Almost everywhere in Africa lions just lie on the ground, but in #Ishasha, in the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park​, #Uganda, they like to climb up into big fig trees and loll around on the broad branches. Why? Maybe it is cooler up there, or above the pesky tsetse flies? This lioness has a radio collar, as part of a study by Wildlife Conservation Society​ scientists, to help the Uganda Wildlife Authority​ manage human-wildlife conflict in the communities around the park.

Sadly, across most of Africa lion populations are in decline, losing habitat to agriculture, losing prey to commercial bushmeat hunters and being shot by poachers, cattle-owners and trophy hunters (to the lion, the difference is academic!). Although the species, Panthera leo, is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species​, the continental total may be down to only 20,000 and scientists looking at regional data conclude that West African lions are Critically Endangered, Central and East African #lions should be classed as regionally Endangered, and Southern Africa's lions - many living in fenced and managed reserves - as Least Concern: https://www.pnas.org/content/112/48/14894
You can support lion conservation through Born Free Foundation​ here: https://www.bornfree.org.uk/lion-conservation

This video - No.42 in the #BrightenYourDay series to lift spirits during the #Covid19 #pandemic - is also part of a virtual eco-tour of QENP by www.vEcotourism.org​ - why not download the free vEco Tours app to take a #virtual #safari while in #lockdown. The app works with or without a #VR headset, and is more immersive if you use headphones. In a couple of clicks, you are virtually there!