A scoping review of academic papers on human-lion conflict in Africa

Adopting a scoping review method, we examined peer-reviewed academic papers published about human-lion conflict (HLC) (including coexistence) and identified knowledge gaps. We searched papers published between January 1981 and December 2023 using academic databases, with the key terms African lion, human-lion conflict, human-lion coexistence, and human-lion interaction. This produced 485 records, reduced to 137 after using additional criteria. Ninety-eight papers were focused on lions in Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. Ten pan-African studies were identified in our review. Our inductive analysis identified four themes related to HLC: attitudes and perceptions toward lions, causes of HLC, consequences of HLC, and mitigating HLC. Some limitations identified in systematic reviews of human-wildlife conflict have been addressed in recent years, such as broadening the geographical scale of research. However, some knowledge gaps remain, including a lack of assessment of mitigation strategies and studies on climate changes impact on human-lion conflict. Addressing the knowledge gaps highlighted in this review will require diversifying the disciplinary composition of the research teams and increasing researcher reflexivity. A scoping review of academic papers published on human-lion conflict, between 1981 and 2023. The review identifies established knowledge and knowledge-gaps to recommend avenues for future research in the field. image