THE BENEFITS OF LION CONSERVATION
The benefits of Lion Conservation / Image: Leonard von Bibra
One topic that we never shy away from is Lion Conservation. Shining a light on Lion species is extremely essential to us. Not just to use our platform to bring attention to these powerful beings, but for our readers to properly understand more about them and their world.
Lions have struggled to maintain their numbers for many years. They have experienced a whirlwind of challenges, obstacles and threats to maintain their land and lives that are rightfully theirs. Now they face even more challenges. The balance between maintaining lion numbers through conservation and lion threats is an active fight that we hope will be triumphant in future years to come.
Anyone who is interested in Lion conservation is going to have the same questions as us. With so much coverage and news about lion conservation, it can be increasingly difficult to piece together valid answers in order to make a cohesive decision and be informed correctly. We hope this blog post clears up some of those questions.
We would love to hear from you if you have any alternative discussions or facts to bring to the table: bornwild@bornwild.rocks
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The benefits of Lion Conservation / Image: Chrissie Kremer
Why is the lion endangered and when did lion numbers decline so radically?
100 years ago, the lion population was at around 200,000. Now it is estimated at approximately 20,000. African lion populations have had a rather turbulent time within the last 60 years. Throughout the 1960’s and 70’s lion populations increased and decreased numerous times. They remained fairly stable until the 1980’s when they declined again. In the late 1990’s lion numbers significantly dropped and have since become an ever facing problem that lion conservationists are committed to tackle. For the last 20 years, 42% of lion species have disappeared and Lions have now lost 85% of their historic range.
Lion numbers started to decline due to loss of prey species, loss of habitat and human encroachment. Now, lions are listed as ‘vulnerable to extinction’ by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). Lions are facing more obstacles now, in order to keep their species alive - human/lion conflict, education, poisoning, bushmeat trade, snare captures and more.
Is the lion population increasing or decreasing?
In short, both. In Africa - They are decreasing are there are now fewer Lions left in the wild than rhinos. An estimated 20,000 lions are left in Africa today. However in India - there is positive news as India has recorded a 29% increase in the population of Asiatic lions in the last five years, with the population going up from 523 in 2015 to 674 in 2020.
The benefits of lion conservation / Photo: George Gillams
What year will lions go extinct?
At the current rate, Its predicted that by 2050 The African Lion could very well go extinct.
Lion species stretched across three continents but have since disappeared from over 85% percent of their historic range. A few ways that we can help lion conservation and lion numbers to increase is through education, supporting reputable lion conservation organisations, creating awareness, landscape restoration and reduction of trophy hunting and retaliation killings. More ways on how we can save lions below.
What is the biggest threat to lions?
Lions lead a naturally violent life and to accompany this, they also face a plethora of human-conflicted obstacles to be able to maintain a full life span. To live in a lions footsteps in no small feat and with all that they face, its helpful to know where these conflicts lie so we can help act against it. Below are the obstacles they are currently facing.
No.1 Human Encroachment
As human numbers multiply and encroach into lion landscapes, conflict between people and lions inflates. Due to human encroachment and farmers grazing livestock on lion habitats - when their livestock are eaten by lions, this triggers farmers and humans to retaliate by killing lions. Lions require a wide open range of land to live comfortably and freely, without encroaching on human life. However, when the roles are reversed and people encroach on lion country, lions are subject to being killed through ‘retaliatory killing’. Retaliatory killing is conducted using poison which can kill entire prides. It can also kill elephants, bird species, wild dogs and other species of big cats. Elevated poaching is also used as a result by herders and farmers.
No.2 The Bushmeat Trade
The bushmeat trade is the commercial sale of meat acquired through the illegal poaching of wildlife. Often leading to a painful death, the killing of animals is done through wire snares. Although it is illegal, much of these killings occur in protected areas. This illegal killing affects Lions by reducing the populations of animals that are food sources for lions and by killing lions who get caught in the wire snares that are set to catch other species.
No.3 Poaching
Lion bones are crushed and used to make medicinal and tonic wines. Their claws and teeth are used for jewellery. Lion bone demand is increasing in the Asian market where they are also used for traditional medicine as well as the sale of their skins.
