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STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE THREAT OF
TROPHY HUNTING.- 1
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE
CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE
THREAT OF TROPHY HUNTING.-
(by Sergio Navarro Milián; www.africasalvaje.org 2012)
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE THREAT OF
TROPHY HUNTING.- 2
1.1) INTRODUCTION.-
The lion (Panthera leo) is, without doubt, the biggest of the big cats of Africa,
and the second in size after the tiger (Panthera tigris). The size of adult males
range from 2.5 -3.3 mts in length including the tail, while the females are
smaller, between 2.3 -2.7 meters. The males are quite heavier than females,
since while it is weight of the first ranges between the 150-225 kgs., females
is maintained between the 110-155 kgs. Adult males may reach a height at
withers of 1.25 cms, while females rarely exceed 110 cms. From ancient
times, the big cats have always inspired fear and admiration in equal parts,
but none so much as the lion. As Evelyn Ames wrote in "A Glimpse of Eden"
(a vision of Eden):
"The lions are more than animals, are symbols, totems and legend ( ... ) When
we look into the eyes of a lion in freedom and we note the grace of his long
stride, when we see the noble serenity of your mouth and nose, the authority
of its proud bearded chin, we will recognize up to the bone marrow that we
were born with that recorded image".
When you look at a lion in freedom, a mixture of feelings invade our body, an
ancient mixture of fear and admiration. The lions are without doubt the most
sought after animals and defendants in photographic safaris by visitors.
Already, any safari is a breathtaking experience and the sensations that one
has the chance to experiment in this experience are abundant; but no safari
would be fully complete without sighting to the lions. The great majority of
the tourists that get close to photographing the fauna themselves they will
not fail to match satisfied but they could have observed lions, although he be
dozing to the shade of an acacia.
You can consider the lion like the odd man out in the family of the cats that
they are very social animals as to ( neither tigers, neither leopards nor
jaguars are it, and the leopards that at times coalitions form neither can
catalogue them like social ). So much the males like females live together
jointly in large numbers. The lions' society is based in feminine alliances with
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE THREAT OF
TROPHY HUNTING.- 3
very thin loops since in general all females use to be related among
themselves ( sisters, aunts, cousins, mothers, ... ). Individuals' number of a
herd will prepare of exceedingly same the future of her, which is why
females' number is of vital importance in the group.
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE THREAT OF
TROPHY HUNTING.- 4
1.2) DISTRIBUTION.-
Nobody knows for certain as many as the lions agree on Africa, but it is
thought that these cats' population oscillates between 35000-40000
exemplary, concentrating the great majority of these cats in Eastern Africa (
some 23000 issues ) and the south of Africa ( and, in minor measured, in
central Africa 3000 issues aprox ( some 18000 issues ).) And in occidental
Africa ( 1000 issues aprox.). In India, some 350 Asiatic lion's specimens at
Gir's Forest in Gujarat's status survive . According to the CITES (Convention
on the International Commerce of Especies Threatened of Fauna and Flora
wild ) the lions' situation is of vulnerable grade. At present, the African
countries where still they inhabit the lions are Angola, Benín, Botswana,
Burkina Faso, Cameroon, African Republic Centro, Chad, Democratic Republic
of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Kenya,
Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Ruanda, Senegal,
Somalia, South Africa, Sudan of the south, Swazilandia, Tanzania, Uganda,
Zambia and Zimbabue, in addition to the India in Asia. Inside the bigger mass
meetings locate themselves in Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana and South Africa of
these countries. If let's go park to park or reserve for reserve, many of them
that will give us the possibility to catch sight of lions exist, but always there
are some that the guaranties to catch sight of them will increase . Without a
doubt, the Masai Mara with the ideal place is for observing cats since
probably you count with lions' bigger density for km2 of the continent close
to 850 issues in spite of his reduced size. After the Masai Mara, we find the
Serengeti with 2300 individuals. The Lake Manyara, also in Tanzania, has an
important density of lions to weigh the his little extension; the Selous's
reserve in Tanzania, with certainty the place of Africa with bigger quantity of
these cats with close to 4000 issues; The South African Kruger with a
population stipulated of some 2000 individuals. Also in South Africa the
private stock that they constitute Sabi Sands they count on important lions'
populations. We can find these magnificent cats' three points of important
concentration in Botswana, on the one hand we have the Okavango's Delta
and Chobe's park north of the country, and for another one, the Kalahari's
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE THREAT OF
TROPHY HUNTING.- 5
desert. Botswana has the reputation of counting on the most numerous
herds of lions of Africa that way like with the specimens of bigger size,
perhaps have enough that to see the fact that so much in the Okavango like
in Chobe these cats have majored in to pursue large-sized animals like
buffalos and elephants themselves that they constitute important part of his
diets. The crater of the Ngorongoro in Tanzania and the south of Luangwa in
Zambia constitute others of the best places for their observation.
Having in account than almost 50 % of the population survives at the African
continent with less than up-to-date 1$, to think that the immediate future for
the lions be very encouraging it is difficult. Each day the human population
grows and the fields of cultivations stretch out coming into conflict with the
protected zones where the lions inhabit . A great deal of the population is
due to the field and to the sheepherding so that heads of livestock constitute
the only resource of value for shepherds practically and cattle farmers. Every
time that a lion attacks a head of cattle, it is an earth-shattering loss for the
person, a loss than nobody is going to compensate, which is why the revenge
of cattle farmers and shepherds against the cat is suited someone's purposes
for general standard. If we want to assure the cats' survival, we will have to
be able to find a formula that a formula in which men and cats may live
together in in harmony, that but the lion's destination will be sealed
compensate these losses to the shepherds.
Nowadays the conflicts between lions and cattle farmers are continuous, in
the Masai Mara for example, every time that a cat collects a cow's life itself,
the masais are not going to hope that nobody compensate such loss; They
will take the justice for his hand and they will kill the animal. It is a situation
that takes place for all the continent from South Africa to Uganda and not
only with the lions, the leopards and leopards also are knocked down when
the cattle is its objective. In the course of time, more and more they see their
protected zones limited by the increasing demographic explosion, so that
many times the impact in the fauna is brutal and lions have to look for the
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE THREAT OF
TROPHY HUNTING.- 6
food out of the protected zones and he is here when they come into conflict
with the man.
Historically, the lions spread over everything Africa, Asia and Europe. Lions'
first records come from the occidental Africa of some 750 thousand years
ago. Ever since they went away expanding towards the north, for Europe and
Asia. The lion and caverns ( Panthera spelaea ) you had an enormous
amplitude and the proof of it is that his remains have been found at caves of
many points of Europe. They possessed a size a 25% bigger than the one
belonging to the present-day lions. These lions agreed with another sort that
you were wandering around for the American continent, the lion of ice (
Panthera atrox). This survived in North America even some 11600 years ago.
Even you do almost 10000 years, the lions roamed all Europe and Asia. The
last few lions of the caverns disappeared in Europe between the 340 a.C and
100 d.C, but the Asiatic lion ( Panthera Leo Persica ) lasted in some places: In
Palestine to the crusades, in Syria and Iraq to beginnings of the s.XX and in
Iran to the decade of 40. Nowadays, as we said before, only 5000 square
kilometers survive some 350 specimens in the India at Gir's Forest, in
Gujarat's status at a territory of little over. The lion of the End of black bob (
Panthera Leo melanochaita ) and in the decade of the years extinguished 30
itself at the beginning of the s.XX the last few lion's issues of Barbary
disappeared at the mountains of the Atlas of Morocco ( Panthera Leo Leo).
But not the dramatic dyes since they took those dates constituting the first
parks and stock with protective true calling were everything. Many
Governments began to raise sometheir consciousness themselves that the
fauna was suffering a very important descent. Years and years of sports and
furtive hunting were decreasing the African sorts, specially cats' population.
were seen with suspiciousness since they thought that they would decimate
herbivora's population and they would be a threat for the cattle during years,
to the predators, which kept proving to be ironical because the man during
decades had almost taken to the extermination to animals like the
rhinoceroses and elephants to give some an appointment. Without going any
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE THREAT OF
TROPHY HUNTING.- 7
further enter 1900 and 1927 almost 20000 predators in the neighboring stock
to the Kruger, of which some the lions were 1275. But the things began to
change thanks to some conservationists' work. The first national park of
Africa was created in 1926, the one belonging to the Kruger and little by little
many other countries went doing the same thing. When parks went away
opening the public, the arms gave way to the photographic and video and
ready cameras you gave in patent of that you enter all animals the ones that
bigger admiration and curiosity were waking up between the public were
lions. Unfortunately not everything changed, as from 1925 the Serengeti all
of a sudden you became the ideal destination for hunters of avid trophies to
kill big prisoners. This bad practice lasted to 1937, date hunting stopped in,
but the damage already was done . Nowadays, even though it is certain that
the sports hunting has not unfortunately finalized, bullets have been
substituted by cameras of photo and video and the vast majority of the
tourists that visit Africa do it to enjoy their fauna. At countries like Zimbabue,
Namibia or South Africa still follows itself permitting the sports hunting
although controlled. In Kenya, although exists prohibition to kill lions, this it is
a practice that still today continues to be in use between the masais. What
you fight for to abolish lions' hunting anyone than himself his nature still
keeps on.
