Genetic Ancestry, Health, and Fertility of EAZA’s Northern African Lions: A Framework for Targeted Conservation

• Applicant: Professor Laurent Frantz, Ph.D.
• Subject Area: Animal Breeding, Animal Nutrition, Animal Husbandry ; Veterinary Medical Science
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 575796940

Ex-situ conservation in zoos, actively preserving species and subspecies facing severe population declines, is increasingly important in the face of extinction and habitat loss. To improve the effectiveness of ex-situ conservation actions, resources can be applied more strategically. This research aims to use cutting edge methods (genomics and fertility assessments) to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the genetic ancestry/diversity, inbreeding risks, health and fertility of captive lions in Europe. For example, one objective of this project will be to identify the remaining Barbary lions in captivity. These lions represent the last known descendants of a population that historically ranged across the Maghreb. After their extinction in the wild, a small number survived in the Royal Collection of Morocco. Over time, few descendants were distributed to various zoological institutions across Europe. These lions hold ecological and cultural significance, playing a symbolic role in North African heritage and ecosystems. Despite their prominence in European Association for Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA) accredited zoos, breeding has so far relied solely on pedigree data, with no genetic confirmation of ancestry. As a result, uncertainties remain about their genetic relationship to the extinct wild North African population and whether they have retained distinct genetic traits. This question has become increasingly relevant following a recent taxonomic revision that recognizes two lion subspecies, Panthera leo leo (West/Central Africa, India) and P. leo melanochaita (Southern/Eastern Africa). We propose a genomic investigation using whole-genome sequencing of all EAZA lions (~852 lions) to clarify their ancestry, to evaluate their potential as an insurance population for endangered wild lions populations. This data will also allow us to assess overall genomic health (i.e. inbreeding, genetic diversity, and mutational load). Additionally, we will conduct advanced health and fertility evaluations of the genetically confirmed North African lions including hormone profiling, reproductive tract assessments, and semen analysis with subsequent cryopreservation. Combined, these dataset will allow us to better understand the link between reproductive success, clinical conditions and inbreeding. By integrating genomic and clinical data, we will provide genome- and fertility-informed breeding recommendations to guide EAZA’s efforts in establishing a sustainable breeding program that maximises genetic diversity while minimising the loss of unique ancestry. We will deliver the scientific foundation to enhance ex-situ conservation, clarify the ancestry of the North African lions, and support long-term conservation planning, including potential future reintroductions and genetic rescue. It will also serve as a model for combining genomics and reproductive technologies in conservation.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants