large carnivores into small (< 1 000 km²), enclosed reserves has aided in the conservation of many species. Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) and lions (Panthera leo) have benefitted from such re-introductions. The re-introduction of cheetahs before lions into the Mountain Zebra National Park (MZNP) in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa provided a unique opportunity to study the effects of lions on an already established cheetah population. Spatial data were downloaded remotely from GPS collared individuals (n=4) and cheetah kill data were collected using the GPS cluster method before (2012-2013) and after (2013-2014) the lion (n=3) re-introduction. The same methods were used for lion kill data collection once they had been re-introduced. In general, cheetah home range size did not change after the lion re-introduction. Cheetahs selected areas with a combination of open and closed vegetation covers, while lions selected either open or closed areas of vegetation covers. In addition, as vegetation cover became thicker, the presence of cheetahs decreased. The cheetahs preyed upon seven species before and 11 species after the lion re-introduction. Medium sized prey comprised the bulk of the cheetah diet with kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) and springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis) being the preferred species both before and after the lion re-introduction. The lion diets consisted of medium to large sized prey, with the male lions selecting eland (Tragelaphus oryx) and buffalo (Syncerus caffer) and the lioness selecting red hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus). The cheetahs had no significant dietary overlap with the lions and there was only one record of kleptoparasitism. The results of my study indicate that cheetahs are able to co-exist with lions when lions are at low densities in an enclosed reserve. The cheetahs did not experience landscape-level displacement because they made fine-scale adjustments to avoid lions within their environment. This adaptability may have important management implications for future re-introductions of cheetahs into enclosed game reserves.

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MAURIZIO, VALENTINA. "Sulle orme di Eros: il pantheon erotico in Aristeneto." Doctoral thesis, Università degli Studi di Roma "Tor Vergata", 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/2108/1101.

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Le Lettere d’amore di Aristeneto (VI d. C.) non solo testimoniano la fortuna del genere epistolografico in età giustinianea, ma, ad un’indagine più specifica, sono un esempio di come nell’ambito della letteratura erotica svolgano ancora un ruolo di una certa importanza le figure di Eros, di Afrodite e del loro corteggio. Questo lavoro, dunque, analizza tutti i luoghi dell’epistolario in cui tali divinità compaiono, con particolare attenzione alle continue riprese dalla tradizione letteraria precedente, da Omero a Museo; è diviso in due capitoli, il primo dedicato alle lettere in cui gli dei, per lo più Afrodite, si occupano della bellezza dei protagonisti, il secondo a quelle in cui gli stessi prendono attivamente parte alle storie d’amore, soprattutto Eros e gli Eroti.
Aristaenetus' Love Letters(VI b.C.) testify not just the luck of epistolary genus in Justinianean age but, following these letters out, they are an example of how figures such Eros, Aphrodite and their court play a role in erotic literature field. This work analyzes every locus of the epistolary, in which these divinities appear, with particular attention on the continous resumptions of the previous literary tradition, from Homer to Musaeus; this work is divided in two chapters; the first one concerns the letters in which Gods, expecially Aphrodite, look after the main characters' beauty, the second one these in which Gods take actively part in love stories, above all Eros and Erotes.

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Young, Kelcei. "And the Stereotype Award Goes to...: A Comparative Analysis of Directors using African American Stereotypes in Film." Thesis, University of North Texas, 2019. https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1609173/.

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This study examines African American stereotypes in film. I studied six directors, Kathryn Bigelow, Spike Lee, the Russo Brothers, Ryan Coogler, Tate Taylor, and Dee Rees; and six films Detroit, BlacKkKlansman, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, The Help, and Mudbound. Using the framework of critical race theory and auteur theory, I compared the common themes between the films and directors. The main purpose of my study is to see if White or Black directors predominantly used African American stereotypes. I found that both races of directors rely on stereotypes for different purposes. With Black directors, the stereotype was explained further through character development, while the White directors used the stereotype at face value with no further explanation.

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HRDLIČKOVÁ, Lucie. "Chovy vybraných druhů kočkovitých šelem (Felidae) v zoologických zahradách v České republice." Master's thesis, 2016. http://www.nusl.cz/ntk/nusl-253119.

