View our accounts and financial reports held at the UK Governments Charities Commission website here.Website maintained by zaretti.com, How many lions in Africa? Six-month-old cubs relax in a tree. How I wish that major news media would break their silence on the Sixth Extinction! 31. Zambia and Zimbabwe, among many other nations, have no effectively implemented national lion conservation plans. Over the last three decades, 80,000 mountain lions have been killed for trophies, most of them from the western and midwestern United States. The use of poisons to kill lions is at an all-time high. Poisoning and retribution killing of lions as a result of predator-human conflict remain very high in Kenya. Many have fled across the border to Ethiopia, site of an important Ethiopian lion LCU. Recent surveys put the number of wild lions at around 30,000 or even as low as 20,000. Poaching also poses a major threat since lion bone is used for medicinal purposes in countries such as Laos, Vietnam and China. Overall, the situation for continued lion survival in Africa is extremely grim. Initially, lions were found in a more significant part of the African continent with some existing in India, Greece, and some parts of the Middle East. The African population has declined by 43% since the early 1990s, due in large part to habitat loss and hunting. Nations that rank between 1 and 3 will have already lost, or will continue to lose lion populations without a stronger political will to conserve the species. This is 64% of the internationally exported (after being killed) lions. Some stay and breed in certain areas, but others travel long distances to find their prey. Around a hundred years ago there were likely as many as 200,000 lions living wild in Africa. Surely large wildlife would have been concentrated around water and rivers. CPR =35, relative rank = 4. Many African lion range states have experienced high levels of elephant poaching for the illegal ivory trade. However, he did not put a stop to trophy hunting and at one point the lion population was reduced to around 20 animals and faced imminent extinction. The first Africans arrived in Virginia because of the transatlantic slave trade. The most commonly cited estimate is 20,000, but many lion researchers aren't entirely comfortable with that number. With only 13 white lions said to be left in the wild and around 100 in captivity, we were in serious luck. Trophy hunting of lions is not sustainable, especially for the desert-adapted population. For Walt Disney World dining, please book your reservation online. Saving these incredible creatures is a full-time obsession for many, yet, their numbers are still diminishing. Around a hundred years ago there were likely as many as 200,000 lions living wild in Africa. In addition to trophy hunters and corrupt conservationists, a handful of African tribes also pose a huge threat to these creatures. Assessment Kenya has struggled to ensure protection of wildlife in the past, to some degree because the Kenya Wildlife Service is an organization that lacks political support. Granted, a Zimbabwean safari experience is not for everyone. Community conservancies are increasing, but all but a few have struggled with income. Nevertheless, lion populations are decreasing due to problem animal control, loss of natural prey, and diseases like canine distemper in Chobe National Park. As noted, conservation efforts have resulted in some growth in the numbers of these lions in recent years. Lions currently face three main interlinked threats: The human population of sub-Saharan Africa is expected to double by the year 2050, which will result in more conversion of habitat to agriculture, more hunting of the wild ungulates the lions depend upon for prey, and more instances of hungry lions attacking livestock and then being killed in retaliation. Recent civil strife and armed insurrection have impacted greatly on the one LCU stronghold there. The victims include children playing . As to what the total population of lions is, researchers agree that a perfectly accurate lion count is less important than whether lion numbers are going up or going down. Kenya urgently needs to decide a comprehensive formula for effective wildlife conservation that integrates national rather than NGO priorities. Though the African captives were sold as indentured servants, the event is regarded as the start of African slavery in the colonial history of the United States. Human lion conflict is high. These animals can sniff it out. Wild populations of African lions have dwindled by almost 50 % in the last 30 years, and were fighting to protect these cats from trophy hunters and the wildlife trade. LionAid ranked lion range states according to the following measures: Based on the above 10 evaluation parameters, LionAid arrived at the following Conservation Perception Rank for the examined lion range states and their relative rank (5 high, 1 low). This lioness was killed on June 20, 2012, along with her sister and four cubs in Sholinge, Kenya, just outside Nairobi National Park. Angola does not seem to have a national lion conservation plan. Which travel