No.4 Trophy Hunting
Majestic Animals like Cecil the lion are continued to be hunted for sport. Trophy hunting hurts the overall population of the species. In Africa, approximately 600 lions are killed each year through trophy hunts, including lions in populations that are already declining. The adult male lion is the most sought-after trophy by wealthy foreign hunters. When an adult male lion is killed, the destabilization of that lion’s pride can lead to more lion deaths as outside males compete to take over the pride. It also contributes to damaging natural ecosystems as well.
No.6 Loss of Habitat
Human encroachment and human numbers are multiplying year upon year which is gradually affecting lion country. Their habitats are becoming smaller which create more isolated pockets for lions to exist. This effects lions to roam freely and safely, thus restricting gene flow which then leaves populations vulnerable to disease and other threats.
No.7 Ceremonial Killing
In certain parts of Africa, lions are killed by local people during rites of passage ceremonies to demonstrate manhood or bravery.
Is keeping lions enclosed within a zoo considered lion conservation?
A lot of people are under the impression that zoos are a good form of animal and lion conservation, as well education. However, in most cases the lion or animal will not benefit from being enclosed. Animals being taken from their home range and existing in a different countries climate is challenging and strenuous. Data also shows that the public take minimal information about lions when they visit zoos, which dismisses the notion of it being ‘educational’.
They also claim that their captive species are an important part of research (for example recreation, vaccine development, veterinary research, physiology, etc) to benefit conservation in the wild. This research has little benefits to wild populations as zoo animals are kept in conditions that are extremely different from those in the wild.
Our thoughts is that no wild animal should be kept enclosed unless there is an extreme matter for conservation benefits for its species. Even so, wild animals should not be exposed to human contact through the sale of tickets, if the animal is being contained due to conservation.
It is also extremely problematic to introduce captive lions back into the wild as captive lions will have lost their natural hunting instincts and are too habituated by humans. Aside from George Adamson (pictured), there has been no demonstrations of successful reintroduction of any lion into the wild from a zoo, sanctuary or captivity as yet.
Its plain and simple, the reason why zoos keep wildlife is for entertainment and money making purposes only.
The benefits of Lion Conservation / Image: George Adamson with Christian The Lion.
Will lion conservation efforts ever increase lion numbers?
Lion conservation IS helping numbers stabalise and enabling them not to drop at rapid speed. In some cases, they are also contributing to increasing lion numbers too.
Lion conservation organizations work to tackle these problems. Essentially humans are the lions only predator and are to blame for their endangered status. Animal species become endangered for two main reasons: loss of habitat and loss of genetic variation. A loss of habitat can happen naturally. For example, Dinosaurs, lost their habitat about 65 million years ago.
There is some positive news! Studies have revealed rare cases of increasing lion populations. While lion populations in West, Central, and East Africa have all been declining at rapid rates, one study finds that lion populations in fenced ranges, specifically in South Africa, have actually been on the rise.
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The benefits of Lion Conservation / Image: Glen Carrie
Can captive lions ever truly return to the wild?
There are conflicting notions. Lions’ wild instincts can certainly kick in when released into the wild and therefor survive, however there is also the argument and logic that lions who have spent a lifetime in captivity will have left them too affected by years of sheltered existence. Captive lions rarely learn critical survival skills and often are too habituated by human contact to survive in the wild. They also lack a natural fear of humans and therefor become vulnerable to poachers and are all round ill equipped for life in the wild.
Release back into the wild is not automatically in the lions best interests. When a lion is bought into captivity, the difficulties releasing them back into the wild is immense. It can also add more dangerous obstacles in its way to be able to stand a chance of survival.
There are discussions of habituated lions being released. Captive lions would be set free into large enclosures with prey species to hunt, without human handlement or contact again. Within the enclosures, lions can then form a pride and produce new cubs. Those cubs, grow together and form social bonds and coalitions which are then eventually released as a pride in the wild. Being together in a cohesive pride enables them to be cared for and highly important to have a support structure in place when being released.