At present the main equal threat for the lion is the human being. Without
practically natural enemies, the man continues to be the principal hindrance
for the future of these cats. With a super populated world and in constant
growth, the resulting space for the preservation of the fauna each time looks
more limited, besides the increasing request of lands for cultivation and the
calf is little by little eating space to the last few last resorts of wildlife. So
much the poaching like the sports hunting continues to be a grave problem
to take a shortcut. Big cats' population decimated the sports hunting during
centuries. Poaching is a serious problem that still today slams many lands of
Africa. It is essential to find the formula in order that villagers, cattle farmers
and shepherds not see the lions like a threat. Lions, somehow, are a tool of
the nature to balance the fauna and to maintain herbivora's growth like the
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE THREAT OF
TROPHY HUNTING.- 8
gnus, zebras or buffalos since the good account of those weak issues, old
men or sick persons will hit under strict control. A head of livestock's loss
signifies very much for a shepherd, which is why if not they see
compensation some for the governmental authorities's part they will apply
the law of retaliation, and all to lose will have in those, the feline. But it is
logical to think than if everybody ( parks, Government, companies of safaris,
... ) benefits of the foreign exchange that the safaris generate, also the
villagers make a profit on everything it. For it, a solution would be to create a
Common Fund for all of the victims of the savage fauna from peasants, that
its harvests lose to the even cattle elephants' hands that lose his heads of
livestock to hands of the predators. This Common Fund's funds would go
destined to compensate these losses and to avoid well then villagers take the
justice for his hand. A good shape to supply this Common Fund would be
destining part of the entrances than parks and stock obtain of the tourists.
Some countries like Kenya through the Apartment of Wildlife to taken to end
a similar initiative. This would be a good shape that villagers see than the
losses generated by them the wild beasts will be palliated somehow and
there would be no need to go out in search of the guilty animals to knock
them down. Since the solution would by no means be that one, because
sooner or later another head of cattle would fall or another field of
cultivation would be ravaged. A thing is clear, we will be able to save the lions
but we raised the local communities of the importance that wildlife has 's
consciousness. The efforts to preserve the fauna by no means can enable the
privilege themselves of circumventing to the local people.
A little while ago less than a century lions' number the fact that they roamed
Africa wrote in code itself in 100 thousand issues. Today with great difficulty
you get to a third part. Only there are 5 places where his population surpass
the 1500 individuals ( Kruger, Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, Selous reserve, the
north of Bostwana and Kafue NP). Without a doubt, there are hopes. Lions'
population has happened in a few years of 100 issues at a so country
populated like the India where the need of lands is important to you fence
them of 350 to today. In Amur, in Siberia, tigers' population in the decade of
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE THREAT OF
TROPHY HUNTING.- 9
40 wrote in code itself in less than half a hundred; Nowadays you get close
to some 500 issues. In the times that circulate, to pursue lions for sports is an
anachronism and one senseless ( if the fact that occasionally to time it is you
had it ). To kill animals for pure pleasure is something that does not fit into
the head. Killing lions without ihaving in account the consequences of these
acts and the repercussions for the ecosystem he is of silly. Always his hunting
alleging that it is necessary to control the population, the same population
that is sloping for years justifies itself and than the CITES to catalogued like
vulnerable. Never I could have understood that they may pay enormous
quantities of money to see the head of a lion hung up at the living room of
his house or at an office. In days gone by perhaps admiration would be able
to wake up, but today only you repulse and pity. Many Governments due to
his big cost-reducing problems ( in Africa there are a great deals, see
Zimbabue ) are permissive with these practices. Many private stock attract
well-to-do class only stops to exercise the big game. Each animal has a price.
Nowadays the lions are present at 32 African countries ( 33 if we told India),
of whom in 28 of these countries have him of permanent form and in 4 of
occasional or occasional form (Burundi, Togo, Gabon and Congo ). The lions
have become extinguished at Gambia, Mauritania, Sierra Leone, Equatorial
Guinea, Ivory Coast, Djbouti, Eritrea and Lesotho, while in Swazilandia they
have been reintroducidos at the beginning of the 90 in last decade. There are
no official data that never the lions had existed in Liberia.
Sincerely the idea to murder a lion or a leopard only to look like trophy is
indefensible with argument any one. One can understand, no sharing, than a
masai, stops which the cattle is been by everything, execute a lion if to
devoured a head of cattle and compensation does not receive any one for
such loss. But, paying to murder a lion does not have justification. Nothing is
not of heroic in this action. The lions many times show up tranquil in front of
the human presence since they accustom the tourists rapidly and, therefore,
do not tend to flee themselves as another animals would do . To shoot at an
animal that not even is defending oneself is a coward and stingy act. The
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE THREAT OF
TROPHY HUNTING.- 10
lions pass many hours dozing in the daytime, if are surprised rarely they
attack the man if not there are cubs in between. Only the adult males are
lions' 10 % of the population, with that the loss of one only the issue can
suppose the end of a cycle or sealing a herd's destination. But the desires of
the human being to dominate all living being and to feel superior always to
existed. Africa by chance is a practice, that each time to time have less
follower in. As George Schaller said : “ All hunter that feel the need of trying
on annihilating a lion, that you would want to see his inserted name in the
column of obituaries of a book of trophies, you should be able to contemplate
his future victim awhile. With luck, a moment that distrainee for humanity's
sentiment no longer may kill more for very pleasure in will come ”.
He gets difficult to me to imagine the African savannas without lions one day.
You find the key to assure the future to this beautiful animal, all a continent's
emblem only upon the man's will.
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE THREAT OF
TROPHY HUNTING.- 11
1.3) PRESENET-DAY DEAR POPULATION.-
1.3.1) WEST AFRICA.-
Benin's countries, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau,
Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal and Togo will encompass in this post office box.
It is where according to the older experts reduction of lions' number has
been produced historically with a 91 % at the continent's this zone.
According to the studies accomplished by Chardonnet ( 2002 ), the
distribution of this zone would be constituted for 43190 square kilometers
(sq) of national parks ( NP ), 14690 sq of national stock ( NR ), 18400 sq of
dedicated zones to the hunting of trophies ( HZ ) and some 45700 sq once
another surfaces were destined to.
Today that lions have themselves of permanent form at this region of Africa
at the following countries can be considered: Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana,
Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Mali, Niger, Nigeria and Senegal; Being present in of
occasional form Togo and having disappeared or extinguished at Gambia,
Mauritania and Sierra Leone. 2002, the lions have disappeared from the year
of, to the less, five countries.
Chardonnet, in his study accomplished in 2002 wrote in code lions' number
at this region of Africa in a minimal population of 968 individuals and a
maximum population of 1358 issues, with some 1163 lions' dear total
population that represented according to its studies a rate at that time of
only the 3 % on lions' total population at the continent. A couple of years
later, in 2004, Bauer and Van der Merwe establisehd the lions' total minimal
population at this region in 450 issues and the maxim in 1250 individuals,
writing in code the total population estimated according to his studies in 850
issues wrote Merwe in code.
BENIN.- (Ranking nº16)
Chardonnet ( 2002 ) wrote in code the lions' n in 325 issues, in the meantime
than Bauer and Van der Merwe ( 2004 ) stipulated than the cats' n was quite
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE THREAT OF
TROPHY HUNTING.- 12
minor, only 65 lions. In the 2006, ( International Union for Nature
Conservancy ) you considered studies accomplished by the IUCN than lions'
number the fact that they wandered about in liberty found itself between
the 100 and the 500 individuals. Just after, Mesochina wrote in code the n of
these cats in some 390 issues. It is estimated that to today lions' number at
this country comes from some 390 issues distributed of the following way:
Pendjari NP ( 180 lions ), W NP ( 80 ), Batia ( 17 ), Mékrou ( 22 ), Pargo ( 18 ),
Konkombri ( 15 ), Troi Rivieres ( 20 ) and Alibori Superieur ( 19 ). They locate
the greater part of the feline located in Benin at the north zone of the
country tight at the frontier with Burkina Faso and Niger.
The sports hunting has also been present at this country, having fallen victim
to such destiny according to data once 11 issues between 2000 and 2009
were made easy by Lion Aid, distributed of the following way: 2000 ( 4 lions
), 2001 ( 3 ), 2005 ( 2 ) and 2006 ( 2 ), being France ( 54 % ) and USA ( 27 % ) I
number the countries with principal of imports of trophies. The result of
lions' hunting is that these cats are pursued without having authorities a
clearing census of these cats.