companies promote harmful wildlife activities? Apart from being termed as the kings of the jungle, lions are among of the most treasured and respected species in our planet. Males, for example, now roam over an area five times larger than they did a decade prior, likely because they need to travel farther to find food. A large contributor to the plummeting lion population numbers is the growth of human population. Assessment Chad is a highly fragile state. In . Militaries from Brazil, Chad, France, Italy, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom will join U.S. and . Estimates show that the African lion population is 17-47 thousand living in the wild in 2004. CPR = 20, relative rank =2. There is no guarantee of seeing lions in their natural habitat in the future. This situation is therefore considered as a massive loss. Fish and Wildlife Service treats two lion populations in different regions separately. We obtained 165 lion detections. Yes, mountain lions are not exclusive to the US but can be found all over the continent, including Canada. This is most prominently seen in farmland. The percentage decline is again based on populations in LCUs. Integrating the rank assessments of Conservation Perception Scores, and all past and present information, LionAid arrived at the following revised likely numbers of populations remaining in each of 20 western and central LCUs and 66 eastern and southern LCUs. Unauthorized use is prohibited. This activity has been fueled due to the growth of international trade. Its more time-intensive and only works with discrete populations of lions that can be photographed, say researchers who are critical of it. and range states' capabilities to conserve wildlife. However, according to the International Union for Conservation Nature (IUCN) Red List, the total number of lions in the wild is approximated to be between 20,000 to 39,000. That was 58% lower than the 2006 IUCN estimates of lion populations in LCUs that were populated optimistically and in many cases without actual information. Lion population status in the 49 African continental nations. There is little or no interest by citizens or Government to conserve wildlife. Perhaps with this publication of realistic lion population numbers in Africa there will be a change in present complacency towards this species conservation needs. The biggest threat to the African lion population is the import of lion parts to the United States. But counting them accurately is critical. Critically though, we're not talking about lions in isolation. Fish and Wildlife Service has weakened protections for African lions, announcing in March 2018 that it was lifting previous bans on the import of lion trophies from certain African countries. While making the film, Disney animators visited the San Diego Zoo Safari Park for inspiration (Scott 2016) Earned $783.8 million at the box office (Jackson 2010) The Ghost and the Darkness - 1996, Constellation and Douglas/Reuther. Mar 17, 2016, 8:33 AM. Due to conservation efforts, mountain lion populations in the western United States are stable, although far lower than they were historically. Not according to biology or history. "Simba" is a Swahili word for lion. CPR = 27, relative rank = 4. Why wetlands are so critical for life on Earth, Rest in compost? Assessment - Uganda recently banned all trophy hunting after a brief engagement. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) recently carried out an undercover investigation into exotic hunting in Texas. Using the same methods of gathering information in 2020, LionAid now estimates significant further declines in Africas continental lion population. Using the same methods of gathering information in 2020, LionAid now estimates significant further declines in Africa's continental lion population. Historic and current geographic distribution of lions. Finally, recent disease surveys show increasing spread of domestic animal diseases (tuberculosis, canine distemper) as lions increasingly come in contact with livestock and unvaccinated domestic carnivores. CPR = 13, relative rank = 1. With a scientific record of each individuals location at a specific time, SECR allowed them to determine the overall population71. Top 10 biggest animals in the world Largest creatures on Earth. Luckily, these species are being protected all around the world. Hundreds of thousands of wild animals in the U.S. and around the world are killed every year and millions are at risk from other threats. A National Geographic team has made the first ascent of the remote Mount Michael, looking for a lava lake in the volcanos crater. Spotting a lion during a safari in Zimbabwe is a special occurrence that not many travelers can share in. 2023 The Humane Society of the United States Privacy policy and terms. This would mean a continental total of 9,610 lions remaining in the African continental LCUs. They became endangered around 300 BCE, and finally became extinct in Greece around 100 BCE. The solid shading of the entire African continent cant be accurate, though. Based on the best available data at this time, the Mountain Lion Foundation believes the mountain