The Lions of Tsavo: Exploring the Legacy of Africa's Notorious Man-Eaters

by Bruce D. Patterson

A little over a century ago, at the height of European colonial expansion in Africa, the British undertook a trans-Kenya railroad from Mombasa on the Indian Ocean to Lake Victoria. One hundred and thirty miles in, at what is now the Tsavo National Park, one of the world's largest wildlife preserves, nature struck back in the form of two male lions who began to systematically hunt, kill, and devour railroad workers, claiming 135 lives. The story of the Tsavo man-eaters has captivated the public's imagination for more than a century while giving rise to considerable scientific debate. What compelled those lions to prey on human beings - was it a matter of necessity, self-defense, or simply one of opportunity? Is there something about maneless lions that makes them especially prone to becoming man-eaters, or is human predation by lions more common than we have been led to believe? What can the events of 1898 teach us about the extraordinary Tsavo lions and about lions in general? In an effort to answer these questions, Bruce Patterson, principal investigator of the Tsavo Research Program and curator at the Field Museum in Chicago, where the Tsavo man-eaters are on exhibit, has conducted extensive field research throughout the region. Working from original accounts, he retells the story of those bloody nights in Kenya and, in a balanced discussion of competing narratives, he presents forensic evidence that the man-eating behavior exhibited in 1898 was likely due to pathology, but argues that most man-eaters and stock-raiders today result from human encroachment on wild habitats. He also delves into the evolutionary biology, anatomy and physiology, social behavior, and hunting strategies of the king of predators. In the process, he comes the somewhat disconcerting conclusion that, for lions, once they have tasted human flesh, "man-eating quickly becomes a habit, a routine, a way of life."

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Africa, Adventure, Animals, History

260 pages, Paperback

First published January 22, 2004

Reviews

[Joseph DiFrancesco · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, the first half of the book was interesting, but the second became too bogged down in academia. I'm sure conservation biologists would enjoy this work thru and thru , but I was drawn to it mainly for the man-eater and hunting accounts. I did, however, learn a great deal about lion behavior, and would like to thank Mr. Patterson for that.

[Cecily · Rating 2 out of 5]

If one publishes a book about your research, should it not contain some conclusions/results? This was a long, unsatisfying read that provide little answers and raised even more questions.

[John Nondorf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd probably go 3.5 stars for this one if I could. While it was overall engaging and informative, the book doesn't really deliver what the title promises. The first half of the book discusses various reasons lions may turn to human prey. This is followed by evolutionary details about lion development with myriad theories about differences--primarily maned vs maneless lions. The final "call to action" chapter sums up the current state of lions and presents arguments for various forms of conservation. Not much "legacy" to be found, but the title does serve as a hook to get people thinking about lion conservation.

[Mike Renz · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lions of Tsavo were mythologized by the movie - however Patterson takes a clear-headed, academic approach to the biology that produced these two remarkable predators. It also looks at the conflict between apex predictors and over populated humans.

[Mwangi Gichinga]

Gichinga Mwangi

[Jill CD · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you like the scientific aspect of animals and their behavior, you will enjoy this interesting book.

[Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saw the movie The Ghost in the Darkness and realized my dad had the book so I read it. The book is also really good.

[Jessie (Zombie_likes_cake) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am -as so many- fascinated with the lions of Tsavo since "The ghost and the darkness". After a visit to the Field's Museum and my own personal encounter with the lions I wanted to find out more about them, looking for John Patterson's writing about them I stumbled onto this one and gave it a well worth shot.
Especially the first half was highly interesting, a good mix of popular and scientific facts concerning the topic. The second half unfortunately turned out a lot drier and me not being native in English (admitted that that is my own problem not the book's) had a hard time with some paragraphs, the language choice and the analysis turned too scientific for my liking. Even though I was interested I had to force myself a bit to continue at times. Shame though, that we didn't get a more satisfying answer to the question of the manelessness of the lions there, I know in science research, patience and time is everything so I hope to come across Bruce Patterson's future works and some insights then.
Still, for everyone interested in lions, their behaviorism with a deep focus on the incidents and the legacy of Tsavo, this will be a rewarding read.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very impressed by this book, it managed to explain some potentially complicated ecological theories and relationships in a clear and concise way that most readers would be able to follow and related these to the lions of Tsavo and their behaviour easily and clearly. Although this focuses on the Tsavo lions specifically it does address more wide spread issues such as lion biology and behaviour, the origins and purpose of a lion's mane and why lions turn to humans as prey (largely our own fault it has to be said). A thoroughly enjoyable read and highly informative without being overly detailed or complex.

[David Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Lions of Tsavo: Exploring the Legacy of Africa's Notorious Man-Eaters by Bruce D. Patterson (McGraw-Hill Companies 2004) (599.757). The British were building a bridge over the Tsavo River in East Africa (now Kenya) in 1898. Over a nine-month period, a pair of male lions captured, killed, and ate approximately 135 men. Researcher Bruce D. Patterson retells the story and hypothesizes as to why these lions preyed so strongly upon man. The lions are now mounted and on display at the Field Museum in Chicago. My rating: 7/10, finished 2005.

[Brian Doyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picked this up accidentally. I was looking for more of a historical account of the lions of Tsavo. Regardless, it was an interesting read that sought to shed light on the topic of man-eating lions in general. While some of the information was straight forward, it proposed other ideas that I would not have considered. Sometimes a difficult read due to the scientific jargon, but overall, it captured my interests.

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, if you need to write a research paper on lions, this would be a good resource. It wasn't like I wanted a book dramatizing the gore of man-eating lions, but it was pretty darn dry in most places. It took me a while to finish just because it was more of a "I have to finish this" versus wanting to.

[Earthwatchaddict · Rating 3 out of 5]

I participated in an Earthwatch project studying the lions of Tsavo. It is an amazing part of Kenya and the lions are just fascinating. Earthwatch also runs a fantastic Elephant project in the area. For more information, check out Earthwatch.org.

[Adam Hernandez · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good read. Interesting to find out my tsavo lions are the way they are and differently than rest of thelion in africa.

[Johann Manstein]

read as much as I'm going to. Excellent information on the probable cause and effect circumstances.

[Georgia · Rating 3 out of 5]

My take

More detail than a lay person such as myself can absorb. Ended up reading the beginning chapter paragraphs and summary ending paragraphs.

[Allison Thurman]

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