2015), Fenced reserves in Kenya and southern Africa (Wilson and Mittermeier 2009; Bauer et al. However, retaliatory killings from human-lion conflict is still their main threat. The Kavango Zambezi TFCA - situated in the Kavango and Zambezi river basins where the borders of Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe converge. African Lion Working Group http://www.africanliongroup.org/ Although lions are not currently endangered, population numbers will continue to decrease without proper conservation efforts. 2007), Debate: animal rights groups and protectionists vs. hunters and pragmatic conservationists (see Lindsey et al. Lion | Species | WWF - World Wildlife Fund 2015), Recently extirpated from 12 African countries (Bauer et al. 2014), Retaliatory or pre-emptive killing of lions to protect livestock and humans (Ikanda and Packer 2008; Kissui 2008; Wilson and Mittermeier 2009; Bauer et al. Facts VU Status Vulnerable Population around 20,000 - 25,000 Scientific Name Panthera Leo Weight 242 - 599 pounds Length 53 - 98 inches Habitats savannas, shrublands, and semi-arid deserts Throughout history, lions have been admired as a symbol of power, strength, and courage. This technique teaches and trains individuals in literacy and scientific monitoring, who then engage communities in wildlife conservation and reinforce the link between humans and carnivore presence. Throughout the tribe's. Enforcement of environmental crime laws: A framework training manual for law enforcement agencies. Join us to make change. The male lion's mane is seen by many as a symbol of strength and power. nations (Lindsey et al. It is sexually dimorphic; adult male lions are larger than females and have a prominent mane. The Kenyan Maasai Who Once Hunted Lions Are Now Their Saviors The Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA) in southern Africa is the world's largest terrestrial transboundary conservation area. While this dichotomy resulted in the Red List status of lions across the continent remaining Vulnerable, across the majority of its range the lion meets the criterion for Endangered. Increasing numbers of tiny cubs born in captivity are taken from their mothers after a few days to be petted by gullible tourists, later to accompany the same ilk of tourist on lion walks, before being shot in small enclosures by a new kind of trophy hunter the kind that seeks instant peer status at a discounted price. In fact, quite the opposite. Fragmentation of habitat leaves lions in isolated areas, making it harder for them to breed. This includes human-lion conflict mitigation, trophy hunting, use of dogs, the SMART tool, law enforcement and protected area management. Speak up for species and places through WWF's Action Center. 2016), Stable, increasing, or at high density (but see Bauer et al. They have even been found occurring at altitudes exceeding 4,000 m in the Bale Mountains of Ethiopia and on Mount Kilimanjaro. The main reason for lion killings is in retaliation following killing of livestock, as well as injuring or killing of people. The increase in unsustainable development also leaves herbivores with little space for grazing in the savanna, and they often must compete with livestock for resources. A link to the Inventory Report will be posted here as soon as it is published. 2009), Population increased from 20 individuals (ca. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. 3. Specially trained and bred dogs are also used to guard and gather herds back into corrals. A reinforced livestock enclosure, known as a kraal, protects livestock from predators in Namibia. (2016) suggest listing populations in this region as regionally endangered (based on evidence from Bauer et al. Inventory Report of African Lion Populations. Systems vary from home made to commercial, varying accordingly in price. Lion Facts: Habitat, Behavior, Diet - ThoughtCo All rights reserved. With support from the Lion Recovery Fund and under the umbrella of the IUCN Cat Specialist Group, the Endangered Wildlife Trust is helping to establish a lion database. WWF and 1986 Panda Symbol are owned by WWF. To date, more than 950 Living Walls have been built in northern Tanzania, preventing livestock attacks by large carnivores in 99% of instances. Asian Lion Conservation Status. iv) Baueret al. Conservation programs aim to protect the disappearing species by promoting human-lion cohabitation across the African savanna. In sub-Saharan African countries, lions help to generate over 200 million USD per year through wildlife tourism as people gather to see the king of the jungle in their natural habitat. This will lead to overgrazing, and in turn degrade habitats. An interactive map showing SMART partners in different countries and regions can be found here. 6 Types of Lions, Endangered and Extinct - Treehugger This makes the IUCN Red List a powerful tool to inform conservation action and policy change in order to protect biodiversity across the globe. 