Poison suspected in deaths of ten lions in game reserve in Tanzania

Ten lions found dead in a wildlife reserve in Tanzania are suspected to have been poisoned, according to wildlife officials. The animals were discovered on Friday in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, home to pastoral tribal communities that raise cattle. It is also one of the most visited tourist destinations in the country.

"Preliminary findings suggest the animals may have died after ingesting poison," a statement from The Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority said, adding the authority has launched a full investigation "to determine the cause of the incident and identify those responsible."

Large animals are under threat across East Africa, in places where they frequently come into conflict with humans. An investigation is underway in neighboring Kenya, where over the summer, 18 elephants died from suspected poisoning. Police have arrested four people.