BURKINA FASO.- (Ranking nº 19)
Chardonnet ( 02 ) stipulated his lions' population in 444 issues, in the
meantime than the studies accomplished by Bauer and Van der Merwe wrote
in code the number of cats two years after in a hundred. IUCN established in
2006 that lions' population would be between the 100 and 500 issues. At
present the number of these big cats in Burkina Faso in some 250 issues is
considered, locating oneself the great majority of them in the Pendjari NP (
some 180 issues ). Another points where W's NP ( 80 ) and the Nazinga NR
localize with a quarantine of individuals.
Lions' hunting like trophies has not been exempt in Burkina Faso, where 151
issues from 2000 to 2009 have been knocked down. In 2000 ( 20 ), 2001 ( 10
), 2002 ( 13 ), 2003 ( 20 ), 2004 ( 14 ), 2005 ( 13 ), 2006 ( 16 ), 2007 ( 15 ),
2008 ( 14 ) and 2009 ( 16 ), being France with a 78 % the principal destination
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE THREAT OF
TROPHY HUNTING.- 13
of the trophies. The heights of hunting are unsustainable for this country
considering that these cats' population is sloping.
IVORY COAST.-
Ivory Coast is one of the few countries conservationists and biologists do not
come to an agreement in on existence or not give lions in. Some affirm that
cats became extinguished here in last decade, other ones that his presence is
uncertain, and other ones that still wander about at some corners. Lions'
population in his study in a hundred issues ( 02 ) wrote Chardonnet in code;
Just after Bauer and Van der Merwe wrote in code some thirty lions'
presence. Both believed that these cats' small population would be
distributed for Comoe Leraba's region where they enjoyed certain protection.
The IUCN in 2006 wrote in code these cats' number in less than 50 issues.
Nowadays, the odds are that lions had become extinguished of Ivory Coast
since there are no data of recent sightings. Henshel accomplished a study on
the presence or not give lions in 2010 and you did not find these animals'
indications.
There has been no lions' exportation due to the sports hunting in last decade,
the last few trophies date from 1995.
GHANA.-
Lions' population in some 15 individuals ( 02 ) took a census of Chardonnet,
in the meantime than Bauer Van's der Merwe studies ( 04 ) lifted it to the
treintena of taken a census of issues. What's curious is how only two years
after, the IUCN wrote in code in number of these cats in some 220 issues. An
increment is inexplicable so poblacional lifted in so short space of time.
Considering that you tell them apart between Chardonnet and Bauer and Van
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE THREAT OF
TROPHY HUNTING.- 14
Der Merwe were half notes and perfectly logics for a time interval of two
years, this increment in the same period is him not two years after.
Nowadays it is believed that some 20 individuals at Digya's National Park
survive .
GUINEA.-
Chardonnet ( 02 ) wrote in code lions' number at this country in some 27
individuals, just after Bauer's and Van der Merwe studies indicated that lions'
population at that time came from some 200 issues. Nowadays it is believed
that lions' number comes from some 85 issues distributed principally by the
region of Koundova and the Tall Niger NP ( Upper Niger ).
GUINEA BISSAU.-
The population of lions written in code by Chardonnet ( 02 ) was fixed in a
group of ten of issues, in the meantime than give it Bauer and Van der
Merwe ( 04 ) was valued in 30 lions. Nowadays it is thought that his
population does not surpass the 25 individuals in the Boe NP.
MALI.-
Chardonnet ( 02 ) stipulated the number of these cats in 21 issues, in the
meantime than Bauer and Van der Merwe ( 04 ) firm than lions' in freedom
number caught up with the midway to the less hundred. Lions' number
between 30 and 50 issues ( 06 ) took a census of the IUCN. Nowadays it is
believed that lions' number is returning to normal and his population would
be able to catch up with the 70 issues located principally and, perhaps, only
in the Baulé NP and the regions of the river Faleme and Haut Bakey.
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE THREAT OF
TROPHY HUNTING.- 15
NÍGER.-
Lions' population in 47 issues ( 02 ) wrote Chardonnet in code, just after
Bauer and Van der Merwe ( 06 ) lifted the number to 70 individuals. Lions'
population of Niger is to today very reduced; Only some 50 individuals at
Tamou's southern region at the frontier with Burkina Faso survive .
NIGERIA.-
Lions' population according to Chardonnet ( 02 ) belonged to some 85
individuals. Bauer and Van der Merwe (04) lifted the number of these cats to
the 200 issues. The population in some 170 issues ( 06 ) valued the IUCN.
Nowadays the descent of lions' population at this country has accelerated
very much and a serious danger to disappear in a few years if not exists they
embrace protectionist policies but severe. These cats' number nowadays
hovers around the 45 issues located only in the country's two points: A
minimal population in Yankari's reserve that hovers around the five issues,
and the rest in the Lake Kainji's NP.
SENEGAL.- (Ranking nº 20)
This is other of the countries than to of embracing news and urgent
measures to repopulate his parks and lions' stock right now than to today
only exist some 100 issues located only in the Niokolo Koba NP southeast of
the country. These cats' population ( 02 ) wrote Chardonnet in code at that
time in 156 issues, in the meantime than Bauer's and Van der Merwe studies
( 04 ) reduced to his population only 60 individuals.
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE THREAT OF
TROPHY HUNTING.- 16
In short, it can be affirmed that this is the zone of Africa with a lot of
difference where lions' number is but reduced with a population whose
number is estimated between 1000 and 1100 issues, and whose tendency is
decreasing to today. Only they outlive today at 9 countries ( Benin, Burkina
Faso, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Mali, Niger, Nigeria and Senegal ) and in
many his presence is merely testimonial that to of not adopting its
Governments of these countries politic but you last and you would be for his
conservation, shortly we would be able to be talking about complete
extinction of the African lion at the continent's this zone. The lions have
become extinguished in last decade at countries like Ivory Coast, Gambia,
Mauritania and Sierra Leone. They do not fail to see 2005 in Togo and in
Liberia they never existed .
1.3.2) CENTRAL AFRICA.-
We will include the countries of Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Central African
Republic (C.A.R.), Democratic Republic of the Congo ( D.R.C.), Chad and
Sudan of the south. This African region is constituted of the following way
according to the thorough study accomplished by Chardonnet (02):
National parks ( NP ): 67555 sq (comprising 10 % of the total surface).
Stock: 24860 sq (4 % of the total surface supposes that).
Zones of hunting ( HZ ): 247860 sq with 38 % of the territory.
Not classified areas: 311695 sq with a 48 %.
The total of all these surfaces of the Central Africa suppose, according to
Chardonnet, 22 % of the total sub-Saharan territory of the distribution of the
cat in the Africa. In this same study accomplished in 2002, Chardonnet
determined that lions' minimal population at this region of Africa took care of
itself in 2092 issues, in the meantime than the maxim placed her in 3538
individuals, determining a total population estimated of some 2815 lions.
Bauer and Van der Merwe ( 04 ), deferred enough of these data a couple of
years after and lions' minimal population at this region came from 500 issues
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE THREAT OF
TROPHY HUNTING.- 17
and the maxim of 1550, with a population estimated total according to his
calculations of only 950 issues.
The hunting of trophies neither to drawee to the continent's this region right
now than the countries like the C.A.R. and Cameroon allowed her in last
decade to the less.
CAMEROON.- (Ranking nº 18)
Lions' population in 415 individuals ( 02 ) wrote Chardonnet in code, in the
meantime than Bauer and Van der Merwe( 04 ) reduced to 260 issues
according to his analyses only. The IUCN, in 2006, established that these cats'
population hovered around between the 260 and 360 individuals. It is
believed that to today lions' population of Cameroon does not catch up with
the 300 issues and you write in code in some 270 individuals located
principally at Waza's ( some more half a hundred of issues and descending ),
Bouba Ndjida's ( with a very similar population to Waza ), Bénoué's national
parks ( with something less than half a hundred ) and Gasahaka Gumti's
region where only they are somewhat protected over the part of the region.
The hunting of trophies, although large-scale no, to present status in
Cameroon, where at least 101 issues have been knocked down between
2000 and 2009 for his exportation like trophies, being France with a 54 % the
country with bigger importing followed of USA. The hunting of trophies was
distributed of the following way: 2000 ( 20 ), 2001 ( 6 ), 2002 ( 9 ), 2003 ( 1 ),
2004 ( 10 ), 2005 ( 19 ), 2006 ( 16 ), 2007 ( 5 ), 2008 ( 3 ), 2009 ( 12 ).
