Kenya's "man-eater" lions of the 19th century confirmed using DNA
DNA analysis confirms the Tsavo lions consumed humans and various prey, revealing insights into their diet and ecological changes, with potential applications for studying ancient carnivores and ecosystems.
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DNA analysis of two lion specimens from the 1890s has confirmed that the infamous "Tsavo Man-Eaters" in Kenya consumed humans, alongside other prey such as giraffes and wildebeests. These lions, believed to have killed dozens of railway workers during the construction of the Kenya-Uganda railway, were shot by Lieutenant-Colonel John Henry Patterson in 1898. Their remains were later sent to the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago. A team of scientists from the US and Kenya conducted the DNA analysis, revealing that the lions preyed on various species, including oryx, waterbuck, and zebra. The study, published in Current Biology, highlights the potential of genomic techniques to provide insights into historical animal diets and ecological changes. Notably, the discovery of wildebeest hair suggests that these animals may have been present in the Tsavo region or that the lions traveled further than previously thought. The researchers believe this methodology could be applied to study ancient carnivores, offering new avenues for understanding past ecosystems and human-animal interactions.
- DNA confirms the Tsavo lions consumed humans and various prey species.
- The lions were responsible for numerous deaths during the late 19th century.
- The study utilized advanced genomic techniques to analyze historical specimens.
- Findings suggest possible changes in lion diet and prey availability over time.
- The methodology may be applicable to research on ancient carnivores.
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