It is certain that wild release is easier for some animals than it is for lions, and the specific needs of each individual species need to be carefully taken into account. We cover this subject and the questions around it in full by the lion organisations we visit on our AFRICAN LION SAFARI.
What Lion Conservation is good?
All lion conservation by reputable conservation organisations - is considered good! In the question below we have listed what projects, organisations are tackling to keep lion numbers stable and potentially increase over time. If you are looking for a reputable lion organisation to support, make sure that they are a registered charity or 501(c)3.
A big part of lion conservation lies with the governments - they have a huge part to play in creating laws to benefit and protect lion species. Supporting reputable lion organisations as well as writing or taking action with your local or African governments to address these issues, will also help.
Companies that don’t support lion conservation: Any organisation that offers human contact with wild or captured lions and ‘walk-with’ or ‘picture opportunity’ experiences are not an organisation that have the animals best interests at heart and should be avoided. If you are thinking about going on a Safari to watch lions in their natural habitat, be sure to research the safari companies properly. Some safari organisations support canned hunting and sport hunting. There are also many safari companies whose driving regulations are poor and drive too close and intimidate wild animals in their space. Be sure to delve into any safari organisation, ask about their policies and read the small print carefully.
Is trophy hunting considered a bad form of lion conservation?
Trophy hunting of lions is a highly controversial sport and there are many arguments about what it contributes to conservation.
Around 600 lions are poached in one year. Shooting licences are sold for around 16.000 Euros. Male adult lions are favourited by poachers. Taking the adult male out of the pack, affects critical changes in the social structure. When the social structure is shattered the survival chances of the pack is reduced. The death of an Alpha male causes an enhancement of the mortality of young lion up to 70%.
Hunting poses the argument that its ‘considered’ a form of lion conservation as the funds being paid into hunting a lion supports lion conservation. Others would argue that its not good since it interferes with pride structures and coalitions.
It is clear, though, that the money needed to reverse the loss or reduction of species exceeds income from any form of tourism, including hunting.
The vast majority of hunting income goes to government agencies, outfitters, safari companies and individuals located in various oversees countries. Trophy hunting does not benefit the African economy or lion conservation to any significant extent.
People who Hunt and shoot Lions is primarily for fun. To then dress it up as lion conservation is unjust. The question remains - If the hunter wants to contribute to lion conservation - why not contribute the funds but not shoot the animal?
The benefits of Lion Conservation / Image: Jeff Lemond
What are the real benefits of lion conservation?
The real benefits of lion conservation are to ultimately keep lions in the wild and part of our incredibly important eco-system. Lions are an amazing animal, a true predator and the king of the jungle! There is no denying, a world without lions would be truly devastating for our generation, the next generation and our planet. Lions are a symbol of strength, courage and pride. If there were no more lions left, a landscape without lions would lead to large herds of grazers, such as buffalo and little else. Overgrazing by them including parasite overload on the land makes the ecosystem poorer. Lions play an important role in the food chain by helping to control the herbivore population. Lion are the leading predators of their habitat as they are known to kill large herbivores such as elephants and giraffes too. Their contribution to our planet overrides what we as humans can offer to our eco-system and world, but yet we are their fiercest predator.
Projects that are benefiting lion conservation:
Ensuring their landscapes are protected for them
Collaring and studying of lions
Lion Rangers to protect and monitor lions
Community coexistance training
Tackling human-lion conflict
Securing critical habitat
Reintroducing lions into protected areas
Tackling trade in Lion body parts
Tackling lion poaching
Disrupting the trade in bushmeats and in lion body parts
Investigating lion distribution and lion threats
Strengthening law enforcement
Community Outreach: Enhancing local communities and wildlife to thrive together
Monitoring of lions using satellite collars
Monitoring lion numbers in the ecosystem
Aerial surveillance
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How can we save lions?
The good news is that we can all help lion conservation and ultimately save lions. We have compiled a list below of ways to support lion conservation, whether you have a small or large amount of time to give. Everything helps!
Help reputable lion conservation organisations which run projects like the above. Make sure they are a registered charity or 501 (c)3.
