We investigated the potential impacts that free-ranging lions (Panthera leo) have within a small (220 km2), enclosed, protected area, and the subsequent challenges to conservation managers. Challenges include : over-population; in-breeding depression; decline of prey and other predator species; conflict with neighbouring communities and, in some cases, spreading disease. Lions are prolific breeders and reserves exceed their local carrying capacity within a relatively short period. Within the Greater Makalali Private Game Reserve we assessed a range of management interventions that can potentially achieve short and/or long-term reserve objectives, namely relocation, contraception, hunting, and artificial takeovers. None of the intervention methods resulted in long-term behavioural or social consequences. Constraints on lion management were more from societal values than biological or technological influences. If applied in the correct manner, at the correct time, all of these interventions, or a combination of them, can assist in achieving management objectives. Keywords: Contraception, Hunting, Makalali, Management intervention, Panthera leo, Relocation, Removal, Supplementation.