An undetermined moratorium in the hunting of the lion at a country whose
these cats' population seriously is in backward movement and, certainly, the
heights of hunting are unbearable to today becomes approximately forced.
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE THREAT OF
TROPHY HUNTING.- 18
CONGO.-
Officially a decade is considered extinct to the lion a little while ago over in
Congo, although some experts consider than at Odzala's and Beleke Plateau's
regions some issues can exist. In spite of being considerate extinct for the
governmental instances, lions' population in his study in some 60 issues ( 02 )
wrote Chardonnet in code, in the meantime than Bauer and Van der Merwe (
04 ) they concluded that there were no lions in Congo. You determined in
2006, the IUCN than of existing lions in Congo, his population would not
catch up with the midway individuals' hundred. But recently, in 2010
Henschel you did not observe in his study a cat in Odzala's area.
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC (C.A.R.).- (Ranking nº 8)
We are without a doubt in the position of in front of the country of this
region Africa with bigger number of lions. Chardonnet ( 02 ) wrote in code
cats' population in 986 issues, however, Bauer and Van der Merwe( 04 )
reduced to the aforementioned number only 300 issues. The studies
accomplished by the IUCN in 2006 valued the number of these predators in
individuals' thousand. Just after, Mesochina ( 10 ) lifted lions' number to
almost 1300 individuals. It is difficult to determine these cats' present-day
population to today, since many individuals are joint with the nearby Chad,
but it is considered that lions' population can hover around the 1250 issues.
To being a country of quite big proportions, these cats' population is quite
distributed for all the national territory, being the principal enclaves for his
observation: Bamingui Bangora's ( some 360 issues ), Mobomou's ( I number
the previous similarly ), Haute Kotto's ( some 165 lions ), Vakaga's ( close to
300 ) and Ovaka's regions ( some 60 issues ).
The hunting of trophies has not been exempt at this country, although it is
necessary to say than in very limited number since you enter 2000 and 2009
almost destined to the importing of trophies 57 lions, principally to France
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE THREAT OF
TROPHY HUNTING.- 19
with 72 % of the total imports. They suppose here a principal threatens the
poaching to her survival.
GABON.-
This is other of the countries where lions' presence is believed that it is
improbable since they have not been obvious from 2002 and, although they
have not officially been declared extinct, his existence not only that than
doubtful. Some scientists believe than there can be a group of ten of issues at
Mpassa's zone, but the fact of the matter is that there are no proofs that
demonstrate it. Chardonnet ( 02 ) valued lions' number in almost 20
individuals, in the meantime than Bauer and Van der Merwe they concluded
that the lions in Gabon did not exist .
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC CONGO (C.A.R.).- (Ranking nº 17)
Chardonnet ( 02 ) stipulated that lions' population in C.A.R. belonged to 556
individuals; Although just after Bauer and Van der Merwe ( 04 ) wrote in code
these cats' number in almost 240 issues. The IUCN concluded its analysis for
the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2006 with lions' population it
oscillated between 425 and 750 issues. These big beasts of prey' number is to
today very inferior hovering around the 325 issues at all the country, being
located principally in the complex Garamba Bili Uere ( with less than 200
issues ), Albertibe sector ( close to 200 shared with Angola ), Upemba ( some
40 ), Kundelungu ( 40 ), Hombwe Massif ( half a hundred ) and Lauma's
reserve of hunting ( with close to cats' quarantine ).
They do not get ready of really reliable data of if in the R.D.C. you devote
yourself to today lions' hunting like trophies for his importing.
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE THREAT OF
TROPHY HUNTING.- 20
CHAD.- (Ranking nº 15)
Chardonnet ( 02 ) wrote in code the population of lions of this country it is
some 520 issues, very far from the 150 individuals than Bauer and Van der
Merwe held that existed in his studies two years after. The IUCN said in code
cats' number in 2006 in some 300 issues. The idea that lions' population
hovers around today the 500 issues seems accepted, distributed of the
following way: Guerra's and Salamat's area ( some 250 individuals ), Aouk's
area ( some 120 lions ), Zakouma NP ( 140 issues ) and less than 10
individuals at the Lake Fitri's surroundings.
They do not get ready of statistical truthful data of if lions' hunting for
importing of trophies is allowing Chad.
SOUTH SUDAN.- (Ranking nº 12)
The studies on lions' population at this country are practically non-existent to
be a country of recent creation, as soon as you validate the esteems of
Chardonnet ( 02 ) that the only are really unrolled at this country in last
decade, turned perhaps be more than enough Sudan before his recent
separation declares her obsolete. At that time, lions' population in some 800
issues established Chardonnet. It is believed that to today the population
keeps quite constant and Chardonnet, since it is accepted that the
population of these big beasts of prey in the south of Sudan belongs to some
750 individuals, located principally in four points does not differ almost from
the given numbers: Boma NP ( some 250 issues ), Badingillo NP ( 170 lions ),
Southwestern NP ( some 275 cats ) and Kidepo NP that you make frontier
with Uganda where they localize half a hundred of issues.
They do not get ready of official neither unofficial data about lions' hunting
like trophies at the country.
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE THREAT OF
TROPHY HUNTING.- 21
In short, you can get firm than only 5 are the countries that still lodge to
today lions in their inside at the continent's this region ( Cameroon, Chad,
R.C.A, R.D.C. and South Sudan ). In Gabon and they consider Congo recently
extinct and data that occasionally they had had lions do not exist in
Equatorial Guinea. In total the population of these cats in the Central Africa
surroundings to the 3050 and 3200 issues oscillate.
1.3.3) EAST AFRICA.-
This is the region of Africa without a doubt where to today subsist I number a
principal of lions in freedom. These cats' population at that time came from
at least 11268 issues according to Chardonnet (02) and granted 18811
individuals' maximum quantity, for a total of a population estimated of 15744
issues in this part of the continent. Bauer and Van der Merwe´s studies ( 04 )
wrote in code lions' minimal population in some 8000 individuals, while was
written the limit in code by 15000 in some, with one real population
estimated total of 11000 lions.
The continent's this region is also the one that you endow with bigger
quantity of territory where the lion, with 1.137,205 square kilometers total
distribution that suppose itself almost 40 % of the total Sub-Saharan surface
of the Africa where these cats inhabit . His distribution would be left of the
following way:
National Parks (NP): 149,347 square kilometers (13%)
Reserves: 139,594 square kilometers (12%)
Hunting zones (HZ): 116,730 square kilometers (10%)
Not classified surfaces: 731,534 square kilometers (64%)
7 countries that they are will include here: Ruanda, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania,
Somalia, Ethiopia and Burundi; Lions' presence is merely occasional at this
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE THREAT OF
TROPHY HUNTING.- 22
last country, since they have gotten in touch punctually when cats come from
Tanzania, but a population is not stipulate of resident lions.
ETHIOPIA.- (Ranking nº 9)
Incredible as it may seem, Ethiopia is one of the few countries whose lions'
population surpasses the thousand issues, since they are estimated that you
hover around today the 1050 individuals. Chardonnet ( 02 ) thought that
these cats' population came from 1477 issues, in the meantime than Bauer
and Van der Merwe ( 04 ) they valued it tightly in 1000 individuals.
The present-day distribution of lions' population would be of the following
way: They would localize the great majority in Omo's and Mgo's NP ( 180
individuals ), Ogaden's ( 65 ), Awash's ( 50 ) and Bale's and Sof Omar's ( 80),
complex of Afer ( some 425 individuals ), in the area of Bable ( some 300
issues ) and Gombella NP ( 160 lions ).
Lions' hunting like trophies for his exportation to present status at the
country, although large-scale no, since data indicate how only 16 lions they
were depressed between 2000 and I motivate 2009 of the sports hunting,
being USA with a 34 %, followed of Germany, the principal importing country
of trophies.
Lions' population in Ethiopia seems to keep on regarding another years, but
the conflicts with humans and his cattle, since you live a great majority of the
population of this pillaged and punished country of sheepherding are
inevitable .
KENYA.- (Ranking nº 4)
This is one of the big bastions of lions' population of Eastern Africa without a
doubt, that way I eat of all the continent. Perhaps the most classical
destination for the tourists to the hour to accomplish a photographic safari at
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE THREAT OF
TROPHY HUNTING.- 23
the continent; But the fact of the matter is that to today lions' population in
Kenya is suffering an important backward movement that is seen increased
every year. Except the Tsavo NP and the Masai Mara NR, these big cats'
significant numbers present the rest of spaces protected of the country
almost.
