Scientific name: Panthera leo

Swahili name [1]: Simba

IUCN status: Vulnerable

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Threats and impacts:

Between 1993-2014, the lion population is inferred to have undergone a reduction of approximately 43%. [2]Major contributors to lion population decline are habitat loss and degradation, reduction in prey base (poaching) and human-lion conflict (killing in defense of human life and livestock). These conflicts lead to negative perceptions of lions and their conservation. Hunting for lions as trophies or for their bones and other body parts to use in traditional medicine (within Africa and Asia) is an increasing threat. [3]Rabies and occasionally canine distemper from nearby feral or domestic dog populations can be threats to lions. Traditionally, young Maasai males killed a male lion as part of a coming-of-age ritual. As populations decline, now groups of Maasai males kill one lion, instead of each individual killing a lion.[4]

 

There is concern that the legal trade in parts from captive lions in South Africa for domestic and Asian markets may be providing cover for the illegal trade, as well as stimulating demand that would be met through poaching. Additionally, lion bone exports to Asia may be used as substitutes for banned tiger bone products. In 2005, TRAFFIC found evidence that African Lion bones were an ingredient in “tiger bone strengthening” wine produced in Guilin, China, and distributed in Tiger-shaped bottles, but with Lion bones as an approved ingredient. [5]

 

Conservation:

The Lion Conservation Fund (LCF) supports conservation and research projects on lion ecology and biology, as well as protect habitats in conjunction with local communities. 

The Mara Predator Conservation Programme is focused on predator behavior, ecology and human-wildlife interactions, using data collection and educational outreach.[6]

 

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[1] http://mpalalive.org/field_guide/lion

[2] Bauer, H., Packer, C., Funston, P.F., Henschel, P. & Nowell, K. 2016. Panthera leo (errata version published in 2017). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T15951A115130419. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T15951A107265605.en. Downloaded on 9 August 2019.

[3] https://www.wwfkenya.org/lion_conservation_.cfm

[4] http://mpalalive.org/field_guide/lion

[5] Williams, V.L., Newton, D.J., Loveridge, A.J. and Macdonald, D.W. (2015). Bones of Contention: An Assessment of the South African Trade in African Lion Panthera leo Bones and Other Body Parts. TRAFFIC, Cambridge, UK & WildCRU, Oxford, UK

[6] http://www.marapredatorconservation.org/

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Photo credit: Billy Hau