2007; Whitman et al. The lion has since been extirpated from all of Europe, the Middle East and North Africa and now occurs only in the Gir Forests of India and in some countries of sub-Saharan Africa. Unlike herding dogs, they do not move the livestock away, which can sometimes trigger an attack. Status: Endangered; Known as: Asian Lion, Asiatic Lion, or Indian Lion. Fragmented habitats also increase lions vulnerability, as they are forced to disperse through human-dominated landscapes to find other lion populations and resources. African People & Wildlife (APW) partners with communities to build Living Walls, environmentally friendly corrals that keep livestock safe from lions. SMART (Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool) is a freely available software application that allows users to collect, store, communicate, and evaluate ranger-based data in order to improve effectiveness of wildlife law enforcement patrols and site-based conservation activities. . In search of food, lions often become trapped and killed in snares that were set for bushmeat poaching. 2014), Sport hunting and wildlife populations (Nowell and Jackson 1996). The most recent population assessment in 2015 found that a population reduction of approximately 43% is estimated over the past 21 years (approximately three lion generations, 1993-2014; (Bauer et al., 2015). Inventory Report of African Lion Populations. 2000), National parks, wildlife preserves, private reserves, Population growth rates highest in fenced reserves and private managed reserves (Packer et al. And, the commercial exploitation and commoditisation of lions continue unabated, with a small band of ruthless and opportunistic South Africans, reducing them to factory farm products. Lion populations in West, Central, and East Africa likely to experience a 50% decline over the next two decades (~2015-2035) West and Central populations: 67% chance of 50% decline. Lions now occupy only 1.1% of their historical range in West Africa. Lion researcher Ljubica Butkovic had this to say, when asked what more needs to be done: The future of wild lions lies in the hands of local communities that live amongst the wildlife. 2007), Among highest prices of all trophy wildlife species in Africa (Lindsey et al. Local dogs are used in pastures, corrals and homes as an early warning system to let people know when wild carnivores such as lions are present. Lion Guardians http://lionguardians.org/ Read our Story about the Lion Guardians here Male lions, on the other hand, leave after maturing to compete for control of another pride. 8. Conservation Physical Description Golden-headed lion tamarins' resemble other species of tamarins; they have relatively large canines with a small head and body. Halting the decline of lion populations in this region is imperative to the long-term success of the species. As prey populations decrease, so does the number of lions. Lions are vital components to naturally-functioning African ecosystems and key drivers of the sustainable photographic tourism industry. 2007), Vastly increases land area used for wildlife conservation (much larger than protected areas/parks alone) (Lindsey et al. Where lions once ruled, they are now quietly disappearing Without top carnivores like lions, herbivore populations will increase unchecked. When resting, which may be up to 20 hours a day, these cats seem to enjoy good fellowship with lots of touching, head rubbing, licking, and purring. Place social media and other lobby pressure on government entities to be transparent and accountable regarding all forms of sustainable utilisation including the trophy hunting of lions (canned and wild). 3. Unless urgent action is taken, they may be completely wiped out from the unprotected areas lying between parks. Conservation Status . 2015; Bauer et al. Since 2012, AWF has been working with Ruahas communities to build livestock enclosures to protect livestock from predation, and, in turn, protect big catsand other carnivores from conflict with humans. About 73,000 years ago, ancient shifts in the African climate segregated the lions into small groups, and over time characteristics evolved . SMART is free to download here. EN Status Endangered Scientific Name Zalophus wollebaeki Weight around 400 pounds Length 6 feet long Habitats Oceans Sea lions haul out in large colonies on rocks and sandy shores on the Islands. It is an important conservation target, particularly for captive breeding efforts. 2015), Most occur in the Gir Forest National Park (Bauer et al. Yet, most contribute very little, if anything, to wild lion conservation. ii)Ferreras and Cousins predicted lion abundance in Africa in 1980 to be 75,800 (+49 228) 815 2449, Legal and Illegal Trade in Lion Specimens, IUCN SSC Human-Wildlife Conflict Resource Library, Comment on ESA status review of the African lion. 2015), Approximately 23,000-39,000 (Bauer et al. This has left humans and lions to compete for space and resources. They move into the water to feed and cool off as needed. 