Chardonnet ( 02 ) concluded his analysis on the population of this majestic
beast of prey in Kenya lions' number was going up with to 2749, in the
meantime than Bauer and Van der Merwe´s studies ( 04 )decreased this
number to the 2280 issues. It is thought that to today lions' total population
in Kenya belongs to 2100 individuals, distributed of the following way: Masai
Mara NR( 825 issues ), Eastern and western Tsavo NP ( 675 lions ), region of
Laikipia ( 200 ), reserve of Samburu ( 100 ), north of the country ( some
exemplary 125 ), Amboseli NP( 60 ), Nairobi NP( 35 ), Meru NP ( 40 ), Nakuru
NP ( some 20 issues ) and Aberdares NP( 50 ).
Official and unofficial data on if they are exporting lions like trophies of
hunting in Kenya do not exist .
UGANDA.- (RANKING Nº 14)
This country, known as the "Pearl of Africa", it is where minus differences
they have found themselves in the studies accomplished on lions' number.
These cats' population wrote Chardonnet (02) in code in 618 issues, in the
meantime than Bauer and Van der Merwe ( 04 ) indicated that the number of
issues came from 575. Just after, lions' of the country population in 485
valued the IUCN. Nowadays, lions' number does not differ almost from the
numbers given at that time, since he is the fact that these beasts of prey'
population comes from 500 issues located principally in these four points
little over stipulates: Albertine´s region (some 150 individuals ), Queen
Elizabeth NP ( some 160 ), Murchison Falls NP( 135 ) and Kidepo NP (40 ).
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE THREAT OF
TROPHY HUNTING.- 24
They do not get ready of truthful data of if the lion's sports hunting is
causing to itself today.
RWANDA.-
The lions have declared themselves to today extinct a couple of years ago,
but at times can observe him some issues in the Akagera NP appropriate of
Tanzania. Chardonnet ( 02 ) affirmed that these cats' population came from
some 45 issues, in the meantime than Bauer and Van der Merwe ( 04 ) they
wrote his status in code in the middle. Today lions' presence is merely
occasional.
SOMALIA.- (Ranking nº 10)
Certainly the country whose lions' population has experienced a bigger
growth in last decade. It is considered that these cats' present-day
population comes from some 925 issues, without a doubt, many more that
Chardonnet (02) firm of that were existing at that time ( 217 ).
The lions in Ethiopia locate themselves at two regions: In Arboweerow
Alafuuto, where it is estimated that there are some 200 issues, and, overcoat,
in Bush Bush's area with some 700 individuals' population.
TANZANIA.- (Ranking nº 1)
We are, without a doubt with, in front of the country lions' bigger number of
everything Africa. They exist but lions in freedom at this country, than in
occidental Africa, Eastern Africa and southern Africa side by side. In fact,
some experts think that they have the half of the population of all of the lions
that still today they survive in liberty in Tanzania. Lions' number in 14432
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE THREAT OF
TROPHY HUNTING.- 25
issues took a census of Chardonnet (02); However, just after Bauer and Van
der Merwe´s studies ( 04 ) wrote in code cats' number in less than one half,
since they took a census of his population in only 7073 lions. The IUCN ( 06 )
determined that these cats' population hovered around the 15400
individuals, and but recently, Mesochina's analyses ( 10 ) affirmed that lions'
population came from some 16800 issues. One of them is today, lions'
population of Tanzania but studied and followed and the total number of
these powerful beasts of prey in some 16850 issues with the following
distribution is written in code:
Serengeti NP: Some 2190 lions. Lions' density at this grand park comes from a
lion for each 15 square kilometers.
Ngorongoro CA: 135 issues.
Selous NP: Some 4470 lions. It is the park or I number African reserve with
principal of these cats.
Ruaha NP: 580 individuals
Tarangire NP: 180 lions.
Muhesi Reserve ( GR ): 240 issues
Burigi Reserve ( GR ): 70
Mkungunero Reserve ( GR ): 30
Swagawaga Reserve ( GR ): 35
Lago Manyara NP: 25
For regions, the distribution of lions' population would be the following:
Morogoro ( 2940 ), Pwani ( 910 ), Ruvuma ( 1300 ), Tabora ( 705 ), Mara (
2190 ), Rukwa ( 650 ), Shinyanga ( 590 ), Singida ( 865 ), Manyara ( 750 ), Lindi
( 3010 ), Kilimanjaro ( 230 ), Kigama ( 400 ), Iringa ( 345 ), Dodoma ( 275 ) and
Arusha ( 390 ). At some zones and areas of the country like Urombo,
Namtumbo, Lindi, Iringa, Rufiji or Mborali the cats go constantly at odds in
with the population and the cattle.
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE THREAT OF
TROPHY HUNTING.- 26
Of all the areas protected of the country, lions are seen weekly in 73 of these
areas.
Unfortunately, Tanzania is a country that destines a large number of lions to
the hunting of trophies ( the second one but lifted of Africa after South Africa
), since between the years 2000 and 2009, 1955 lions were knocked down to
be exported like trophies ( almost lions' population of Kenya ). I grasped, in
2000 ( 317 lions ), 2001 ( 230 ), 2002 ( 228 ), 2003 ( 216 ), 2004 ( 141 ), 2005 (
210 ), 2006 ( 223 ), 2007 ( 108 ), 2008 ( 138 ) and in 2009 ( 144 ). USA leader
with a 47 % the importing of trophies of lions followed by France ( 13 % ).
The great problem of the country, they are the lofty conflicts between the
cats and the humans to I deliver it and width of the national territory. At least
50 people die a year at the country for attacks of lion. The big extensions are
another problem that the Government allows for hunting ( over 200.000
square kilometers ) and the hunters not even obey the minimal ages to knock
down the animal imposed by the government in many abatements. The
present-day quota permitted for the hunting of trophies is unthinkable from
maintaining . The lions are being more tan enough hunted taking shelter in
the great existent population.
Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda and Somalia lodge hovers around between the
21300 and the 21500 issues. At countries like Ruanda or Burundi lions'
presence not only that well occasional, while in other ones like Djibouti or
Eritrea does not have indications of her existence to today, although in this I
end it is believed for some issues at the river's valley to be able to have
Tezeke appropriate of Ethiopia. Tanzania is by far the country with principal
number of these cats in everything Africa, but also that one where the
slatings because of the bigger hunting are bigger lions' number and also
where they produce bigger death-toll because of the attacks with some 50
dead people's stocking a year.
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE THREAT OF
TROPHY HUNTING.- 27
1.3.4) SOUTHERN AFRICA.-
After Eastern Africa, constitute second zone with bigger number of lions. The
continent's this region is also the one that encompasses a bigger number of
countries with superior lions' population to the 1000 issues, to 5 countries
they surpass cats' thousand ( Bostwana, South Africa, Mozambique, Angola
and Zambia ). These cats' minimal population belonged to 7500 individuals at
the continent's this region, while the maxim wrote it in code in 12500 issues
according to Chardonnet (02). A population estimated total of lions of some
gave as a result the result of his study 10000. Just after, Bauer and Van der
Merwe ( 04 ) lifted these cats' minimal population to 8000 individuals, in the
meantime than the maxim they stipulated it in 15000, with a total population
estimated of 11000 issues.
In addition, Chardonnet's studies ( 02 ) determined that the total of surface
where the lion's habitat was distributed climbed to 1,039.212 sq ( 35 % of
the total Sub-Saharan distribution of the Africa ), of the ones that 289.139 sq
were belonging of to national parks (NP), 405.404 sq to stock, 27.472 to
zones of hunting (HZ) and 317.197 sq to another not classified surfaces.
9 countries will encompass at this region of Africa: South Africa, Angola,
Bostwana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Suazilandia, Zambia and
Zimbabwe.
SOUTH AFRICA.- (Ranking nº 3)
Chardonnet ( 02 ) wrote in code lions' number in 3852 issues at that time;
Just after Bauer and Van der Merwe ( 04 ) stipulated that the total of lions
came from 2716 issues. The IUCN, in 2006, came to the conclusion that cats'
number oscillated between the 2130 and the 2180 individuals. Nowadays,
lions' population of South Africa is estimated that Kruger where some 1700
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE THREAT OF
TROPHY HUNTING.- 28
cats and the Kgalagadi TP with Bostwana where some 500 specimens locate
themselves comes from some 2300 issues distributed principally in two
places, the Hlulhuwe Imfolozi NP ( some 80 lions ), Pilanesberg NP ( half a
hundred ), Addo Elephant NP can locate lions in the themselves in minor
measure ( a score ) and in Mapungubwe ( some 25 ).
South Africa, aside from having some of the best parks for these magnificent
predators' observation, is known also sadly to endow of the bigger number of
these cats the big game with trophies. Only enter the years 2000 and 2009
2651 lions fell victim to such motive. In 2000 ( 189 ), 2001 ( 149 ), 2002 ( 192
), 2003 ( 177 ), 2004 ( 182 ), 2005 ( 235 ), 2006 ( 284 ), 2007 ( 414 ), 2008 (
455 ) and 2009 ( 374 ); That is, that each day is stamped out over a lion
because of the hunting of trophies. This rhythm is unsustainable since in last
decade they have been assassinated but lions today they exist of in liberty.
