In its most up-to-date assessment of the species, IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) has reported devastating reductions in lion populations across much of the African continent. The new assessment has revealed that:
- The number of lions across Africa has reduced by approximately 42% over the past 21 years (approximately three lion generations, 1993-2014);
- Excluding Namibia, South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, lions across the rest of Africa have declined by an average of 60%;
- In West Africa, the declines suggest lions should be classified as Critically Endangered;
- Lions have disappeared altogether from at least 12, possibly up to 16, African countries in recent years.
Based on this assessment report, Born Free USA and the Born Free Foundation are urging immediate international action to halt catastrophic recent declines in lion populations across Africa.
Adam M. Roberts, CEO of Born Free USA and Born Free Foundation, “Lions are in serious decline across much of Africa. The data suggest that international trade in lion parts and products is putting pressure on these vulnerable lion populations, which they clearly cannot sustain.”
“These iconic animals cannot wait,” added Roberts. “Lions used to roam all over Africa, western Asia, and even southern Europe. Now, we risk seeing them disappear from much of their remaining sub-Saharan African range.”
According to the official CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) trade database, from 2009 to 2013, the total number of lions and lion parts exported doubled compared to the previous five year period. The figures reveal particularly worrying increases in the trade in lion bones and skeletons—presumably to supply the demand for Asian traditional medicines and tonics—as well as skins and trophies from captive bred animals.
Born Free is calling on the international community to increase the protection for lions from the impacts of trade by increasing protection under CITES and for the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to issue its long-overdue final rule on listing the lion as endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.
Born Free is working with the United Nations Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) and African lion experts to improve collaboration between African range States on lion conservation, identify the reasons for the reported declines, and help range States to reverse them.
Have a story, please email me at tevangelistaepp@yahoo. Like my tv page at https://www.facebook.com/ACloseUpLookAtAnimalWelfareIssues.
It’s sickening to hear what people are doing to our wildlife. The killing of our wildlife past the stop the animals will go extinct. is wild animals are being poached maimed murdered all in the name of money. I’m so glad Born Free is involved in saving these animals. They are a great organization.
Why are they killing lions? Where does it end. Very disturbing.
It never ceases to amaze what people will do to animals for money. They have no regard for human life let alone animal life. These are people who feel nothing. To be so empty inside….I can’t relate to the feeling. So many animals shot and killed instead of being allowed who they were meant to be.
Lions are beautiful animals. It seems everything that is beautiful is being killed for the sole reason of making money. We live in a world of apathy where no one cares who lives or dies as long as they make a buck. Too many animals are murdered for their body parts. I’m not talking about animals being killed to eat the meat. With these cases, their body parts are lopped off and the rest discarded like yesterday’s trash. Lions serve a purpose but they will become extinct if nothing is done. I’m pleased to hear Born Free is involved.