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The aim of this thesis was to process the data and information with predictive capabilities of breeding lion (Panthera leo) and tiger (Panthera tigris) in the Czech zoos including their subspecies. The results was based on the yearbooks of the Union of Czech and Slovak Zoos (UCSZOO), and I try complemented it with adequate information from bulletins of an expert commission UCSZOO for subfamilies Pantherinae and Acinonynchinae: Baghira 1/2004 - 11/2014. I assessed the development of the last 24 years (1990 - 2014). If possible I complete it with a brief summary of the relevant facts from the history of the breeding.

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Jooste, Capel Petrus. "Isolation and limited characterisation of lion- panthera Leo- albumin." Thesis, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10539/17479.

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Snyman, Andrei. "Lion (Panthera leo) social organisation in a human affected landscape." Thesis, 2010. http://encore.tut.ac.za/iii/cpro/DigitalItemViewPage.external?sp=1000447.

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Thesis (MTech. degree in Game Range Management.)--Tshwane University of Technology, 2010.
Lion (Panthera leo) social organisation in the Northern Tuli Game Reserve, Botswana, and the Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve, South Africa, was investigated. Situated 20 km apart, the Northern Tuli Game Reserve is predominantly unfenced with unrestricted animal movements, as opposed to the Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve which is completely fenced. Historically both lion populations have faced various but similar pressures such as safari hunting, snaring, poisoning and killing due to perceived conflict with livestock farmers.

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Tovim, Rafaela Marques. "Reprodução em cativeiro como medida de conservação ex situ de espécies ameaçadas de extinção: Panthera pardus orientalis e Panthera leo persica." Master's thesis, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/10400.26/19020.

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Nos últimos anos a estrutura e o funcionamento dos ecossistemas têm-se alterado a uma velocidade alarmante, em grande parte devido à extinção de inúmeras espécies. Portanto, cabe-nos a todos, enquanto sociedade, tomar medidas que visem o controlo desta situação, uma vez que é o Homem o maior responsável por esta crise. No que respeita à conservação de espécies animais, os zoos e os médicos veterinários são hoje ferramentas indispensáveis e têm vindo a adotar novas funções no seguimento da problemática da extinção. A conservação é um tema complexo e extenso e como tal, seria extremamente díficil de explorar integralmente neste trabalho, pelo que o tema abordado incidirá principalmente na conservação ex situ e em particular na reprodução em cativeiro de animais selvagens. Serão abordadas várias perspectivas, desde a implementação dos programas de reprodução e gestão das populações mantidas em cativeiro, quer em termos demográficos quer em termos genéticos, até ao objetivo final desta medida de conservação, que será a reintrodução de espécies no ambiente selvagem. Neste trabalho são ainda abordados, de forma específica, aspetos relacionados com a reprodução de duas espécies de felinos selvagens: Leopardo de Amur (Panthera pardus orientalis) e Leão Asiático (Panthera leo persica), classificadas como Criticamente Ameaçada (CR) e Em Perigo (EN), respetivamente, pela Lista de Espécies Ameaçadas da União Internacional para a conservação da Natureza (IUCN Red List).
In recent years, the structure and functioning of ecosystems have been changing at an alarming rate, largely due to the extinction of countless species. Therefore, it is up to all of us, as a society, to take measures to control this situation, particularly as man being the main responsible for this crisis. Regarding the conservation of animal species, zoos and veterinarians are now indispensable tools, which have adoped new functions following the extinction problem. Since conservation is a complex and extensive theme, it would be extremely difficult to fully explore it in this work. Therefore, the main focus will be ex situ conservation, in particular the captive breeding of wild animals. Several perspectives will be address, from the implementation of breeding programs, management of populations kept in captivity, both demographically, and genetically, to the ultimate goal of this conservation measure, which is the reintroduction of species in the wild. In this study, specific aspects related to the reproduction of two species of wild felids will be addressed: the Amur Leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis) and the Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo persica), classified as Critically Endangered (CR) and Endangered (EN) respectively, by the List of Threatened Species of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List).

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Van, Niekerk Ryan William. "Modeling the spatial ecology of lions (Panthera leo) in Hluhluwe - Umfolozi park." Thesis, 2002. http://hdl.handle.net/10413/10227.

