Lions and hyenas are a common sight for visitors to Africa, and many eagerly anticipate encountering them firsthand. However, these creatures may sometimes spend less time near roads teeming with people, as suggested by new studies from the University of Georgia.
Etosha National Park in Namibia is a well-known destination for observing animals such as lions and hyenas. Numerous artificial waterholes attract wildlife, typically located close to the main road used by vehicles, enabling tourists to enjoy a good view.
Yet, the influx of tourists can disturb animals’ regular routines and behaviors.
James Beasley (Photo by Dorothy Kozlowski/UGA)
“The key takeaway is not that tourism is detrimental. These large predators require expansive areas to roam and access to prey, and tourism significantly fuels many economies,” stated Jim Beasley, co-author of the research and a professor at UGA’s Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources.
A primary objective of his lab is to comprehend how carnivores and other wildlife utilize space to minimize conflicts with humans. This is particularly crucial for vast parks like Etosha, which offer numerous regions where wildlife can retreat from human presence.
“It is essential to have these large parks accessible to tourists so they can observe these animals in their natural habitat,” Beasley noted. “However, it is vital to ensure there are sections within these parks where wildlife can retreat from the pressure of tourism.”
Animals favoring less populated regions
The researchers utilized GPS collars to monitor the movements of 14 lions and nine hyenas from 2016 to 2024. They discovered that while lions and hyenas did not entirely avoid busy areas, they tended to remain close to roads with less traffic, especially during the dry season.
“The dry season witnesses the peak of tourism, resulting in significantly more traffic,” explained Jessy Patterson, lead author of the study and a doctoral candidate at UGA’s Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources. “The animals are still present in that vicinity since it contains several waterholes, but they are more likely to be found near the less busy roads.”
Hyenas were less likely to remain near waterholes, possibly to prevent clashes with lions. (Photo courtesy of Brennan Peterson Wood)
Lions prioritize water more than hyenas
However, the animals were not moving exclusively due to human activity, as per the researchers. Lions frequently lingered near waterholes, likely for drinking or hunting purposes.
In contrast, hyenas did not remain near water as often. This could be because they derive more hydration from their prey. Alternatively, they might be attempting to avoid competition with lions that frequent the waterholes.
Lions also showed a preference for areas with sparser vegetation compared to hyenas. Given that lions are ambush hunters who utilize cover for concealment, the researchers found this observation surprising.
“Sometimes, dense vegetation restricts the lions’ ability to hunt efficiently,” Patterson explained. “Additionally, herbivores tend to be more cautious in habitats with substantial predators. They recognize that if they are near dense vegetation, lions can conceal themselves to launch ambushes. Consequently, herbivores might be steering clear of those areas, requiring lions to hunt more in open spaces.”
Conversely, hyenas seemed to prefer locations with denser tree coverage, likely to shield themselves from the sun and seek relief in the shade.
Understanding the whereabouts of large predators, like this lion, could aid park officials in ensuring animal safety while enhancing tourism. (Photo courtesy of Stephanie Periquet Pearce)
Understanding animal behavior essential for park management
Although no two regions share identical landscapes, the researchers emphasized the significance of recognizing areas where large predators opt to rest and hunt. This knowledge could assist park authorities in managing roads and waterholes while ensuring the safety and visibility of wildlife for tourists.
“National parks that accommodate these large carnivores are critical not only for conservation but also for tourism,” Beasley remarked. “Tourism generates substantial revenue for numerous countries, and many individuals wish to witness large carnivores in the wild.”
The study was published in Global Ecology and Conservation and co-authored by Stephanie Periquet-Pearce, Madeline H. Melton, Brennan Peterson Wood, Dipanjan Naha, and Claudine Cloete.
This article Both humans, nature change where lions and hyenas move first appeared on UGA Today.