Don’t pay or support poaching, hunting or ‘walk with / picture with’ lion organisations. Always read the small print and ask the relevant questions!
Looking to go on a Safari? Make sure that your money is going towards a reputable safari company that truly helps support lion conservation
Write to your local and African governments and address the issues of lion conservation
Create awareness and spread the word about Lion Conservation through your platform, including word of mouth and social media
Raise money to help lion conservation through events and adventures
Avoid zoos and sanctuaries that don’t benefit lion conservation
Check out our extraordinary adventure AFRICAN LION SAFARI and make a huge impact for lions whilst experiencing a life-changing journey across Africa
What can people do on the ground to help lions?
One of the best ways to help lions is to visit lion country and help work on the ground. Nothing beats being immersed in their habitat and learning on the front line what you can really do to support lion conservation. Education is a powerful tool in being able to help and support these magnificent creatures as well as witnessing what they truly need, what obstacles they face and working with conservationists who know their stuff. Our Founder at BornWild tells us a little more about the undeniable experience being on the ground with lions………
“The first time you see a lion in the flesh is an incredible experience. Even more so, looking at the king of the jungle right in the eyes is even more of an adrenaline rush. What I love about being in lion country is that its their world. A place on this earth that purely belongs to them. We are just merely visiting beings that are safe in the cages of our cars, when they roam freely around us in the plains of beautiful surroundings. Africa is gleamingly picturesque with hazes of golden yellow tones of the sun, vibrant green baobab trees, species of birds that are electric in deep blue and red colours. The soft deep tanned hair of a lion emerges in the grass and your heart skips a beat. Africa is a special place and one that I have a true connection with. Africa is cemented in rich beauty, history, endless stories and tales, ancient rituals, tribal gatherings and amongst all - showered with the most beautiful species within this land of hope, peace and humbleness. A land where you can appreciate life’s simple pleasures and learn to realise that this is all you need to live a rich life.
Working with lions has been a focus of mine for many years, grabbing my chances to go to Africa to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat are precious moments I hold dear to my heart. I have memories and wild stories of encounters with lions, hearing their roars outside my tent and searching for their big paw prints cemented in the bronze sand. Experiences that will last a lifetime. Stories that grab people with awe and some that make me smile just thinking about them alone at home. Being on the ground allowed me to immerse myself with lion conservationists, African guides who know the lions by name, markings and personality, absorbing their extraordinary tales, learning to speak to our ancestors through the rituals they use to protect them amongst lions and meeting tribes who have been living alongside lions for centuries.
Being within lion company is an extremely special and privileged experience. It doesn’t just provoke various thoughts and feelings but the experience draws the excitement to create drastic change out of you. It surges your appetite to learn more and more too. Working on the ground with lions is a hugely important part of being able to make an impactful change in lion conservation. Lions are facing a plethora of various and dangerous obstacles to be able to live a full grown life. Being able to live a full life should be a right, not a privilege or a lucky break. I set to work with impact in mind and a desire to create a groundbreaking adventure, a life-changing challenge and an education all rolled into one that would help impact lions through the course of travel. An experience that has never been created before, a route that has been rarely explored and an adventure that bridges conservation and adventure together meaningfully.”
What we are doing to help:
Aside from our exclusive adventure AFRICAN LION SAFARI, BornWild is dedicated and passionate about changing the future for wild animal conservation, with focus on lion conservation. Through every ticket sale, part of our proceeds support wild animal conservation. We have also supported a handful of big cat conservation projects as well as many other projects which you can view here: How We Give
The benefits of Lion Conservation / Image: Sean Stratton
Make An Impact On Your Next African Safari!
Discover an African Safari with a unique perspective. We have developed one of the most extraordinary experiences that bridges Lion Conservation with adventure travel.
Our expedition takes us on a thrilling route through Tanzania - exploring one of the most extraordinary journeys in Africa.
Our African safari trip will highlight Lion Conservation and we will be exposing travellers to resources and experiences you will only encounter through this adventure. Experience lion conservation from the worlds best lion conservation experts and registered conservation charities to enable you to broaden your safari experience above and beyond your wildest dreams.
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Main Lion Image: Ingo Stiller