lion population in the United States is unlikely to exceed 30,000. However, a safari in this incredible corner of Africa leads to spectacular landscapes and unique animal sightings. Assessment South Sudan was long engaged in a war with Sudan and only recently gained some measure of independence. They tend to work closely with the local community and are therefore responsible for job creation as well. Based on an evaluation of the scientific literature, limited population surveys, informal reports, wildlife department estimates, credible authority estimates and personal communications, LionAid estimated then that a total of 645-795 wild lions remained in western and central African Lion Conservation Units (LCUs) and that 14,450 wild lions remained in eastern and southern African LCUs - for a continental total of 15,244 wild lions. These include the myth of the Nemean lion, a monstrous supernatural beast with armour-piercing claws and golden fur that could not be penetrated by mortals weapons. Photograph: Art Wolfe/Getty Images The cougar in the United States and Canada. Croes et al (2011) revised numbers for Cameroon. The continent-wide consensus on the conservation, management and restoration of the lion . This does not translate to the level of the Provinces that are highly autonomous. LionAid estimates that perhaps 4,800 lions remain in Tanzania. Since white lions were discovered by Europeans in South Africa's Timbavati region in . Similarly, our estimate might have undercounted small scattered populations here and there, but these do not contribute to the overall survival of the species. Of the 20 LCUs in western and central Africa, 16 no longer have lions or viable lion populations (>100 lions). Editorial Team at Africa Freak is a group of expert Africa writers and influencers. The average American lion was very strong and bulky, weighing about 500 pounds! We even use lionize as a term of adulation, celebration and admiration. Lion Population. A full-grown male is about 1.8-2.1 metres (6-7 feet) long, excluding the 1-metre tail; he stands about 1.2 metres high at the shoulder and weighs 170-230 kg (370-500 pounds). The HSUS's tax identification number is 53-0225390. With just 20,000 lions left, however, targeting one of the last 4,500 male lions on Earth with a high-powered rifle merely to serve the pleasure of ego, sport and power, seems inappropriate right now. Learn how your comment data is processed. Between 1999 and 2008, 3600 lions were internationally traded for hunting trophy purposes to the US. The vanishing: How trophy hunting is pushing lions to the brink of extinction, Wild populations of African lions have dwindled by almost 50 % in the last 30 years, and were fighting to protect these cats from. Western and central populations in LCUs are now estimated to have declined to 410 wild lions (a decrease of 43% since 2012) and eastern and southern African LCUs are now estimated to have declined to 9,200 wild lions (a decrease of 37% since 2012). Has trophy hunting changed since the death of Cecil the lion? With tigers, for example, each has a unique stripe pattern, allowing researchers to more readily tell them apart. Visitors have choices between luxury lodgings or campsite stays. The Masai Lion (Panthera leo massaica), also known as the East African Lion: This is found in East Africa, from Ethiopia and Kenya to Tanzania and Mozambique. African Lion is a multinational, combined, joint exercise conducted in Morocco with related activities in Tunisia, Senegal, and Italy. There are vast areas in Africa with no water. The Southwest African Lion (Panthera leo bleyenberghi), also known as the Katanga Lion: This is among the largest subspecies of African lions and is found in Namibia, Angola, Zaire, western Zambia, western Zimbabwe and northern Botswana. New York Zoological Society and U.S. Check out our best safari deals and book a safari now while we still have the chance. No longer inhabiting most of their natural habitats, lions are in grave danger. Summary of 1991 questionnaire on mountain lion hunting regulations. As mentioned, few of the LCUs had any actual lion counts based on any level of information, and thus the vast majority of the LCU populations were determined by guesstimates. Lions and People Killing Each Other in Tanzani. a few more african lion facts. The First Africans in Virginia Landed in 1619. Although the general boundaries are accurate, I would imagine that, in reality, between those borders there would be a lot of big splotches and quite a bit of white, as the current range is presented. Theres a rough number of 20 000 lions left in the world according to a survey conducted in 2020. This relatively untouched part of nature remains a fan favourite. Contributions to the HSUS are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Lions, particularly male lions, have been an important symbol for thousands of years and appear as a theme in cultures across Europe, Asia, and Africa. some of this info is not correct, in 1974 there around 400,000 wild lions still arounf, The year 125,000. This beautiful country has many different safari options, from a day-trip to a week-long vacation. Despite a considerable income from tourism to Botswanas GDP, there is still a disconnect between Government support of livestock versus wildlife. What if we could clean them out? Aims to increase African lion populations from 20,000 to a minimum of 30,000 lions over the next 15 years; African People and Wildlife Fund. From sleeping patterns and tree climbing to the lion's roar and sense of smell, learn more about the daily life of the African lion. It is difficult to count specific numbers of mountain lions because these cats are mobile and solitary. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), retaliatory or pre-emptive attacks against lions are the worst threats the species faces. Your email address will not be published. Aug. 10, 2015. Colorado and California have the highest estimated populations of mountain lions in the United States. Lion conservation is underfunded and conflicted with several international and local conservation organizations stubbornly promoting trophy hunting as a conservation measure, and very little funding made available for crucial nationwide population surveys conducted to adequate standards. Places like the Okavango Delta have an unparalleled variety of animal sightings and are perfect for an all-inclusive safari tour. The sub-species may be extinct. Another factor influencing the reduction in the number of lions is poaching and commercial hunting. They proudly reduce lion snaring and provide medical attention to affected lions. About African Lion. Dec 21, 2015 8:32 PM EST. The Lion Conservation Fund offers one of these programs. CPR = 9, relative rank = 1. Scattered across Africa are some of the best lion conservation spots in the world. Animated coming-of-age story of lion cub, Simba. There are now an estimated 5,000-9,000 . Today, there are only half as many African lions than there were 25 years ago. Also, of the LCUs proposed by the IUCN in 2006, few continue to exist as viable wildlife areas in 2020. More common today are call-up surveys and track counts. The White Lion was an English privateer operating under a Dutch letter of marque which brought the first Africans to the English colony of Virginia in 1619, a year before the arrival of the Mayflower in New England. Kenya estimates over 2,489 lions remaining, but LionAid would place this number closer to 1,200-1,400 as Kenya added about 900 lions across 317,705km2 based on little more than guesses and such low-density lion populations have little conservation relevance. CPR (conservation perception rank) = 26, relative rank (high = good) = 2. If youd you like to learn more about Lions have a look at the following books. CPR = 24, relative rank = 3. These sanctuaries are responsible for a vast number of the worlds current lion population and the surrounding area. A 2020 Assessment of lion numbers in Lion Conservation Units. The Barbary Lion (Panthera leo leo), also known as the Atlas Lion or the North African Lion: Once found across North Africa, the last recorded killing of a wild Barbary lion was in Morocco in 1920, although small groups may have survived into the 1960s. Required fields are marked *. South African ranchers breed lions in captivity, from cubs to adults, then release them just after the arrival of a hunter who pays about $15,000 for a kill. LionAid acknowledges and strongly disagrees with some major conservation organizations which still believe that trophy hunting of lions can contribute to this species conservation. 30. Lions have experienced a shocking decline; that much is clear. Some consider killing a lion as an important part of a ritualistic culture. Despite a considerable increase in community conservancies that combine trophy hunting and tourism as primary income streams, there are still major issues to be addressed in terms of lion conservation. Assessment Zambia has very high levels of poaching which in the past has virtually eliminated all rhinos and a great number of elephants. With lion numbers rapidly depleting, researchers say its crucial to have clear and accurate population estimates to help guide conservation efforts. The species was maliciously hunted and almost eradicated from the eastern United States. Fish & Wildlife Service has announced new regulations on the importation of sport-hunted lions into the U.S. from South Africa, and they're probably not what you'd expect. In addition to this, lions often contract diseases from livestock and spread them to other members of the pride. CPR = 38, relative rank = 5. The IUCN published two reports in 2006 based on regional meetings on lion conservation for western and central African lion range states held in Cameroon, and eastern and southern African lion range states held in South Africa. Up until 1880, mountain lions lived in the State College area in the United States. Although lions have long since disappeared from Europe, according to reports by Ancient Greek writers such as Herodotus and Aristotle, they were common in Greece around 480 BCE. Still, Tanzania contains three of the largest lion population within LCUs Serengeti/Mara, Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha/Rungwa. Lions