Declining Number Of Lions

Image source: Wikipedia

And another iconic animal, the lion, is also dwindling in numbers. The BBCreports (October 2003) that fewer than 20,000 lions now survive in Africa, compared to 200,000 in the early 1980s.

With such prominent and iconic animals dwindling, what of other less emblematic creatures, the BBC also asks?

Sport or trophy hunting was cited as a major cause of the decline with males — young or old — primarily targeted. Another reason was the population pressures that have meant encroachment onto lands closer to lions.

Tourism had not really benefited the people of such communities, and so they do not see the benefit in preserving them.

But a decade later, by 2013, some nations are seeing a shift: Zambia decided to ban hunting of lions and leopards as it sees tourism for viewing the animals alive more lucrative than blood-sport tourism. Similarly, Botswana is banning all sport hunting in 2014.

While very welcome, it has come only when economics becomes a factor, which means that populations have to go through unnecessary declines before things are (easily) done to prevent it.