Dataset of: Community perspectives on the prospect of lion (Panthera leo) reintroduction to Comoé National Park, Côte d’Ivoire (West Africa)

The civil war in Côte d’Ivoire led to a hike in human disturbances and the
extirpation of the African lion (Panthera leo) from the Comoé National
Park (CNP). After the war, many efforts have been made to restore this
ecosystem and management is considering the reintroduction of lions. In
participatory management with people at the center of conservation, there
is a need to discuss with communities the initiatives affecting their
livelihoods. We assessed the acceptance of lion reintroduction by the
local communities; through semi-structured questionnaires to 307 volunteer
participants in surrounding 23 villages. Most respondents had knowledge of
lions from CNP (93%, n=286). A generalized linear model (GLM) revealed
that sex, profession, perceived benefits and risks, and an
appreciation of the current management system are the main significant
determinants for the acceptance of lion reintroduction in CNP.  A
large majority (73%, n=223) were in favor of the lion reintroduction with
significant variance among socio-professional categories. The majority of
respondents (81%, n=250) acknowledged having coexisted with lions, with
previous lion conflicts reported by 20% (n = 61), and a willingness to
coexist in the future by 74% (n = 227). More than 84% (n=260) believed
that there would be benefits associated with lion reintroduction to CNP
and 53% (n=162) believed that the potential benefits would be greater than
the possible risks associated with lions. Most respondents (88%; n=270)
confirmed the possibility of taking precautions to prevent future lion
attacks. While only 42% (n = 129) of respondents felt that current
management was participatory, most of them felt that it was acceptable
(83%; n = 254). Our data shows a large degree of lion support, positive
perceptions, and willingness to coexist with lions in the future. These
results form part of a fundamental step in the direction for ethical
reintroduction, as described by the IUCN reintroduction specialist group.
We recommend the improvement of the involvement of indigenous communities
in potential reintroduction of lions, especially the pastoralists, and the
sharing of any associated benefits.