Jakarta, ThedailyID — Ten lions were found dead in Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Conservation Area this week, with preliminary findings suggesting that the animals may have died after consuming poison.
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority said the lions were discovered on September 18 in the Ndutu area, Endulen District, in the Arusha Region.
“Preliminary examination indicates that the animals may have died after ingesting poison,” the authority said, as quoted by Reuters on Monday, September 21.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of death and identify those responsible.
The deaths have raised concerns about lion conservation in one of Africa’s best-known wildlife ecosystems. Poisoning has remained a recurring threat to large predators in parts of East Africa.
Such incidents can sometimes be linked to conflicts between predators and livestock owners. Lions may come into conflict with communities when they prey on livestock or move near areas used by people.
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern Tanzania and is also one of the country’s major tourism destinations.
The conservation area provides habitat for numerous wildlife species, including lions, elephants, buffalo and endangered black rhinoceroses.
The latest deaths come amid other wildlife investigations in neighboring Kenya. Last month, police reportedly arrested four suspects in connection with the deaths of 18 elephants.
Authorities in Tanzania are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the 10 lions.
