Tracking Lion Recovery in Gorongosa National Park
Resource Type
Duration
00:08:58Description
This video describes how scientists in Gorongosa National Park are using GPS satellite collars and motion-sensitive cameras to gather data about the recovery of the park’s lion population.
Gorongosa National Park was once famous for its lion population, attracting tourists from all over the world. But during Mozambique’s struggle for independence and subsequent civil war, the park’s iconic wildlife was slaughtered. In 2008, a massive ecosystem restoration project began. Today, many animals are bouncing back in large numbers, but it’s unclear whether the lions are also making a strong recovery.
Ecologist Paola Bouley heads the Gorongosa Lion Project, an effort to document the lions’ response to the park’s restoration and identify any factors that may limit their recovery. Working with Mozambican scientists Celina Dias and Domingas Alexio, Bouley is using GPS satellite collars and trail cameras to identify new lions and gather data about their behavior. These tools are also proving invaluable in protecting lions against poachers.
The accompanying “Student Worksheet” incorporates concepts and information from the video.
The “Resource Google Folder” link directs to a Google Drive folder of resource documents in the Google Docs format. Not all downloadable documents for the resource may be available in this format. The Google Drive folder is set as “View Only”; to save a copy of a document in this folder to your Google Drive, open that document, then select File → “Make a copy.” These documents can be copied, modified, and distributed online following the Terms of Use listed in the “Details” section below, including crediting BioInteractive.
An audio descriptive version of the film is available via our media player.
Student Learning Targets
- Learn about research practices.
- Develop scientific explanations and justify claims using evidence.
- Calculate the density of lions in an area of study, and estimate the total number in the park.
Estimated Time
Key Terms
Africa, camera, GPS, poaching, restoration, scientific methodology, scientific process, technology
Terms of Use
Please see the Terms of Use for information on how this resource can be used.
Accessibility Level (WCAG compliance)
Version History
NGSS (2013)
HS-LS2-6; HS-LS2.C, HS-LS4.D; SEP4, SEP5
AP Biology (2019)
4.A.5, 4.B.3, 4.C.4; SP2, SP5
IB Biology (2016)
C.1, C.4
AP Environmental Science (2020)
II.C, VII.C
IB Environmental Systems and Societies (2017)
3.1, 3.3, 3.4
Common Core (2010)
ELA.RST.9-12.7, ELA.WHST.9-12.1
Math.A-REI.3, Math.S-IC.3; MP2, MP3, MP5
Vision and Change (2009)
CC5; DP1, DP2
Educator Tips
