We estimate that wild lions are now extinct in 25 African countries, barely existing in 10 African countries and only 14 countries left where lions are still viable. An Africa wide total wild population of only 9,610 lions.
Something has to be done and the very first and very clearly obvious thing is to COMPLETELY STOP ALL LION TROPHY HUNTING.
How many lions in Africa? A 2020 assessment of lion numbers in Lion Conservation Units and range states’ capabilities to conserve wildlife.
Read the full and comprehensive country by country LionAid report here.
In 2012, LionAid published a review of lion numbers across Africa. Based on an evaluation of the scientific literature, limited population surveys, informal reports, wildlife department estimates, credible authority estimates and personal communications, LionAid estimated then that a total of 645-795 wild lions remained in western and central African Lion Conservation Units (LCUs) and that 14,450 wild lions remained in eastern and southern African LCUs - for a continental total of 15,244 wild lions.
That was 58% lower than the 2006 IUCN estimates of lion populations in LCUs that were populated optimistically and in many cases without actual information. Of 20 western and central African lion locations identified in 2006, LionAid and others estimated in 2012 that lions were already extinct/nonviable in 13 areas. Of 66 eastern and southern African LCUs identified in 2006, LionAid estimated in 2012 that lions were already extinct/nonviable in 21 areas.
Using the same methods of gathering information in 2020, LionAid now estimates significant further declines in Africa’s continental lion population. Western and central populations in LCUs are now estimated to have declined to 410 wild lions (a decrease of 43% since 2012) and eastern and southern African LCUs are now estimated to have declined to 9,200 wild lions (a decrease of 37% since 2012). This would mean a continental total of 9,610 lions remaining in the African continental LCUs. Of the 20 western and central African LCUs LionAid now estimates populations are extinct/nonviable in 15 areas. Of the 66 eastern and southern African LCUs LionAid now estimates populations are extinct/nonviable in 21 areas and 23 have severely threatened populations.
And still the UK Government has NOT published the results of its Public Consultation on trophy hunting, 21 weeks after they promised to do so. This petition calling on the UK Government to ban all lion trophy imports now has 693,688 signatures.
We will continue to apply pressure and circulate this new lion population assessment widely. Please share everywhere you can and ask all friends, colleagues and family that haven't yet done so to sign the petition.