Ten lions have been found dead in Tanzania's Ngorongoro Conservation Area, according to wildlife officials who suspect the animals were poisoned. The carcasses were discovered on Friday in the reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site in northern Tanzania.
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is home to pastoralist communities, including Maasai, who raise livestock alongside wildlife. Conflicts between herders and predators over livestock predation are a known issue in the region, and poisoning is sometimes used in retaliation.
Wildlife authorities have launched an investigation into the deaths. No arrests have been reported, and officials have not yet confirmed the exact cause of death pending toxicology results.
The incident highlights ongoing challenges in balancing wildlife conservation with the livelihoods of local communities in one of Africa's most iconic ecosystems.