Humans are stealing food from lions – and it could be a threat to Africa’s big cats

Taking prey from a lion might seem like a dangerous gamble, but it's a practice with deep historical roots in many African communities.

Human kleptoparasitism — people stealing food other species — is emerging as a significant concern among conservationists, according to new research published in PLOS ONE. The study reveals that this practice, while ancient, may be becoming more widespread in certain regions of Africa, potentially endangering lion populations across the continent.

The study, led by Paula White, senior research fellow at UCLA’s Center for Tropical Research, offers a comprehensive examination of human kleptoparasitism through surveys conducted with experts from 15 African countries. Researchers found that this practice is geographically more widespread and prevalent than previously reported, raising alarms about its implications for both lion conservation and human health.

“Our findings reveal that in regions where livestock predation occurs, communities often view taking meat from lion kills as reclaiming their property,” White said. “However, in half of all reported cases, people were taking kills from wild prey, which may have significant negative consequences for lion individuals and populations.” 

The practice of stealing kills from lions forces these apex predators to hunt more frequently, leading to increased stress, energy expenditure and heightened risk of injury. This added burden is particularly concerning for vulnerable individuals like pregnant or nursing females, who may already be struggling to find enough food. Increased hunting activity also raises the likelihood of lions coming into closer contact with humans, which could lead to more frequent and dangerous human-lion conflicts.

A key aspect of the study is the recognition that while human kleptoparasitism is not yet considered the primary threat to lion populations, it could exacerbate other challenges facing the big cats, especially in areas with limited prey availability.

“Repeated disturbances at their kills poses an additional threat to lions,” White noted. “Obtaining meat in this fashion also poses a potential health risk to humans, as consuming improperly handled or diseased meat could lead to the spread of diseases from animals to people.”

The research shines a light on the intricate and often overlooked dynamics of human-carnivore interactions in modern Africa. It underscores the importance of developing conservation strategies that not only protect wildlife but also respect the needs and traditions of local communities. The study calls for further research to fully understand the long-term impacts of human kleptoparasitism and to devise solutions that balance the complex relationship between human livelihoods and lion conservation.

As Africa’s lion populations continue to face multiple threats, including habitat loss, poaching and climate change, the findings of the study add a new dimension to discussions surrounding conversation. They highlight the need for a nuanced approach that takes into account both the ecological and socio-cultural factors at play.