Lincoln Park Zoo

Serengeti Health Initiative

Serengeti Health Initiative

African lion
The best-known predator of the Serengeti plains, African lions hunt animals such as zebras, antelope and wildebeest. These large carnivores can reach six feet in length and weigh up to 500 pounds. Lions live in prides of 3–30 members. These groups are led by a single male, and females share responsibility for hunting and rearing cubs.

Lion populations are in decline throughout Tanzania, and the species may soon be declared threatened by the International Union of Concerned Scientists.

View African Lion factsheet

African Wild Dogs
Able predators, and extremely endangered, African wild dogs roam the savanna in packs of 2–30 members. By hunting as a group, the pack is able to prey on much larger animals, including gazelles, impalas and zebras. African wild dogs packs are highly social, with a strict dominance hierarchy and a number of display behaviors that reinforce group cohesion. Only the dominant male and female are allowed to produce pups; other group members help feed and care for new arrivals.

View African Wild Dog factsheet

Wildebeest
Important members of the ecosystem, wildebeest constantly trim the vegetation as they graze, maintaining Serengeti National Park’s broad grasslands. A sudden increase or decline in their numbers could alter the landscape drastically enough that new diseases might emerge, prompting new threats to the Serengeti’s wildlife. Wildebeest support numerous species of carnivores, including lions, African wild dogs, jackals, cheetahs, leopards and more.

Domestic Dogs
Domestic dogs are owned by people around the borders of the park, who use them for hunting and protection. Dogs are fed and cared for by their owners, but they are not allowed to live inside their owner’s homes. As a result, dogs often travel far from their homes, wandering across park boundaries onto protected land. There they can come into contact with wild animals, facilitating the spread of disease.

Cattle and goats
In addition to farming, many people living near the borders of Serengeti National Park raise cattle, goats and other livestock for subsistence. Because livestock have high economic value, it is important that they remain well-fed and healthy. It is illegal to graze herds of domestic cattle and goats within the park, but grazers often take their herds there to find the most nutritious food. Shared land-use by wildlife and domestic animals can potentially spread disease between each.