West African Leopard Population Shows Signs of Recovery in Benin's Pendjari National Park
A study shows that the leopard population in Benin's Pendjari National Park has increased significantly between 2017 and 2023 due to effective conservation efforts. While this is a success, other parts of the WAP Complex continue to struggle with poaching and habitat degradation.
Why it matters
This provides a rare success story for endangered species conservation in a region heavily impacted by armed conflict and environmental pressure.
A new study published in the journal Global Ecology and Conservation has found that leopard density in Benin's Pendjari National Park increased over a six-year period, rising from 0.62 to 2.08 leopards per 100 km between 2017 and 2023. The findings offer a rare piece of encouraging news for West African leopards, which were listed as regionally endangered on the IUCN Red List in 2025 following a 50% population decline over two decades - with only an estimated 354 individuals remaining across the region. Researchers attribute the recovery in part to the conservation efforts of African Parks, which has managed the park in partnership with the Beninese government since 2017, maintaining a strong ranger presence, anti-poaching operations, habitat restoration, and community engagement programmes.
The article relies on scientific study data and neutral reporting on conservation outcomes.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in