ARUSHA, Tanzania — Ten lions have been found dead in Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with preliminary findings indicating suspected poisoning.
The lions were discovered on Friday in the Ndutu area of Endulen Ward, Arusha Region, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) said in a statement released late Saturday.
The authority said investigations had been launched to establish what killed the animals and identify those responsible.
“Preliminary findings suggest the animals may have died after ingesting poison,” the NCAA said.
Ten lions found dead in Ndutu
The deaths have raised fresh concerns over the threat posed by poisoning to lions and other large carnivores in East Africa.
Poisoning is often associated with human-wildlife conflict, particularly where predators attack livestock and communities retaliate.
The NCAA said its investigation was ongoing and did not identify any suspects or establish who may have poisoned the lions.
The exact substance involved was also not disclosed.
Ngorongoro wildlife under threat
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is one of Tanzania’s major wildlife and tourism destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The area supports large populations of wildlife, including lions, elephants, buffaloes and the endangered black rhinoceros.
Similar lion poisoning reported near Kenya border
The incident comes months after a separate poisoning episode involving lions near the Kenya-Tanzania border.
In early January, Kenya-based conservation organisation Lion Guardians reported that six lions had died in a suspected poisoning incident.
The discovery of about 30 dead vultures at the scene was cited as further evidence pointing to poisoning.
Elephant deaths also under investigation
Tanzania’s latest lion deaths also come amid investigations into wildlife deaths on the Kenyan side of the border.
Last month, Kenyan police arrested four suspects in connection with the deaths of 18 elephants.
The arrests formed part of an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the elephant deaths, although the case remains separate from the suspected poisoning of the lions in Ngorongoro.
Investigation into lion deaths continues
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority has not yet announced whether arrests have been made in connection with the deaths.
Investigators are expected to establish the cause of death and determine whether the lions were deliberately poisoned.
The incident adds to longstanding conservation concerns over human-wildlife conflict and the use of poison against predators in parts of East Africa.
Authorities are expected to provide further details as the investigation progresses.