2016, except as noted), Continent-wide: ~43% decline from 1993-2014, Except in four southern countries: Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe (i.e., only increasing in southern Africa), Lion populations in West, Central, and East Africa likely to experience a 50% decline over the next two decades (~2015-2035), West and Central populations: 67% chance of 50% decline, East Africa populations: 37% chance of 50% decline, Outside southern Africa, unfenced lion populations estimated to have declined by 62% between 1993 and 2014, Unfenced reserves in southern Africa: 11% decline, Half of unfenced lion populations expected to be near extinction in next 20-40 years (Packer et al. 2009; Hemson et al. Light systems are installed on the perimeter of corrals, flashing in a pattern that mimics continuous human activity in order to confuse and scare away predators. 2007), Excessive take can drive population declines (Packer et al. Local schools in Kenya are proactive in arranging trips for students to these parks, going a long way in educating young generations of the importance of African wildlife. Conservation status ; African forest elephant: Critically Endangered: Amur Leopard: Panthera pardus orientalis: Critically Endangered: Black Rhino: Diceros bicornis: Critically Endangered: Bornean Orangutan: Pongo pygmaeus: Critically Endangered: Cross River Gorilla: Gorilla gorilla diehli: Critically Endangered: Eastern Lowland Gorilla . Human-Lion Conflict Mitigation 2016), 4 areas (3 outside of Gir Forest protected area), Contiguous distribution (Bauer et al. A manual intended for national trainers on environmental crime in Eastern and Southern Africa. In Ruaha National Park, where 10 percent of the worlds remaining lion population can be found, AWFs Ruaha Carnivore Project is fostering a much-needed shift in the local opinion of carnivores. 2014), Parts most sought after (Nowell and Pervushina 2014; Bauer et al. 7. Many lions live outside of protected areas, and as their habitat has become more fragmented, many lion populations have become increasingly isolated into protected areas. However, other data from recent years suggests that that number may be closer to 20,000, as three-quarters of their population is in decline. (2012), Implementing SMART in a Community Conservancy in Kenya for species including lions. In Tanzania, restrictions are enforced using assessment of hunt return forms and phenotypic characteristics of the animal. 2015; Bauer et al. Australian Sea Lion There are fame and a decent living to be made by hugging big cats, it seems. 2015, 2016), Recent expansion into surrounding countryside, Stable (compared to prior Critically Endangered status) (Bauer et al. This site is maintained by the CMS Secretariat 2020 | DisclaimerCMS Secretariat, Platz der Vereinten Nationen 1, 53113 Bonn, GermanyTel. Conservation Issues The lions face the usual threats of poaching and habitat fragmentation. The fate of these animals rests in the hands of people who live around national parks, reserves and conservancies. All rights reserved. To add to the confusing din surrounding lions is the clarion call of increasing numbers of self-appointed lion protectors, many of whom post pictures online of them hugging their special lion friends. For example, age and sex restrictions have been in place in Tanzania since 2010 and prohibit hunting of all females and males under 6 years of age. 2016), In bomas at night or fields during the day (Kissui 2008), Most attacks on cattle and donkeys; also sheep and goats (Kissui 2008), Cattle more highly valued, monetarily and culturally, Cause economic losses for pastoralists/ranchers (Patterson et al. Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania: Wildlife Division. 2011), Botswana, Namibia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, and Zambia (see, Social disruption in a pride (Lindsey et al. 1900) to 523 individuals (in 2015) (Forest Force 2015), Hunting bans may indirectly harm wildlife, Heavy poaching in Kenya followed 1977 ban (Akama 2008), Strategies for sustainable hunting practices (Lindsey et al. As a result, populations of lions natural prey are in decline. 2016) (abundance data source: Riggio et al. Read more about lion infanticide here. Following the formal establishment of the park, a Joint Management Board was appointed to govern the development of the Park. 2004), Expand effective compensation program approaches (Maclennan et al. 2016), Prey under pressure from commercial bushmeat trade (e.g., Lindsey et al. 2013b), Enforce age restrictions (e.g., males 7 years old (see Miller et al. There are few regions as important to the viability of lion populations as the Tarangire-Manyara ecosystem. (+49 228) 815 2449, Contribution from Parties to the CMS Trust Fund, Review Mechanism & National Legislation Programme, Overseas Territories/Autonomous Regions & Reservations. I will focus on the conservation status of four regions of lions that are currently alive. Lions are essential players in Africas wild spaces, ruthlessly executing the role of an apex predator and so helping maintain biodiversity and ecosystems, which change fundamentally when lions are removed from them. 2016), Strategies to increase tolerance of lions in local communities (Dolrenry et al. Also, there are three big temples inside the PA that attract large