Lions and other large carnivores in sub-Saharan Africa have showed a marked reduction in numbers and distribution during the past five decades. This decline can be attributed to an increased conflict with human development. Namibia supports a small lion rn population and there is concern over the long-term viability of Namibian lions. Most lions live in Etosha National Park (ENP) and the bordering Khorixas District (KD). Lions also occur in three other locations (Kaudom Game Reserve / Nyae Nyae Conservancy; western and eastern Caprivi) but numbers in those locations appear to be low. A conservation area, such as ENP does not offer full protection to lions because of intensive live stock farming along the borders. Lions often cause live stock losses along the borders and are persecuted. During the past 15 years 427 lions were destroyed on the borders of ENP. The long-term sustainability of this population is uncertain. This is mainly due to a shortage of scientific data on the ecological mechanisms that drive population regulation.