TEN LIONS POISONED IN PROTECTED AREA

DODOMA, SEPTEMBER 20 /SRNA/ – Ten dead lions have been found in Tanzania's Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a popular safari destination, with a preliminary investigation indicating that the animals were poisoned, authorities said.

The animals were found in the Ndutu area within the protected reserve, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority said.

A comprehensive investigation has been launched and a search for those responsible is under way, DPA reported.

Conflicts between wildlife and communities living near protected areas are common in Tanzania and other African countries.

Lions are sometimes killed in retaliation for attacks on livestock, while conflicts involving elephants are also frequent when the animals enter farmland and destroy crops.

The situation is being aggravated by the loss of natural habitats and growing competition for water and grazing land.

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is also home to the Maasai people, who have traditionally lived there with their livestock.