in the Balance: Man-Eaters, Manes, and Men with Guns, http://www.defenders.org/african-lion/basic-facts, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panthera_leo_spelaea, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_lions_in_Europe, http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/animals/blogs/how-many-lions-are-left-in-the-wild, http://www.lionaid.org/news/2013/05/are-lions-being-poached-for-their-bones.htm, http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/extinction-countdown/african-lions-face-extinction-by-2050-could-gain-endangered-species-act-protection/, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gir_Forest_National_Park, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cultural_depictions_of_lions, http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/extinction-countdown/african-lion-populations-drop-42-percent-in-past-21-years/, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nemean_lion, These 36 Countries Dont Recognize Israel, Windyty (Windy.com): Stunning Interactive World Wind & Weather Map, 60+ Reasons To Stay: UK Would Lose EU Free Trade Deals, Controversial Cultural North-South Divide Map of England & Wales, How To Write The Date In Different Countries. This led to the establishment of the Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in 1965, which includes a number of areas where the lions are fully protected. They received global media attention in 2015 after an American dentist went on a hunt and killed a well-known Southwest African Lion, named "Cecil the Lion", in Zimbabwe. When done correctly, for example in areas where its well-known where to find lion tracks, they can provide reasonable estimates of lion abundance, Radloff says. Like in the US, the European settlers overhunted the mountain lions, but the population has bounced back over time and with new laws protecting them. Entebbe, Uganda, 1 June 2016 - In a historic move, representatives of 28 African lion Range States have reached broad agreement to secure the survival of this iconic species in the wild across Africa. Most of the African countries are developing, and the population is increasing at an alarming rate, which has made most of these countries to reclaim some of the natural habitats and convert it for agricultural purposes. Sep 30, 2018. Using individual identifications from photos, we calculated that on average one could expect to find about 3 individual lions per 100 square kilometres, with a . Much of this shrinking distribution has been due to hunting and loss of habitat. The only way to get an estimation of the remaining number of lions in Africa is to embrace all [scientifically valid] techniques.. The Kruger National Park (a lion stronghold) has experienced high levels of rhino poaching. There are now an estimated 12,000 lions in such breeding programmes. They can double-count lions and involve making assumptions, he says, such as about how far sound travels and how likely lions are to respond, or about how lions move in their environment. In 1948 there was a maned lion seen prowling about with, oddly enough, a partner in the form of a mysterious black panther near the town of Elkhorn Falls, Indiana. There's a rough number of 20 000 lions left in the world according to a survey conducted in 2020. The Congo Lion (Panthera leo azandica), also known Northeast Congo Lion or the Uganda Lion: This lion is found in northeastern parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and western parts of Uganda. Can we bring a species back from the brink?, Video Story, Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, Copyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. Eastern and southern African nations have largely remained complacent about remaining lion populations, perhaps lulled into a false sense of security by lion surveys conducted by vested interest (read pro-trophy hunting) groups. At any rate, I will be sharing your information in an extended interview in the local newspaper next week. Assessment Central African Republic is close to being a failed state. Text STOP to 77879 to opt out, HELP for info. Bushmeat poaching, either to feed local populations or commercial, has increased dramatically across lion habitats decreasing natural prey for lions and causing mortalities for lions caught in poachers snares for example. This lion number is a small fraction of the previously recorded 200 000 a century ago. Maryland's total population is 5.2 million. Programs such as the Big Cats Initiative focus on habitat restoration, conservation, and the reduction of ritualistic killings and trophy hunting. Around a third of African lions are thought have disappeared in the past 20 years. First, Africans had been imported as slave labor in . Armed police freed 11 tigers, 3 lions, and 3 bears from captivity and that was just the beginning. The 'extreme cruelty' around the global trade in frog legs, What does cancer smell like? Starting in 2017, using a relatively new method for counting lions called spatially explicit capture-recapture (SECR), researchers estimated the population to be 71 in the arealower than previous estimates.