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6mo ago

DNA Analysis Reveals Diet of Infamous Tsavo 'Man-Eater' Lions

Researchers used genetic techniques to uncover the prey of two lions that terrorized a Kenyan railway camp in 1898, confirming their consumption of humans and other animals.

Image
Hairs trapped in the teeth of the lions showed they preyed on zebras and wildebeest.
The Tsavo lions were maneless, like this adult male lion. It's not uncommon for lions in dry areas of Kenya, such as Samburu and Tsavo, to be maneless.
The Tsavo lions also preyed on oryx (left) and waterbucks.

Overview

  • The study analyzed hairs found in the broken teeth of the lions, identifying prey species such as giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and humans.
  • Mitochondrial DNA analysis confirmed the lions were likely siblings and provided insights into their maternal lineage.
  • The research suggested the lions roamed farther than previously believed, with evidence of consuming wildebeests located 50 miles away.
  • The absence of buffalo DNA in the lions' diet was attributed to a rinderpest outbreak that decimated local buffalo populations during that era.
  • This innovative genetic method opens new possibilities for studying the diets of ancient carnivores and understanding historical predator-prey dynamics.