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While many studies have been done on Lions, relatively little work has been conducted on how they interact with local habitats and the factors of importance in determining home ranges and territories. The interactions between predators and patchily distributed resources and the basic tenets of Ideal Free Distribution theory have been used in this study as the basis in explaining how lions distribute themselves in space and why they choose particular areas above others in regards territory location. The study was conducted in the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park, South Africa and involved the use of historical lion sightings data recorded between the years 1973 and 1999 inclusive. A variety of potential explanatory variables including vegetation, topography, rainfall, main river distribution, roads, hyaena den locations and prey were used in developing logistic models which were then used to predict areas most likely to be colonised by lion. Model predictions were tested against independently collected validation data from an introduced pride . Modelling was conducted at a 1km² grid cell size. In total, seventeen models were formulated for four lion variables, namely cubs, adult females in groups of two or more, adult males seen with adult females and adult males only. All models accounted for a significant amount of deviance (p<0.001) except for one cub model (p=0.003). Models which performed best in correlations with validation data were those formulated for adult females in groups of two or more and cubs (p<0.05). Variables of importance in these models included distance from main rivers and presence/absence of public roads. Preferences for travelling on roads were influenced by vegetation type, with thicket promoting travel on roads and the opposite being true of open woodland, however this was only true for females in groups of two or more. Main rivers represent high quality resource areas for lions in the reserve since they provide water, shelter, cover (hence ease of prey capture) and travel lines.
Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2002.

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Kotze, Christen Robynne. "Social organisation and population demographics of lions (Panthera leo) in the Okavango Delta." Thesis, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10539/21705.

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thesis submitted to the School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Masters in Science. Johannesburg 2016.
The Okavango Delta in northern Botswana contains the largest, unfenced lion population in southern Africa, and is one of the most important population strongholds for the species on the continent. Despite its conservation importance, however, little information has been published on the drivers of lion ecology in this unique wetland ecosystem. In the Okavango Delta, the annual flood pulse causes dramatic seasonal contractions of available dry land, and consequently variable distribution and abundance of prey. Lions must therefore adapt to a dynamic environment not only on an annual basis, but also on a longer time-scale as inundation patterns cycle from periods of low to high floods. The main aim of the study was to determine which social and ecological factors were most important in determining lion population demographics and social organisation in the unique wetland environment of the Okavango Delta. Data were intensively collected on demographic rates and social organisation of five resident lion prides in the south-western Okavango Delta from 1997 to 2004, during which inundation patterns shifted from low to high floods. We investigated the effects of two ecological factors, namely prey availability and flood extent, and one social factor, namely intra-specific competition, on lion social organisation and population demographics. Lions occurred at high densities, and the population was regulated socially and not by resource limitation. Our results indicated that competition with neighbours exerted the most extensive influence on the lion population and significantly affected the survival of young cubs and reproductive rates. Competition reduced pride size, but contrary to our expectations, also negatively influenced sub-group size, indicating that territorial disputes do not drive sub-group patterns in the Okavango Delta. Prey availability did not appear to be an important limiting factor for the population, and group sizes were inversely related to prey availability, most likely due to habitat saturation resulting in higher levels of recruitment. Prey availability only influenced survival of young cubs, which are most vulnerable to nutritional stress. Higher levels of flooding led to smaller pride and sub-group sizes, indicating that higher flood levels for extended periods may lead to a decline in lion densities due to increased competition for available dry land. While flooding exerted no direct effect on demographic rates, we posit that habitat conversion during high flood cycles causes a decline in prey, resulting in a time-lagged effect on the lion population. Our results show that during low flood cycles when herbivore abundance is high, lions occur at high densities and are largely self-regulated. However, as flood levels increase, prey availability declines and lions are placed under increasing pressure for space and resources, which could ultimately lead to population decline. From a conservation perspective, the south-western Okavango Delta population is thus most vulnerable during periods of high floods, when lion densities naturally decline, and lions may be pushed towards the veterinary fence where human-lion conflict is high. Future studies should focus on how anthropogenic threats around the Okavango Delta threaten the viability of the lion population in this conservation area, and seek to secure important corridors to neighbouring populations. Keywords: lion, Panthera leo, social organisation, pride size, population demographics, survival reproduction, Okavango Delta, flooding, competition, prey abundance
LG2017

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GHEZZO, ELENA. "The Late Pleistocene site of Equi (Massa, Apuane Alps): revaluation of historical data and new discoveries. Morphological comparison of Italian and European Felids." Doctoral thesis, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/2158/987619.