number of pilgrims, particularly during certain times of the year. Lions are the most social of the cats, occurring in average prides of up to six adults plus cubs of various ages. Comment on ESA status review of the African lion. This map was made in 2009. They typically give birth to a litter every two years, which consists of one to four cubs. Actively discourage the cynical and morally-bankrupt lion petting and walking industries by refusing to visit them or financially support them, and educating your friends and family accordingly; corrals, deterrents, behavior, community outreach/engagement) with basic details on how to use them as well as their relative effectiveness and cost. WWF works here with local partners and communities to protect carnivores, including lions, by monitoring populations and reducing human-wildlife conflict. Make a gift to WWF's global conservation efforts and choose from symbolic lion adoptions, apparel, and more! savannas, shrublands, and semi-arid deserts. 2010), Most in central and southern regions (Kushnir et al. Since 2002, our Large Carnivore Research Project has undertaken research aimed at ensuring the continued survival of large predators living around Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. They are not, however, designated as a "depleted" population under the MMPA, nor are they listed for protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Species List | Endangered, Vulnerable, and Threatened Animals | WWF The lion ( Panthera leo) is a large cat of the genus Panthera native to Africa and India. African Lion - Denver Zoo It has a muscular, broad-chested body; short, rounded head; round ears; and a hairy tuft at the end of its tail. The major threats to wild lion populations are indiscriminate killings during human-wildlife conflict (particularly in livestock areas), prey base depletion (due to the commercial bushmeat industry), and loss of suitable habitat (which leads to small isolated populations). There are half as many African lions than there were 25 years ago. In Memoriam : Bradnee Chambers (1966-2019), In Memoriam : Nick P. Williams (19592021), Vacancies in the CMS SecretariatVacancies in the CMS Family SecretariatsInformation about job openings, This site is maintained by the CMS Secretariat 2020 | DisclaimerCMS Secretariat, Platz der Vereinten Nationen 1, 53113 Bonn, GermanyTel. 2009; White et al. iii) Riggioet al. The earliest estimates of lion abundance in Africa were educated guesses made during the latter half of the 20th century, as follows: 2014), Developed for lions in West and Central Africa, and Eastern and Southern Africa, Improve livestock husbandry practices (Maclennan et al. The Australian Sea Lion is protected by Australian State and Federal government legislation and listed as rare by the IUCN. This includes human-lion conflict mitigation, trophy hunting, use of dogs, the SMART tool, law enforcement and protected area management. 2007), Some reintroduced lions fail to socially bond with existing wild prides (e.g., Kilian and Bothma 2003), Cohesive group structures need to be established prior to release (Abell et al. Effective conservation planning requires continuous assessment of changes in status and distribution of lion populations across Africa. In 2011, this board approved the parks integrated development plan and joint operations strategy. 2016), Systematic surveys lacking (Bauer et al. Preparing for the upcoming Civil Services Exam? Along with hunting for the pride, female lions are responsible for raising their offspring. (UK) +44 (23) 9387-7464 Lindsey et al., 2013. ? 2012), Most foreign hunters from the United States and E.U. 2015), Recommendation: Ensure adequate population connectivity among habitat fragments, Habitat patches need to be within dispersal ability of females (Dolrenry et al. International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime, Interpol and UNEP joint Strategic Report on Environment, Peace and Security: A Convergence of Threats, Law enforcement projects, reports, and papers, Environmental crime curriculum for police and prosecutors in Africa launched in Uganda. This would result in the overall enhancement of livelihoods. Case study: Implementing SMART in a Community Conservancy in Kenya for species including lions. 2014; Bauer et al. Cave Lion Animal Facts - AZ Animals Sea Lions | Species | WWF - World Wildlife Fund Industry spokespersons justify this evil industry as sustainable utilisation. 2012), Removal of tenure-holding males may lead to infanticide by incoming males (Lindsey et al. Up to 30 years in captivity. ThePeace Parks Foundation engage with governments to channel investment into and develop transboundary conservation areas (peace parks) across Africa. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016), Not thought to cause declines unless poorly managed (Bauer et al. (2005) and Kushnir et al. Lion Database. Three of the five largest lion populations can be found in Tanzania. Within their pride, female lions act as the primary hunters and work in teams to prey on zebras, wildebeests, antelope, and other large herbivores. The principal causes for the decline were indiscriminate retaliatory killing of lions in defense of human life and livestock, habitat loss and prey base depletion. 