the African lion stands as one of the most iconic symbols on the planet. yet if action pauses, its future could slip into memory. its numbers are dropping rapidly due to poaching, illegal smuggling, and habitat loss, among other pressures. over the last century, about 90 percent of these lions vanished, and they have become extinct in 26 countries. on World Lion Day, observed on Thursday, August 10, conservation groups warn that this big cat remains highly vulnerable.
the world wildlife fund (wwf) notes that the African lion population has halved in roughly 25 years, with an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 individuals still roaming the wild. according to the NGO, only a fraction of the historical range remains suitable habitat for these predators, and a mere tenth of their former lands have been conserved for them.
the species is listed as vulnerable on the international union for conservation of nature (iucn) red list, a category that signals potential movement toward endangered status if trends do not reverse.
many factors threaten him
why is the lion’s decline so rapid? the wwf identifies habitat loss, illegal trade and poaching, dwindling prey, and increasing competition with humans for wild game as key drivers. in some areas, conflicts with farmers and livestock predation complicate conservation efforts.
it isn’t merely about losing a magnificent creature. the African lion plays a crucial ecological role as one of the top predators, helping sustain healthy herbivore populations and contributing to the balance of the ecosystem, including species such as zebras and giraffes.
the wwf highlights that as global efforts to curtail trafficking of other big cats and elephants intensify, the lion increasingly becomes a victim of illegal trade and smuggling.
the illegal trade and movement of wildlife, with spain noted as a European transit hub for wildlife products, prompted the wwf to launch the stop traffic initiative in 2017. the goal is to raise public awareness and rally citizens to oppose wildlife crime.
the organization warns that these cats are persecuted, poisoned, deceived, hunted for sale in illicit markets, and valued for skulls, skins, teeth, oils, and claws used as jewelry. some reports indicate that in certain Asian markets lion bones are used in traditional products and as symbols of status.
A multi-million dollar business
the illicit trade in lions is described as highly lucrative and comparably risky to drug and weapon trafficking. estimates suggest annual movements of between 10,000 and 20,000 euros per cat in some markets, a figure that underscores the profitability and danger of the trade along with its devastating impact on biodiversity.
wwf pursues biodiversity conservation by establishing reserves and protected areas that include lions and the wider wildlife community. in soknot, a conservation initiative spanning southern kenya and northern tanzania, the organization is working on a project aimed at reversing the trend and doubling the lion population by 2050.
in namibia, conservation efforts involve partnerships with local communities, game wardens, and researchers to promote coexistence with lions and reduce human-wildlife conflict. programs focus on giving farmers and communities the tools to protect lions while preserving livelihoods. park rangers and awareness campaigns have grown, expanding the network of people defending these big cats.
ongoing initiatives emphasize community involvement, anti-poaching measures, and education to keep forests and savannas safe for lions and the other wildlife that shares their habitat.
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contact information for the environmental department has been removed.