The Pendjari Park has a reputation for its density of carnivores, its big cats. Its emblem, the cheetah, is a representation of that reputation.

A frequently asked question is: "How many lions live in the reserve?" This is a difficult question to answer because the lion has a large territory in which it usually hunts by night. Therefore they are often hard to sight.

Nevertheless, scientific investigations reveal a low density of lions relative to the potential of the Park. It is possible that the Pendjari Park is home to only about fifty lions. The cause of this is not known, only a few assumptions can be made, for example, contagious diseases, poisoning by villagers and herders, or competition with hyenas.

Hunting is not a great factor because it was banned for two years and the situation of lions did not improve. The lion has a great reproductive potential. A female can have up to 6 cubs at a time and raise them as long as there is no lack of prey. Do not forget that the reserve is also home to many other species of carnivores that are less-known, the presence of which many visitors ignore. Be on the lookout for these animals, especially at sunrise and sunset.