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Tracking Lion Recovery in Gorongosa National Park

Topic

  • Environmental Science
  • Human Population & Impacts
  • Conservation

Resource Type

  • Videos
  • Scientists at Work

Level

High School — GeneralHigh School — AP/IBCollege

Duration

00:08:58
Used In
1 BioInteractive Playlists
Saved By
20 Users
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Description

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.

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

One 50-minute class period to complete the associated handouts.

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)

PDF files meet criteria. Video files meet criteria.

Version History

Date Published 08.04.15
Date Updated 10.19.17

NGSS (2013)

HS-LS2-6; HS-LS2.C, HS-LS4.D; SEP4, SEP5

AP Biology (2019)

ENE-4.A, ENE-4.B, SYI-1.H, SYI-3.F, SYI-3.G; SP4, SP5

IB Biology (2016)

C.1, C.4

AP Environmental Science (2020)

Topic(s): 1.10, 1.11
Learning Objectives & Practices: ENG-1.C, ENG-1.D, SP1, SP2, SP5, SP6

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

Materials

HD (M4V) 314 MB
HD (WMV) 266 MB
SD (M4V) 72 MB
SD (WMV) 68 MB
Transcript (PDF) 133 KB
Student Worksheet (PDF) 984 KB

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Gorongosa Data Activities

Kim Parfitt describes two activities (now merged into the activity “Scientific Inquiry and Data Analysis Using WildCam Gorongosa”) associated with the WildCam Gorongosa project. She also discusses a short film on lion populations in Gorongosa that she uses to introduce the topic.
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