Unbeknownst to most people, the lion population in Africa is rapidly depleting. There were more than 1 million lions roaming the earth 2000 years ago. Since the 1940s, when the number of lions was estimated at 450,000, the population has almost disappeared in Africa. Recent reports on lion numbers have estimated that there are only 20,000 animals left in the region.
The reasons for the dramatic reduction in numbers is that in many cases it is due to human growth in these areas. Sometimes this may be because farmers protect their livestock from lions looking to feed. Additionally, poaching and canned hunting are rampant in Africa.
In addition to this, there are several countries around the world involved in the illegal trade and keeping of lions. These lions can be treated cruelly and used for entertainment in circuses and zoos. In many countries, these are not regulated and many animals suffer because of this.
The important message here is that these numbers will continue to fall unless a change is initiated on the ground. There are several ways that people can support lions. A general search for organizations can lead to excellent options. However, one organization that supports lions and has an extensive scientific research team that needs more funding is Panthera. They have created the ‘Leonardo Project’ to help increase the number of lions in Africa and help the locals to handle their lion problem with education, rather than lashing out at the lions.
The main Panthera goal they have set is to increase the number of lions by 150% over the next 15 years. This goal needs all the help they can get, so support them in any way you can.
There are other organizations that are helping to raise awareness and fund for lion conservation in a more consumer friendly way. Many clothing brands are beginning to donate part of their profits to charities. Therefore, it is important to always look for clothing or other companies that state this somewhere, that way you can help without extra effort on your behalf. The goal of these companies is to spread awareness through their brand and hopefully this will remind and contact those who use them about this issue.
Hopefully these organizations, charities or clothing brands can be supported by ordinary people and can begin to bring back the mighty lions from the brink of extinction in Africa. We don’t want a rerun of Cecil the lion and we don’t want another majestic creature removed from our planet. Let’s unite and end the decline of Lions across the planet!