An indefinite moratorium has a craving more than necessary. The USA, with a
71 %, is the country with bigger importing of trophies by far. South Africa is
to today lion's older exporter of trophies of lion and products ( teeth, furs,
canine teeth, ) of everything Africa. He is also the only country that allows to
lions' farms to destine them to the big game ( over 4000 lions live in captivity
for such motive ). Many private stock to I deliver it and width of the country
also they enable the lion's hunting. Another serious situation for the survival
of the lion at this country, the prosperity of these farms is for extracting from
the cat all type of parts due to the incessant increment of the request of the
traditional Chinese medicine as an alternative to tiger's bones. He is to not to
change the protectionist laws with this sort, the future of this cat in South
Africa as much as less complicated.
ANGOLA.- (Ranking nº 5)
Chardonnet ( 02 ) wrote in code lions' number in 749, many more of the
stipulated for Bauer and Van der Merwe ( 04 ) that reduced it to some 450
individuals. To today. Fortunately, these cats' population seems to have
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE THREAT OF
TROPHY HUNTING.- 29
recovered since his number is estimated that you hover around the 1970
issues distributed of the following way: Luchazes's (between 400 and 700 ),
Cameia's NP ( 100 ), Mupa's region ( some 75 ) to the equal than in Bicuan
NP, at the region of the Height Zambezi ( some 50 ) just like the issues taken
a census in the natural reserve of Luando and in the Kissoma NP.
There are no truthful data on the practice of the sports hunting in Angola.
BOTSWANA.- (Ranking nº 2)
After Tanzania, the second African country with bigger number comes from
lions at its territory. Bostwana always himself to characterized to be one of
the destinations but propitious for lions' observation. Chardonnet ( 02 )
valued the population of these cats in some 3207 issues, no very far from the
2918 individuals than Bauer and Van der Merwe ( 04 ) made firm. It is
estimated that to today these predators' population hovers around the 2535 issues distributed in five points principally: The Okavango's ( where they are
estimated that some 1600 lions reside ), Kgalagadi TP ( some 400 ), Kalahari
CR ( some 300 ), Chobe NP ( some 250 ) and some tens of issues in
Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pan NP.
Botswana, by chance, one does not belong to lions' principal exporters like
trophies in spite of his good lions' population as his 134 issues exported
between 2000 and 2009 demonstrate . Years where but they had prosperity
of trophies 2000 ( 30 ), 2005 ( 27 ), 2006 ( 26 ) and 2007 ( 28 ) being USA with
a 75 % were the older importer.
MALAWI.-
Lions' presence at this country is merely testimonial. The population of this
cat in some 25 issues wrote in code Chardonnet ( 02 ) in his moment.
Nowadays his population has not experienced big advances, neither
backward movements, since it is written in code in some 35 individuals
located of the following way: Some 20 lions ne the reserve of Nkhota Kota,
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE THREAT OF
TROPHY HUNTING.- 30
some 6 the Liwonde NP, other ones 6 in the Kasungu NP and some 5 in the
reserve of wildlife of Vwaza Marsch.
MOZAMBIQUE.- (Ranking nº 6)
Chardonnet ( 02 ) stipulated that lions' population came from some 955
issues, very far from them only 400 issues that they took a census of Bauer
and Van der Merwe ( 04 ). Years after, the IUCN ( 06 ) affirmed that lions'
population met between the 1300 and the 1500 issues. Nowadays, it seems
like these cats' population has recovered pretty well, in part, thanks to the
creation of the Limpopo Great Park that comprises the South African Kruger
NP. One believes than lions' population Gorongosa oscillates about the 1810 issues located principally at the Mozambican Gran Limpopo ( some 380
individuals ), frontier Niassa's reserve with Tanzania ( some 900 ), Quirimbas
NP ( 100 ), Tete's ( some 390 ) and Gorongosa PN ( some 25 ).
Lions' hunting like exportation of trophies has not been exempt at this
country. Enter 2000 and 2009 at least 188 lions have been assassinated by
such motive, being USA ( 27 % ), South Africa ( 26 % ) and Spain ( 22 % ) the
principal importing countries. That way in 2000 ( 29 ), 2001 ( 15 ), 2002 ( 10 ),
2003 ( 15 ), 2004 ( 15 ), 2005 ( 26 ), 2006 ( 18 ), 2007 ( 15 ), 2008 ( 18 ) and
2009 ( 27 ).
In this case, the country himself to beneficiary to share lions with intervening
South Africa the mega's creation park Limpopo that way I eat with Tanzania
by means of Niassa's reserve, if it were not so cats' population in
Mozambique would be very inferior.
NAMIBIA.- (Ranking nº 13)
Chardonnet ( 02 ) established a total of 691 issues in his study, in the
meantime than Bauer and Van derMerwe ( 04 ) valued cats' number in 910
individuals. Just after, the study accomplished by the IUCN ( 06 ) affirmed
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE THREAT OF
TROPHY HUNTING.- 31
that lions' number in Namibia was between the 415 and 795 individuals.
Nowadays namibian lions have him located in four or five points principally
with a total population estimated of 605 issues, highlighting approximately
350 issues in Etosha NP, some 150 in Khaudom's reserve and other ones 125
issues at Kunene's region. Also it is possible to catch sight of these cats at
Damaraland's desert-like zone, but it is not common knowledge for certain as
many as you have lions at this region.
In spite of counting on one of the more important parks of Africa and an
enough low population density as compared with another African countries,
lions' number in Namibia is not very elevated comparing it to the total of
lions destined to the sports hunting. At least 188 lions have been to 2009
knocked down to supply this market from 2000. In 2000 ( 11 ), 2001 ( 12 ),
2002 ( 6 ), 2003 ( 16 ), 2004 ( 20 ), 2005 ( 31 ), 2006 ( 18 ), 2007 ( 23 ), 2008 (
23 ) and 2009 ( 28 ), being USA the principal cared about of lion's trophies
with a 34 %. Granted that lions' population in Namibia is not precisely very
lifted, has a craving more than necessary an undetermined moratorium in
lions' hunting to guarantee in one future one of these cats' healthy
populations.
SWAZILAND.-
These cats' population wrote Chardonnet (02) in code in only 27 issues, in the
meantime than Bauer and Van der Merwe ( 04 ) valued the population in
almost half as much, in 15 issues. Nowadays, the fact that the lions in
Swaziland disappeared in liberty can affirm itself, and the few issues that you
have were re-introduced in 1994 in areas fenced for their reproduction.
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE THREAT OF
TROPHY HUNTING.- 32
ZAMBIA.- (Ranking nº 7)
One of lions' populations that are suffering a bigger decrease is this.
Chardonnet ( 02 ) stipulated the population of these cats in some 3199
issues, very very far from the 1500 than years after they diagnosed Bauer and
Van der Merwe ( 04 ). Lions' population in Zambia between 1050 and 1950
issues ( 06 ) valued the IUCN. The fact of the matter is that nowadays this
powerful predator's population comes near plenty of to the established in
2004, since it is believed that you are of 1430 lions located principally in:
Kafue NP ( 400 ), Lower Zambezi NP ( some 450 ), South Luangwa NP ( some
350 ), North Luangwa NP ( 170 ), west of Lunga ( some 150 ) and a very
population reduced in Liuwa Plains that would hover around between 3 and
5 issues.
One of the bigger problems that are up for the survival of the lion in Zambia,
the elevated quotas permitted for the hunting of this cat like trophies, since
they enter 2000 and 2010 were murdered are 675 issues for such cause; That
way in 2000 ( 47 ), 2001 ( 24 ), 2002 ( 3 ), 2003 ( 38 ), 2004 ( 45 ), 2005 ( 70 ),
2006 ( 70 ), 2007 ( 64 ), 2008 ( 63 ), 2009 ( 58 ) and 2010 ( 193 ). As the
increase of issues destined to the sports hunting is appreciated it has been
on the increase of late years, being USA with a 62 % the older importer of
these trophies. Another problem is that they are hunting the lions close by
the protected areas. A moratorium in the hunting of this animal rather than
his recuperation becomes indispensable and urgent be very complicated.
ZIMBABWE.- (Ranking nº 11)
Lions' population in 1686 issues wrote Chardonnet (02) in his code. Just after,
Bauer and Van der Merwe ( 04 ) thousand individuals valued it in little over,
concretely in 1037. The studies and the IUCN's analysis ( 06 ) reached the
conclusion that these cats' population came from 1050. Nowadays numbers
are even worse, since lions' population of Zimbabwe does not attain
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE THREAT OF
TROPHY HUNTING.- 33
individuals' thousand, in short it is valued in 850 issues, so that you put
yourself in of manifesto the fast decrease clearly the number of these cats at
the country. Lions have him located in the following places: Hwange NP (
some 400 individuals ), Matusadona NP ( some 180 ), Mana Pools NP ( 100 ),
Matetsi NP ( 60 ), Gonarezhou NP ( some 25 ) and other ones 25 issues in
Mapungbwe.
