biostudies-literatureUnknown6Belant JLDeclining populations of large carnivores worldwide, and the complexities of managing human-carnivore conflicts, require accurate population estimates of large carnivores to promote their long-term persistence through well-informed management We used N-mixture models to estimate lion (Panthera leo) abundance from call-in and track surveys in southeastern Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. Because of potential habituation to broadcasted calls and social behavior, we developed a hierarchical observation process within the N-mixture model conditioning lion detectability on their group response to call-ins and individual detection probabilities. We estimated 270 lions (95% credible interval = 170-551) using call-ins but were unable to estimate lion abundance from track data. We found a weak neScientific reports35920https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC5082374biostudies-literatureEstimating Lion Abundance using N-mixture Models for Social Species.PMC5082374Belant JLMwampeta SBFyumagwa RBled FBeyer DEWilton CMfalseEstimating Lion Abundance using N-mixture Models for Social Species.Declining populations of large carnivores worldwide, and the complexities of managing human-carnivore conflicts, require accurate population estimates of large carnivores to promote their long-term persistence through well-informed management We used N-mixture models to estimate lion (Panthera leo) abundance from call-in and track surveys in southeastern Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. Because of potential habituation to broadcasted calls and social behavior, we developed a hierarchical observation process within the N-mixture model conditioning lion detectability on their group response to call-ins and individual detection probabilities. We estimated 270 lions (95% credible interval = 170-551) using call-ins but were unable to estimate lion abundance from track data. We found a weak ne2016-01-01T00:00:00Z2016 Oct2025-04-27T01:51:55.737Z2019-03-27T02:27:38ZS-EPMC50823742778628310.1038/srep35920