The Lion Research Center has two main goals. First, to promote research into the basic biology and conservation of African lions. Second, to make their research findings available to the public. Their current activities stem from the 30+ year studies of the lions in the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area in northern Tanzania. They are also interested in the research done by colleagues elsewhere including South Africa, Asia, and captive facilities around the world. Their basic research centers around one question: what factors contribute to the successful survival and reproduction of individual lions? The answers to this fundamental question are relevant to understanding such diverse question as why lions are so remarkably cooperative and sociable, why males have manes, and why females show the equivalent of a menopause. Their research also has important practical applications in conservation. What limits lion population numbers? What are the minimum habitat requirements for a viable population? What is the impact of close inbreeding on the future of small populations? What are the consequences of human activity in game reserves and national parks?