Large Carnivore Initiative West & Central Africa (LCI-W&C AFRICA) intends to build on the success of the regional Lion Conservation Network for West- and Central Africa (ROCAL) and to recruit new members in currently unrepresented countries in West- and Central Africa.

The LCI W&C AFRICA will not only focus on lions but will expand its scope to other large carnivores such as leopard (Panthera pardus), cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), spotted hyena (Crocutta crocutta), striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena) and African wild dog (Lycaon pictus), which are exposed to similar threats as the lion and thus need similar protection measures.

Cheetah and African wild dog are extinct in most of their range and only small scattered populations survive in large protected areas. Leopard and hyena species are heavily persecuted by livestock owners and regularly shot, poisoned or caught in snares.