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The European leopards and Cuon alpinus from the Late Pleistocene site of Equi (Tuscany) have been here studied and described underling the exceptional conservation of these rare carnivorans. Moreover, the historical collection discovered between 1911 and 1917 have been reorganized in order to verify the faunal assemblage throughout the stratigraphic record and the frequencies the species in the different layers. I also studied the Middle Pleistocene fossils of lynxes discovered in the site of Valdemino and determined as Lynx spelaeus, and the taxonomical determination of Late Pleistocen European lion.

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Manamela, Tebogo Sabina. "Isolation and characterization of immunoglobulin G from Panthera leo in South Africa and Zimbabwe." Diss., 2020. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/27525.

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While a decrease of wild felid population has led to disruption of conservation programme, recent studies have shown the importance of immune regulation for determining health outcomes and co-infection. Immunoglobulin G is important for detecting and evaluating responses to infectious diseases and vaccination. But, there is limited information on felid immunoglobulins and their role for functional immunity. This study aimed at isolating and characterizing lion’s immunoglobulin G. Lions’ sera (n = 68) were processed using the MagReSyn® magnetic beads and the final protein concentration was determined using the Xpose™ Trinean Spectrophotometer. The cross-reactivity of goat anti-cat immunoglobulin with sera of lions and other species was analysed using ELISA. High cross-reactivity was observed in lions ranging from 87.7 to 100%, and low reactivity with rhino (22.4%) followed by chicken (0.01%). The protein concentration from purified sera yielded 39.09 mg/ml. Molecular weight of lion IgG 150-160 kDa was detected with both chains at 54-56 kDa and 24-26 kDa on SDS PAGE. These results indicate a potential aid in developing serological tools to monitor exposure to micro-organisms of lions.
Agriculture and  Animal Health

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Naidoo, Kerusha. "A homoeopathic drug proving of Panthera leo with a subsequent comparison of Lac leoninum." Thesis, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10321/1335.

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Submitted in partial compliance with the requirements of the Master’s Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Department of Homepathy, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2015.
Introduction This study was a double-blind, placebo controlled proving of Panthera leo 30CH (claw of a African lioness); the aim being to determine the effect of this substance induces on healthy persons and in doing do explore the homoeopathic therapeutic potential thereof, in addition a subsequent comparison with the provings of Lac leoninum (milk of a lioness) (Sankaran,1998) (Herrick,1998) was performed. Objectives The primary objective of this proving was to determine the effect that Panthera leo 30 CH on healthy provers so that the therapeutic potential of the substance could be determined. The secondary objective was to compare the Materia medica of Panthera leo with that of Lac leoninum (Herrick, 1998) and Sankaran (1998). Lastly, the third objective was to further develop the homoeopathic Materia medica by adding the remedy picture of Panthera leo. Methodology The drug proving of Panthera leo was conducted as a randomized, exploratory, double blind placebo controlled study. Thirty participants (healthy volunteers) who met the inclusion criteria (Appendix B) participated in the proving, twenty – four were given the verum and the remaining six placebo. Upon obtaining written informed consent the researcher performed a full case history and comprehensive physical examination on each prover before commencement of the proving. A subsequent follow up case history and physical examination at the end of the proving was also performed to establish whether provers had returned to their respective healthy states. The provers took their first dose of the proving remedy at a dosage of 1 dose three times daily for 2 days and recorded all symptoms they experienced in their respective journals according to the guidelines in Appendix C. On completion of the proving, all provers handed in their journals which were then transcribed, assessed and analyzed. An extensive comparison between the proving of Panthera leo and the two provings of Lac leoninum (Herrick, 1998) (Sankaran, 1998) followed. The respective remedies were compared and contrasted with respect to Materia medica and repertory and similarities and differences highlighted. Results A total of 1255 rubrics were obtained of which the mind section of the Materia medica weighed heavily comprising 35 % (435 rubrics) of the proving symptoms, the generals section (11% = 135 rubrics) and head section (9% = 109 rubrics) respectively. Therefore it can be suggested that this remedy’s sphere of action is limited largely to the mind (emotional state) however unique physical indications specifically regarding headaches are also within its sphere of action. Of the total, 1255 rubrics that were obtained only 11% (138 rubrics) where shared with the two other provings of the African lion (Herrick 1998 & Sankaran 1998); as suggested by Naude (2011) one can speculate that these shared symptoms may represent the unique mammalian component of the animal the differences however considerably outweigh the similarities between these provings and for this reason one can conclude that factors in addition to the species of animal from which the remedy is sourced further influence the resultant proving symptoms. Conclusion It can be concluded that Panthera leo 30CH produced clearly observable symptoms in healthy provers who participated in this proving, furthermore there was clear congruency between certain aspects of this proving and that of Herrick and Sankaran however such similarities were limited.

