The African Lion, Panthera leo, one of the world’s most iconic and charismatic species and much of the global public is passionate about their conservation. However, the lion is among the species that have undergone the greatest range reductions since historic times. Lions now only occur in 6% of their historic range. In the last 21 years, remaining lion range has declined by 34% and a similar population reduction is suspected. Latest studies estimate that between 20,000 and 25,000 lions remain. As such, lions are globally listed as Vulnerable, indicating a future existing risk.

The African Lion Database (ALD) is the central repository for information on the distribution, population status, and conservation management of the African lion (Panthera leo). Managed under the IUCN SSC Cat Specialist Group, the ALD provides a consistent and authoritative basis for assessing the status of lion subpopulations across Africa and supporting evidence-based conservation planning at national, regional, and continental scales.

The more we know about a species, the better we can effectively conserve them. To do this, accurate and up-to-date data on their distribution, population and their threats are needed. A single database that consolidates such data for the species will be able to promote better conservation impact for the species. Therefore, a range-wide African Lion Database (ALD) was established in 2018 to provide a solution to many of the current shortcomings which limits effective conservation decisions.

The project is a collaborative effort between protected area management, governments, researchers and non-governmental organisations. The ALD is funded by the Lion Recovery Fund and National Geographic and is hosted and maintained by the Endangered Wildlife Trust on behalf of the IUCN SSC Cat Specialist Group.