The lion's sports hunting is very extended attaining heights more than
dangerous for his weakened status. In total enter 2000 and 2009 were
knocked down to supply this market; That way in 2000 ( 95 ), 2001 ( 101 ),
2002 ( 105 ), 2003 ( 107 ), 2004 ( 94 ), 2005 ( 90 ), 2006 ( 63 ), 2007 ( 47 ),
2008 ( 43 ) and 2009 ( 61 ). As it is appreciated, depressed lions' number is
unsustainable, almost they have been slain in last decade the same lions'
number than the ones that today you have at the country. He is a country
that counts on a lot of corruption around this market of which neither the
lionesses are freed, a market. An indefinite moratorium in this animal's
sports hunting, since his situation begins to be very worrisome is urgent more
than ever.
In short, in south of Africa, the zone comprised by 9 countries ( South Africa,
Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Zambia and
Zimbabwe ) is where one pulls localized bigger lions' population of Africa
seconds her with one population that meets between the 11000 and the
12000 issues. The region comes also from the continent where there is but
countries ( Botswana, Angola, South Africa, Zambia and Mozambique ) with
superior cats' population to thousand, but also you lodge some of the
countries than a bigger decrease poblational they are in pain as the case
comes from Zimbabwe, Zambia or Namibia. You threaten an one belonging
to the principals to the lion at the continent's this region for survival the
hunting comes without any doubt from trophies. You are assassinated at this
region of Africa where they are bigger cats' number every year to supply this
market. The countries like South Africa, Zimbabwe or Zambia bear lifted
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE THREAT OF
TROPHY HUNTING.- 34
quotas of hunting that are to today unsustainable, which is why an indefinite
moratorium is urgent, the least at these countries, in order to safeguard the
future of the sort. Only the slatings have been over 4500 issues to serve them
like trophies in the decade from 2000 to 2009.
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE THREAT OF
TROPHY HUNTING.- 35
1.3.5) ILLUSTRATIVE BOARD OF LIONS´POPULATION FOR REGIONS.-
COUNTRY.- REGIÓN.- Nº LIONS APROX.- TOTAL.-
1.- Benin WA 340 340 2.- Burkina Faso WA 250 590 3.- Ivory Coast WA 50 640 4.- Ghana WA 20 660 5.- Guinea WA 85 745 6.- Guinea Bissau WA 25 770 7.- Mali WA 70 840 8.- Niger WA 50 890 9.- Nigeria WA 45 935 10.- Senegal WA 100 1035 11.- Togo WA 0 1035
12.- Cameroon CA 270 1305 13.- Congo CA 0 1305 14.- Gabon CA 10 1315 15.- C.A.R. CA 1300 2615 16.- D.R.C. CA 325 2940 17.- Chad CA 500 3440 18.- Burundi EA 0 3440 19.- Ethiopia EA 1050 4490 20.- Kenya EA 2100 6590 21.- Uganda EA 605 7195 22.- Rwanda EA 20 7215 23.- Somalia EA 925 8140 24.- Tanzania EA 15590 23730 25.- South Sudan EA 785 24515 26.- South Africa SA 2300 26845 27.- Angola SA 1970 28815 28.- Botswana SA 2535 31350 29.- Malawi SA 35 31585 30.- Mozambique SA 1810 33160 31.- Namibia SA 605 33765 32.- Zwaziland SA 20 33785 33.- Zambia SA 1430 35215 34.- Zimbabwe SA 850 36065
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE THREAT OF
TROPHY HUNTING.- 36
WA: West Africa
CA: Central Africa
EA: East Africa
SA: Southern Africa
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE THREAT OF
TROPHY HUNTING.- 37
1.4) POPULATION CENSUS OF THE LION FOR AREAS, REGIONS AND
ECOSYSTEMS.-
We will go aboard those regions in this post office box, right now be
ecosystems, complexes, areas, regions, parks or stock where existent cats'
number surpasses individuals' hundred; For it, we will divide the study into
stretches of 100 issues. Many parks and stock to I deliver it and they give
width of the continent to shelter these powerful but we will not encompass
them to be in inferior number to individuals' hundred here. That way, the
resulting picture of those areas, regions or ecosystems with over 100 lions
between his frontiers would get summarized of the following way:
1.4.1) Enter 100 and 200 issues.-
Place.- Country.- Ext.(sqk).- Total lions.-
Pendjari NP Benin-Burkina Faso 2755 180
Niokolo-Koba NP Senegal 9130 100
Manovo-Gounda
St.Floris NP C.A.R. 17400 135
Garamba-Bili Uere
region C.D.R. 131640 150-200
Aouk región Chad 96000 120
Zakouma NP Chad 3000 140
Samburu-Shaba y
Buffalo Springs Kenya 580 100
Turkana región Kenya - 125
Murchison Falls NP Uganda 3895 135
Queen Elizabeth NP Uganda 2000 160
Albertine región Uganda-C.D.R. 6160 150
Ngorongoro CA Tanzania 265 135
Tarangire NP Tanzania 2600 180
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE THREAT OF
TROPHY HUNTING.- 38
Chamwino area Tanzania 9055 100
Moyowosi GR Tanzania 11390 280
Mkomazi area Tanzania 3445 175
Liwale area Tanzania 12870 200
Kilwa area Tanzania 6695 105
Lindi area Tanzania 6360 100
Lukwati GR Tanzania 3480 105
Kilosa area Tanzania 11800 185
Mtwara region Tanzania 11660 130
Msima west Tanzania 6135 100
Mbinga area Tanzania 7175 110
Namtumbo area Tanzania 8080 130
Maswa Kilami GR Tanzania 1340 155
Wembere area Tanzania 8435 135
Badingillo NP South Sudan - 170
Khaudom-Caprivi
region Namibia 24700 150
Cameia NP Angola 14000 100
Quirimbas NP Mozambique 7510 100
North Luangwa NP Zambia 4635 170
West Lunga NP Zambia 1700 150
Mana Pools NP Zimbabue 2200 100
Matusadona NP Zimbabue 1500 180
1.4.2) Enter 200 and 300 issues.-
Place.- Country.- Ext. (sqk).- Total lions.-
Guerra & Salamat Chad - 250
Omo region Ethiopia 19310 200
Laikipia region Kenya 21890 200
Arboweerow-Alafuuto Somalia 24525 200
region
Dodoma region Tanzania 28865 275
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE THREAT OF
TROPHY HUNTING.- 39
Liwale area Tanzania 12870 200
Controled area of
Kilombero Tanzania 5800 245
Tunduru area Tanzania 11020 260
Kizigo GR Tanzania 4955 270
Muhesi GR Tanzania 4430 245
Ruangwa area Tanzania 8975 270
Rufiji river area Tanzania 10230 250
Boma NP South Sudan 22800 250
Southwestern NP South Sudan - 275
Chobe NP Botswana 11700 250
1.4.3) Enter 300 and 400 issues.-
Place.- Country.- Ext. (sqk).- Total lions.-
Etosha NP Namibia 22270 350
South Luangwa NP Zambia 19200 350
Tete province Mozambique 39475 390
Limpopo region Mozambique 7420 380
Central Kalahari GR Botswana 52800 300
Iringa region Tanzania 44220 345
Tunduru area Tanzania 12040 305
Kilwa area Tanzania 6790 365
1.4.4) Enter 400 and 500 issues.-
Place.- Country.- Ext. (sqk).- Total lions.-
Kigoma region Tanzania 35985 400
Maswa area Tanzania 4130 410
Kgalagadi TP Botswana-S.Africa 28400 450
Kafue NP Zambia 22500 400
Lower Zambeze NP Zambia 4095 450
Hwange NP Zimbabwe 14650 400
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE THREAT OF
TROPHY HUNTING.- 40
1.4.5) Enter 500 and 750 issues.-
Place.- Country.- Ext. (sqk).- Total lions.-
Luchazes region Angola 139000 550
Ruaha NP Tanzania 10300 580
West and east Tsavo NP Kenia 22000 675
Bush-bush area Somalia 22540 700
1.4.6) More than 750 issues.-
Place.- Country.- Ext. (sqk).- Total lions.-
Masai-Mara NR Kenya 1510 825
Selous NR Tanzania 55000 4470
Serengeti NP Tanzania 14800 2190
Kruger NP S.Africa 19000 1700
Okavango delta Botswana 15000 1600
Niassa region Mozambique 16740 900
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE THREAT OF
TROPHY HUNTING.- 41
1.5) DISTRIBUTION MAPS OF THE AFRICAN LION.-
1.5.1) Distribution of the african lion (Panthera leo leo).-
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE THREAT OF
TROPHY HUNTING.- 42
1.5.2) Distribution of the african lion in West Africa.-
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE THREAT OF
TROPHY HUNTING.- 43
1.5.3) Distribution of the african lion in Central Africa.-
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE THREAT OF
TROPHY HUNTING.- 44
1.5.4) Distribution of the african lion in East Africa.-
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE THREAT OF
TROPHY HUNTING.- 45
1.5.5) Distribution of the african lion in Southern Africa.-
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE THREAT OF
TROPHY HUNTING.- 46
1.6) SUMMARY TABLE OF THE DISTRIBUTION OFAFRICAN LION BY
COUNTRY, EVOLUTIONVAND CURRENT STATUS.-
COUNTRY REGION STATUS PRESENCE TROPHY
HUNTING
RANK TOTAL
LIONS
Benin WA ↔ permanent high 16 340
Burkina Faso WA ↓ permanent low 19 250
Ghana WA ↓ permanent null - 20
Guinea WA ↓ permanent null - 85
Guinea
Bissau
WA ↔ permanent null - 25
Mali WA ↑ permanent null - 70
Niger WA ↔ permanent null - 50
Nigeria WA ↓ permanent null - 45
Senegal WA ↔ permanent null 20 100
Togo WA ↓
occasional
null - -
Ivory Coast WA ↓ extinct null - -