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MacFarlane, Kevin. "The Ecology and Management of Kalahari lions in a Conflict Area in Central Botswana." Phd thesis, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/1885/102146.

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African Lions (Panthera leo) are an keys species in many natural ecosystems in Africa and provide income and ecosystem services to many human communities. They directly limit herbivore populations, which in turn maintain grasslands and associated systems. Those ecosystems have degraded in recent decades and the concurrent decline in lion population is believed to play a role. I investigated factors affecting lion behaviour and ecology including the effect of seasonal variation in wild prey herd size. Current levels of herbivore prey are significantly lower than before the creation of countrywide veterinary cordon fences and total lean season biomass was estimated at 375.5 kg.km-2. I placed GPS position locating radio collars on 13 lions in 6 prides in a study area of approximately 9,911 square kilometres in the north of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR), in central Botswana. The collars acquired total of 241,858 usable GPS fixes and I visited each lion monthly. Lion spatial behaviour appears to have changed in response to the decline in herbivores, although there is only a small amount of historical data. Lion home ranges were large (mean home range = 2116.5 km2, range 798.3- 4243.7 km2) compared to two prides from a study in the 1970s in the same area which had home ranges of approximately 337 km2. Those prides increased their range to today’s sizes only in severe drought years, but rainfall during the study period was high. I interpret this as evidence that seasonal lower herbivore densities have increased lion ranges, and reduced the number of lions in the CKGR. I estimate the current population in the study area at 307 adult lions, or 3.1 lions per 100km2. During months of high herbivore group densities, lions travelled further on a daily basis (mean daily movement distance of 7,160 m at lowest density, to 8,616 m at the highest density), and males on average travelled significantly further each day than females (mean of 10,071.6m per day for male, SD = 7099.4, maximum 48,462m and a mean of 7,633.6m per day for females, SD= 5,069.3m, maximum 29,470m). Females moved similar distances daily even while supporting cubs under 3 months old. Lions significantly preferred hunting prey species above 90kg, but also hunted the smaller warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) and African porcupine (Hystrix africaeaustralis). This has implications for conflict mitigation and lion conservation. I investigate the economics and extent of the lion livestock conflict in Central Botswana and explore potential management options in light of this new data. Management options should be carefully selected with consideration for economics, politics and local conditions, and should target locations where conflict mitigation can have the greatest benefit for both lion conservation and economic improvement of stakeholders in order to have the best chance for success. not a change in reserve management. After carefully examining the ecology of the Central Kalahari lions and the management of the reserve and farms in the area, I conclude that mitigating lion-livestock conflict is best achieved through improving grazing practices and not a change in reserve management.

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Peter, Clarissa. "A homoeopathic proving of the African lioness (Panthera leo) with a subsequent comparison with lion ethology." Thesis, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10321/1339.

