Spatial ecology of lions in a small, semi-fenced park surrounded by dense human populations: the case study of Nairobi National Park, Kenya

Abstract Human population growth near protected areas often results in detrimental edge effects for apex carnivores, such as the African lion. Urbanization leads to new scenarios of human–lion conflict, thus understanding ranging patterns close urban environments is crucial inform future management strategies. We collected GPS data from 12 collared lions between 2014 and 2018 Nairobi National Park, which borders capital city Kenya, city. estimated home ranges, calculated daily distance traveled tested differences sex, season pride. Additionally, we investigated how disturbance surrounding human settlements affected space-use lions, time day. Lions showed restricted movements (4.5 km/day) had small ranges (49 km 2 ). Male larger than females, but avoidance behavior disturbed was similar. took advantage during times low activity, i.e., night, extend search resources. Risk livestock depredation also increased wet when roamed longer, more frequently, deeper into community lands. recommend establishment buffer zones maintain a viable lion reduced risk conflict.