Tanzania investigates suspected poisoning after 10 lions found dead

Tanzanian wildlife authorities are investigating after 10 lions were found dead in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with preliminary findings pointing to possible poisoning.

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority said the animals were discovered on 18 September in the Ndutu area of Endulen Ward in the Arusha region.

The authority said an investigation had been opened to establish the cause of death and identify anyone responsible. The poisoning assessment remains preliminary and has not yet been presented as a final laboratory finding.

Concern for major East African wildlife area

Ngorongoro is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Tanzania’s best-known tourism and conservation areas. It supports lions, elephants, buffalo and endangered black rhinos.

The conservation area forms part of a wider ecosystem used by large numbers of wild animals and attracts visitors from across Africa and abroad. The loss of 10 lions in one incident has therefore raised concern beyond the immediate reserve.

Poisoning has been a recurring threat to large carnivores in parts of East Africa. Previous cases have sometimes been linked to conflict between predators and livestock owners, although officials have not announced a motive or identified a suspect in this case.

The investigation follows the arrest of four suspects in Kenya in August in a separate inquiry into the deaths of 18 elephants. Authorities have not linked the two cases, which involve different countries and species.

No final cause of death or arrest in the Ngorongoro case had been announced by Sunday afternoon. The authority’s inquiry will have to determine what substance, if any, was involved and whether the deaths resulted from a deliberate act.