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Submitted in partial compliance with the requirements of the Master’s Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Department of Homeopathy, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2015.
INTRODUCTION A homoeopathic drug proving was conducted by Master’s students at the Durban University of Technology (DUT). The proving substance was nail shavings obtained from an African lioness (Panthera leo). The primary objective of this study was to identify the symptoms produced by healthy individuals in response to Panthera leo 30CH; this was done by administering the proving remedy (Panthera leo 30CH) to healthy individuals, who recorded the symptoms they experienced after taking the remedy. The secondary objective was to compare the symptoms produced to the ethology of the African lion. The final objective was to further develop the materia medica by adding the remedy picture of Panthera leo. METHODOLOGY This study was qualitative and exploratory in nature. The study took the form of a randomised, double-blind and placebo controlled trial. A total of 30 provers, who met the inclusion criteria (Appendix C), participated in this study. The provers were randomly assigned to either a verum or placebo group, such that 24 received verum (Panthera leo) and 6 received placebo. Neither provers nor researchers had knowledge of which provers were in each group until the study was complete, and provers did not have any knowledge regarding the nature of the proving substance. Before commencing the study all provers signed relevant information and consent documents. The researcher then took a full case history and performed a physical examination. Provers recorded their baseline state for 7 days in a journal, prior to taking the verum or placebo, as administered to them. After recording their baseline state for 7 days, they took their remedies and continued to record their symptoms for a minimum of 2 weeks, or until the proving symptoms ceased. Once they had completed recording in their journals, a post-proving case history was taken and a physical examination was performed. All journals were collected and analysed by the researcher. The remedy was manufactured by triturating the crude substance up to the 3rd centesimal potency. This was then converted to a liquid potency and further diluted up to the 30th centesimal potency. Neutral granules were impregnated with Panthera leo 30CH, and dispensed as 10 granules in 500mg of lactose powder. The placebo was dispensed as 10 granules, which were impregnated with 96% ethanol, in 500mg lactose powder. Each prover received 6 lactose powders, containing either verum or placebo. The manufacture of Panthera leo was done according to the methods and guidelines stipulated in the German Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia (Benyunes, 2005) RESULTS The proving of Panthera leo 30CH produced a total of 1234 rubrics, which represent a wide variety of mental, emotional and physical symptoms. The main themes that emerged from the mental and emotional symptoms included anger, aggression, irritability, poor concentration and fear. Physical symptoms included catarrh, constipation, diarrhoea, diminished appetite, fatigue, insomnia, thirstiness and headaches. A comparison was made between the symptomatology of Panthera leo and the ethology of the lion. Some of the themes of symptoms which corresponded with the ethology of the lion included ‘anger’, ‘audacity’, ‘ennui’, ‘increased appetite and thirst’, ‘responsibilities’ and ‘children’. CONCLUSION The objectives of this study were fulfilled, as the proving of Panthera leo produced a wide variety of clearly identifiable and observable symptoms amongst the healthy individuals recruited. There was a remarkable correlation of a portion of the materia medica with the ethological features of the African lion. As a result of this study, the materia medica of Panthera leo was well outlined and will be added to the existing body of homoeopathic materia medica for application and utilization in clinical practice

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Hopcraft, J. Grant C. "The effects of habitat features and prey density on the hunting and scavenging success of Serengeti lions (Panthera leo)." Thesis, 2002. http://hdl.handle.net/2429/13978.

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This thesis addresses the question of whether Serengeti lions choose foraging sites that facilitate the capture of prey, or whether they choose foraging sites where prey are most abundant. The alternate choices between good habitats and high prey densities have rarely been addressed in resource selection studies of predators. The observed distributions of kills and scavenges by lions were compared to the predictions of two alternate hypotheses; (a) if lions forage in areas that facilitate the capture of prey, such as areas with cover, then more kills and scavenges should occur in these areas than expected. Conversely, (b) if lions forage in areas with high prey densities, and prey avoid risky habitats, then most of kills and scavenges should occur in areas with reduced cover. The hypotheses were tested by comparing the use and availability to lions of 5 habitat types: viewsheds from kopjes, river confluences, erosion embankments, woody vegetation, and sites with access to free water. The amount of each habitat type available was estimated from maps created by GIS analyses and ground truthing, and were tested with univariate, goodness of fit, exact tests as well as multivariate resource selection functions. The results indicate that on the large scale lions move according to the distribution of prey. However, at a finer scale lions select areas that facilitate foraging over areas with high prey densities. Plains and woodland lions selected different habitats depending on season. However, the most important habitats that were selected by both plains and woodland lions for either hunting or scavenging were, river confluences, eroded areas, and areas with water nearby. Viewsheds from kopjes and areas with woody vegetation were also selected, but were not as important. Furthermore, areas with vegetation associated with confluences, vegetation associated with water, and eroded sites associated with water were preferred for foraging more often than predicted. Therefore, the major finding from this study is that although lions require adequate prey for survival, the habitat features available to them for hunting and scavenging are more important than simple prey densities.

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Khumalo, Nozipho Lindiwe. "Optimisation of the lion (Panthera leo) specific interferon gamma assay for detection of tuberculosis in lions in South Africa." Diss., 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/27011.

