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Few Americans have spent any length of time in Sub-Saharan Africa. Whether because of the heat, the dangers, or simply fear of the unknown, they seldom venture onto the Savanna, and thus have little understanding of its wildlife. Typically, an American’s closest encounter with a lion is from behind a sheet of specialized glass at the local zoo. The wild lions of Africa experience a far different lifestyle from their cultivated counterparts – one which only GPS trackers are able to record.

Recently, a group of scientists began using GPS tracking devices to monitor the location of wild lions in Sub-Saharan Africa. Their purpose, however, was not entirely to protect the lions, but also to defend African livestock from attack. Apparently, the animals’ owners were tired of losing valuable property to the paws of hungry, stronger wildlife. The trackers were placed around the necks of “problem lions” that were known for their destructive behavior. Once the tracking collar was activated, the location of its lion could be consistently monitored.

On the flip side of the coin, Africa’s lions are themselves at risk and in need of protection from poachers who would seek to destroy them. In these situations the tracking collar worn by a lion is not merely a means of protecting his prey, but also of assuring that he does not fall victim himself. If a lion goes to close to a location where poachers are known to hunt, the caretakers overseeing him can quickly intervene to protect Africa’s wildlife from harm.

Africa’s population of wild lions has dropped excessively in recent years. A century ago 100,000 of these magnificent creatures could be counted across the continent. Today, a shocking 23,000 roam free. And while much of the killing was done by owners seeking to protect their livestock, many lions were needlessly slain by greedy poachers looking to make a mint off of their pelts.

Whether out of a desire to save the lion or his prey, GPS tracking has become a popular means of watching over the activity of Africa’s population of lions. Scientists and land owners alike are intrigued by the concept. Lions may be one of Earth’s most dangerous predators, but they also represent and irreplaceable part of the world’s wildlife. The use of GPS technology to monitor them gives us a chance to protect not only Africa’s cultivated animal population, but also its wild one.

Article Written by Greg Bartlett