About the ALD

provide a unified, science-based
foundation for lion conservation
across Africa

Overview

The African Lion Database was established to provide a unified, science-based foundation for lion conservation across Africa. It consolidates data from Range States, research institutions, NGOs, and protected area managers to track the distribution, population trends, and threats facing lions.

The ALD supports the IUCN Red List assessments of Panthera leo, contributes to national and regional conservation planning, and informs international policy processes including CITES, CMS, and the African Carnivore Initiative.

Objectives

  • Provide an authoritative, regularly updated dataset on lion populations and their status.

  • Support Range States in implementing, monitoring, and revising their National Lion Action Plans.

  • Facilitate collaboration and data sharing among the lion conservation community.

  • Strengthen regional and continental reporting to global frameworks.

Governance

The African Lion Database an IUCN SSC Cat Specialist Group Initiative and is hosted by the Endangered Wildlife Trust, on behalf of the broader conservation community. Its development and maintenance are guided by the ALD Technical Advisory Group and implemented in close collaboration with Range States and partner organisations.

The ALD is funded by the Lion Recovery Fund and National Geographic.

Database Overview

The ALD compiles verified data on lion distribution, population estimates, threats, and conservation management across Africa. Data are collected from a network of experts, protected area authorities, and conservation partners using standardized templates and methods.

Data Access

The ALD contains both public and restricted data. Public datasets and summary statistics will be available for open viewing, while access to detailed or sensitive data may require a formal data request. All users must agree to the ALD Data Policy and Terms of Use.

Data Policy & Terms of Use

Use of ALD data is governed by the ALD Data Policy and Terms of Use (Version 4_202512). This document outlines the guiding principles for data sharing, citation, confidentiality, and intellectual property. It defines the rights and responsibilities of data providers and users, including how data may be accessed, interpreted, and reproduced. The policy also sets out procedures for acknowledging contributors, maintaining data integrity, and ensuring sensitive information is managed appropriately. Together, these terms safeguard both the scientific value and ethical use of ALD data, while promoting open and responsible collaboration across the lion conservation community.

[Download PDF]

Data Submission

Researchers, protected area managers, and conservation partners are encouraged to contribute data to the ALD. Data submissions are reviewed for quality assurance and integrated into the database following standard validation procedures.

Submit data → info@africanliondatabase.org