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Mycobacterium bovis is the causative agent of bovine tuberculosis (BTB) which has a diverse host range. The maintenance host of BTB in South Africa is the African buffalo (Syncerus caffer). It is believed that lions get infected by feeding on infected buffalo or through wounds. The spread of the disease amongst lions has raised concern regarding the future of the animals and the impact on tourism in the country. Diagnoses of tuberculosis in free ranging wildlife is often dependent on post-mortem samples due to logistical challenges, the use of the lion specific interferon gamma release assay as an antemortem test offers a simpler methodology to testing live animals. The aim was to optimise an already developed assay by Maas et al.,2012 and to harmonise it with the Rhinoceros specific interferon gamma assay developed by Morar-Leather et al 2007. Optimisation of the interferon gamma specific ELISA included: determination of optimal concentrations for the capture and detection monoclonal antibodies; optimal concentrations for the conjugate and evaluation of alternative blocking agents. Different mitogens and incubation times were evaluated for the stimulation of whole blood as positive control in the assay. The optimum concentration for coating the plates with the capture monoclonal antibody was 2 g/ml. An optimum dilution of 1:5000 was selected for both the biotinylated detection monoclonal antibody and the streptavidin horseradish peroxidase conjugate. The assay was optimised using recombinant lion interferon gamma and the lower detection limit was calculated to be 109 pg/ml. Phosphate buffered saline with 1% bovine serum albumin was found to be Chapter 1 © University of South Africa iii a suitable blocking agent. Native interferon gamma was detected in whole blood samples from 5 lions and a 24 hour incubation time with PMA and ionomycin was selected as the optimal mitogen positive control. This assay system demonstrated good potential as an ante mortem test for the diagnosis of tuberculosis in lions. In conclusion, the assay can detect IFN- from supernatants harvested from whole blood cultures stimulated with specific antigens and mitogens
Agriculture and  Animal Health
M. Sc. (Agriculture)

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Hazzah, Leela N. "Living among lions (Panthera leo) coexistence or killing? Community attitudes towards conservation initiatives and the motivation behind lion killing in Kenyan Maasailand /." 2007. http://catalog.hathitrust.org/api/volumes/oclc/179688871.html.

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Thesis (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 2007
Typescript. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 139-153).

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Graf, Jan Andreas. "The spatial ecology of lion (Panthera leo) and spotted hyaena (Crocuta crocuta) in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park : implications for the African wild dog (Lycaon pictus." Thesis, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10413/4042.

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The ecological role of apex predators in ecosystems is increasingly recognized not only as a result of their affects on prey species, but also on the numbers and behaviour of other predator species within their guilds. In an African context, dominant apex predators such as lions (Panthera leo) and spotted hyaenas (Crocuta crocuta) have been implicated in limiting endangered intraguild species such as wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) via direct intraguild interactions, such as interference and predation. As a result of this it has been predicted that spatial and temporal refugia are critical for wild dogs to co-exist with lions and spotted hyaenas. Whether such refugia are actually present within small protected areas, such as Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park (HiP), within which these three species co-exist, has been questioned. For wild dogs, interference or predation refugia may be equated to areas or periods which contain a relatively low level of encounter probability with spotted hyaenas and lions respectively. By combining well established field research techniques, such as radio telemetry and audio playbacks, with novel geographic information system tools, I investigated the two key drivers of the probability of encounter with spotted hyaenas and lions, namely density and utilization intensity. Results from the analyses showed that substantial spatial and temporal variation existed in the utilization intensity of lions, as well as the density of both lions and spotted hyaenas, at short and intermediate time scales, in HiP. The spatial scale across which these patterns resolved appear to be well suited to the movement capabilities of wild dogs. This indicated that wild dogs may be able to exploit such areas of temporary lower density and/or utilization intensity, suggesting the dynamic nature of refugia involved in the interactions within these two species-pairs. Results from the lion analyses further suggest that groups rather than individuals are the basic units around which intraguild interactions of social predator and prey species should be investigated, and that social grouping in combination with predator territoriality may stabilize intraguild interactions. An important prediction emerging from this work is that wild dogs, or other subordinate African large predator species, may be forced to trade-off safety from hyaena interference vs. safety from lion predation.
Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2009.
National Research Foundation, The Green Trust (WWF–SA), The Wildlands Conservation Trust, University of KwaZulu-Natal, The Endangered Wildlife Trust, Smithsonian Institution, Sichel Family Endowment, Friends of the National Zoo, THRIP, Wild about Cats, Hluhluwe Tourism Association, Bateleurs, Third World Academy of Science, The Wild Dog Foundation, and The Sally Club.

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Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Panthera leo'

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