West African lions verge on extinction
A report by conservation group LionAid has said that only 645 wild lions remain in central and western Africa.
Known for its wealth, oil and vibrant culture, Nigeria is rarely associated with lions. West African lions once found in countries like Nigeria are now virtually forgotten, with only 34 remaining in the country. Trustee of LionAid Dr Pieter Kat says:
It's almost impossible to build up a population from such a small number."
LionAid estimates that 15,000 wild lions remain across the whole continent, compared to 200,000 30 years ago. The group says wild lions are extinct in 25 African nations and virtually extinct in a further 10.
"There has been a catastrophic decline in the populations of lions in Africa, and particularly west Africa," Kat says. "These lions have been neglected for a very long time and do not have adequate protection programs. They are in real danger of extinction."
This report follows a number of studies that have raised concern about the decline of the African lion. Estimating the exact size of the lion population is "humanly impossible" says African lion expert Sarel van der Merwe. It requires bait to be put out to lure each individual animal, which must then be photographed to avoid duplicates.
"They are difficult to count, and the finances involved simply do not allow such venture," he adds.
Researchers at Duke University in the US however used satellite imagery to try to gauge the population size. Findings indicated that about three-quarters of Africa's wide open savannah has disappeared in the last fifty years. Population estimates from LionAid, Duke University and Born Free foundation vary from 15,000 to 32,000, though Will Travers of Born Free says:
"Whether you use [our] figures, the LionAid report or the Duke study, there is common agreement among everyone involved in conservation of African lions that the situation is extremely serious"
Conservationists have called for lions to be included on the list of the most endangered species in the world, which would give tighter protection on hunting and trade. No species of African lion is currently included on the list despite the rapid decrease in numbers. Last year the Fish and Wildlife Service in the US said it would assess whether or not the species warranted protection under the Endangered Species Act.
Conservationists say however that they face challenges from a powerful pro-hunting lobby. it is thought that over 5,600 wild African lions were hunted and exported as trophies between 1999 and 2008.
"We should be moving as speedily as possible to introduce international controls on anything to do with lions, but we are facing huge resistance from the trophy hunting industry," Travers said.
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