2010; Miller et al. 2009), Little information on number of lions poisoned each year (Bauer et al. Their prey is usually made up of medium to large species such as zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, giraffe and even rhino, hippopotamus and young elephants. Another threat is the use of lion bones and body parts for traditional medicine in Africa. 2011), May result in disappearance of distinct lineages or populations (Bertola et al. So many of these vital efforts are, however, not recognised or supported by donor cash, because the results are difficult to measure and so are not always very visible.. In Memoriam : Bradnee Chambers (1966-2019), In Memoriam : Nick P. Williams (19592021), Vacancies in the CMS SecretariatVacancies in the CMS Family SecretariatsInformation about job openings, This site is maintained by the CMS Secretariat 2020 | DisclaimerCMS Secretariat, Platz der Vereinten Nationen 1, 53113 Bonn, GermanyTel. Mountain Lions in California - California Department of Fish and Wildlife Protecting lions helps to protect the broader landscape, which in turn benefits the people who rely on local natural resources. More information can be found in theIUCN SSC Human-Wildlife Conflict Resource Library. Conservation Status of the African Lion | Lions Here's how we're protecting Africa's largest cat from extinction: Retaliation is the primary reason people kill this big cat. Pride ranges can vary widely, even in the same region, for example from 266-4,532 km in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Conservation status: Like all marine mammals, California sea lions are managed under the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) of 1972. Do as I say and not as I do, seems to be the message, as these ego-driven opportunists spit venom at the many other predator-petting facilities that have mushroomed all over South Africa. Effective conservation planning requires continuous assessment of changes in status and distribution of lion populations across Africa. Please enter your e-mail address and password below. 10 to 18 years in the wild. 2009), Apathy leading to poor husbandry of livestock, Corruption (e.g., misconduct of verification officers), Groups of unrelated individuals can form long-term relationships; socially stable (Hunter et al. Lions will drink regularly when water is available, but in water-scarce areas, they obtain their moisture from their prey and even from plants (such as the tsama melon in the Kalahari Desert). Africa's largest cat can be found in savanna, plains, grassland, dense bush, and woodland habitats. Support by way of donations scientifically-based, transparent, successful conservation programs that focus on wild lions and support African people that have to suffer the consequences of living amongst wild animals; Here are some suggestions, but . Born Free work in lion conservation to conserve and protect wild lions in their natural habitat, and to end lion hunting and any activities that exploit or negatively impact . The kill is not shared equally within a pride, and at times of prey scarcity, cubs might experience higher mortality rates as hungry females may not even share with their offspring. Lions frequently scavenge, displacing hyenas, wild dogs, leopards and cheetahs from their kills. Donate now. APWs Warriors for Wildlife is a team comprised of community members that provides rapid response to human-wildlife conflict in northern Tanzania. Living with Lions is a conservation research group of seven scientists and 34 Maasai warriors working in nonprotected areas of Kenya to save the remaining wild lions and other predators outside National Parks. 2016 and as noted), Enables conversation between pastoralists and conservationists (Hazzah et al. DeLHRA (Desert Lions Human Relations Aid) https://www.facebook.com/Delhra-Desert-Lions-Human-Relations-Aid-1804307563163861/ New data on the abundance and distribution of lion populations will be continuously added to this database, promoting collaboration amongst stakeholders and helping to direct conservation planning in the future. What can you do to help with wild lion conservation. With support from the Lion Recovery Fund and under the umbrella of the IUCN Cat Specialist Group, the Endangered Wildlife Trust is helping to establish a lion database. The Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), also known as theBonn Convention, is an environmental treaty of the United Nations that provides a global platform for the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial, aquatic and avianmigratory animals and their habitats. Over the last 21 years, lion populations had increased by 12% in four southern African countries (Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe) but declined by 60% in West, Central and East Africa. Previously, lions roamed throughout all of Africa and parts of Asia and Europe.

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