Predator Population Regulation

In fenced reserves such as Malilangwe, lions have the capacity to drive prey populations into decline if their numbers are allowed to increase beyond sustainable levels. The theoretical carrying capacity of lions at Malilangwe was figured between 24 and 29 in 2003, but is believed to be closer to 35 today. Low density prey species (e.g. sable) are the most vulnerable to lion-induced declines. A 2013 study used population viability modelling to show that sable numbers would decline at Malilangwe if lion numbers increased beyond 35. Therefore, to maintain viable populations of the low density antelope species, groups of lions are periodically captured on Malilangwe and moved to other conservation areas.