For the first time in six years, conservationists have proof that adult female lions are still present in the northeastern region of the Central African Republic (CAR). The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) posted a trail-cam photo of a lioness that experts say is lactating, suggesting she has cubs nearby.
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WCS says this important trail-cam capture provides crucial evidence that the lion population has a chance in the region. The nonprofit shared the news on social media ahead of World Lion Day (August 10), which helps raise awareness about lion conservation.
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“For the first time in six years, we’ve captured camera trap evidence of an adult female lion in North-Eastern Central African Republic,” wrote WCS in an Instagram post. “The photo, recorded in Bamingui-Bangoran National Park, provides the first confirmation of a lioness in the population since WCS began its extensive monitoring efforts in the region. [. . .] Until now, all camera trap images had captured only males, with no evidence of breeding females or cubs.”
WCS’s Director of Programs for CAR, Armand Luh Mfone, said: “This is a truly exciting and hopeful sign for lions in the region.”
See the trail-cam photo of a lactating lioness who represents hope for her species here:
Header stock image by Michele D’Amico supersky77/Getty Images
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