Congo CA ↓ extinct null - -
C.A.R. CA ↑ permanent low 8 1300
C.D.R. CA ↓ permanent null 17 325
Chad CA ↑ permanent null 15 500
Cameroon CA ↓ permanent very high 18 270
Ethiopia EA ↔ permanent low 9 1050
Kenya EA ↓ permanent null 4 2100
Uganda EA ↓ permanent null 14 605
Rwanda EA ↓ occasional null - -
Somalia EA ↑ permanent null 10 925
Tanzania EA ↔ permanent very high 1 15590
S. Sudan EA ↔ permanent null 12 785
Burundi EA ↓ occasional null - -
Angola SA ↑ permanent null 5 1970
Botswana SA ↓ permanent medium 2 2535
Malawi SA ↔ permanent null - -
Mozambique SA ↔ permanent medium 6 1810
Namibia SA ↓ permanent high 13 605
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE THREAT OF
TROPHY HUNTING.- 47
Swaziland SA ↓ permanent null - 20
Zambia SA ↓ permanent very high 7 1430
Zimbabwe SA ↓ permanent very high 11 850
S.Africa SA ↓ permanent very high 3 2300
TOTAL.- ↓ ±36000
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE THREAT OF
TROPHY HUNTING.- 48
1.7) CONCLUSIONS.-
The lions of Africa are disappearing at a blistering pace, which if allowed to
continue as well in little more than 20 years could be extinct by full in the
African continent. How do you can imagine the African savanna without
lions? not to take immediately strong protectionist measures for with this
beautiful feline, the future that awaits him is more than doubtful. The first
records of the current lions dating back some 750 thousand years ago in
West Africa from where it spread to the north, through Asia and Europe. A
little more than a century ago roamed the plains of almost the whole of
Africa more than 200 thousand issues, some experts suggest that the number
could reach 450 thousand individuals. There is no doubt that those were
other times. The IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature)
has catalogd to day of today of this feline species as "vulnerable" in the list of
endangered species. In any case, this powerful predator seems to have the
hours if measures are not taken to repopulate imminent parks, reserves and
other conservation areas. Few mammals have lost both habitat in recent
years due to the fault of the human being. It is estimated that the lions have
lost close to 80% of their historic homeland through the fault of the human
being. Today, it is considered that the lion is present in 31 African countries,
of which 28 of them is located on a permanent basis and 3 of form merely
occasional. Nearly thirty countries have seen their lions have disappeared
with the passage of time. Other countries such as Liberia or Equatorial
Guinea never housed lions. From among the current countries that still
harbors to these powerful felines to day of today, only in 9 of them the
number more than a thousand individuals, being Tanzania by far the country
with the largest number of cats.
The current widespread trend is that the number of lions decreases by leaps
and bounds. Thus, for example, in the region of West Africa the number of
cats is very low, only 1000 issues scattered among 11 countries; countries
that on the other hand, are increasingly experiencing a greater population
growth with what its habitat continues to decline year after year. The major
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE THREAT OF
TROPHY HUNTING.- 49
threats to the survival of the cat in Africa could be summed up in three
points: 1)The loss of habitat and therefore the loss of natural prey, this would
lead us to 2) conflict with human beings and the head of cattle due to the
first point, and 3) trophy hunting.
In terms of the loss of their traditional habitat, as we said, this is increasingly
being reduced and more than three-quarters of its initial distribution has
been usurped by the man mainly because of its demographic expansion and
extension of the land dedicated to the cultivation and grazing. Today, the
vast majority of the lions that exist in Africa are located in reserves or parks
where, a priori, living with the exception of the poachers or trophy hunters,
although this is not always the case, since many times the felines are carried
with baits to the limits of the parks or reserves in order to be able to shoot
them without which the authorities can do anything, either by apathy and
laziness or because they lack the means to check these facts.
The case is that those cats in search of food decide to go beyond the
protected spaces across the natural borders and have the luck to avoid to the
professional hunters, it is more likely that sooner or later try to fold any head
of livestock to survive, going directly in conflict with local communities. It is
then and only then, when the feline becomes an enemy of the human being
as he is being persecuted. In Kenya, for example, near a hundred lions are
killed by the locals as a sign of revenge by killing the cattle; not by what we
can be surprised when a Masai shepherd uses his spear to protect their
livestock from the attack of the feline since this is your only asset. It is
imperative that we find a way to resolve these conflicts. Find a formula in
which neither the rancher got nothing to lose its res or in which the feline
driven by hunger or by the reduction of its habitat is dead because of his
attack. Not to be as well and if the authorities do not properly compensated
each loss to those who suffer from attacks of lions in their livestock, the
locals will continue opting to take justice into their own hands. Situations
very similar is living in Uganda or Tanzania, where for example the lions fall
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE THREAT OF
TROPHY HUNTING.- 50
heavily in conflict with people in many areas or regions causing the death
each year of close to 50 people due to the attacks of the felines.
The activity of hunting trophies as lions is a direct threat that threatens the
survival of the felines. Those who advocate because the lion hunting helps
the very survival of the animal fall into its own contradiction. How to save a
species by placing price on his head? They argue that the lions that are folded
in the hunts lions are bred in farms, but the truth is that it is not as well. To
date, only South Africa has undertaken the creation of farms of lions to
earmark them for that purpose and is being very criticized for allowing such
activity. There is no greater trophy for a hunter to a lion. It is the symbol of
Africa, and to be honest, a hunting is the reaches of wealthy pockets and the
money for the people who practice this outrageous activity is not a problem,
that is to say, why pull down a buffalo if by a little more can assassinate the
great feline african?. In spite of the fact that today the number of lions in
freedom continues to decline year after year, the hunting industry of lions as
trophies seems to be booming, the evidence of this is that based on data
obtained from the organization Lion Alert the number of lions killed by
trophy hunting in Africa in the last decade, from 2000 until 2009 to be exact
was 6740 issues. Today the hunting trophies of lions as is allowed in countries
such as Burkina Faso, Benin, R. C. A. , Cameroon, Namibia, Zimbabwe,
Botswana, Zambia, Mozambique, South Africa, Ethiopia and Tanzania. In
some of the countries mentioned the lions share for that purpose is
practically insignificativa, as is the case of Benin (11 animals killed by the
trophy hunting since 2000 to 2009) or Ethiopia (16 in the same period);
However, in other countries such as Burkina Faso, Cameroon, or Namibia the
number of lions shot for this purpose in the same period is much higher in
some cases reaching to provide nearly the same number of copies to such
industry as half of the lions that boast in freedom as is the case of Burkina
Faso that allowed the killing of 151 lions in this period when its lion
population is about 250 issues. Also worth mentioning are countries such as
Zimbabwe where strongly urges an indefinite moratorium on hunting lions as
trophies. The estimated population of lions in this country round the 850
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE THREAT OF
TROPHY HUNTING.- 51
issues and in clear decline and, however, in this period have almost the same
number of cats for trophy hunting (806). It is unsustainable. To do so in a
couple of years the lions will have disappeared.
Zambia is one of the other countries that may represent a serious risk of
losing the lion as the game fees currently are very high in proportion to the
number of lions that drops year after year. In 2010 almost 200 specimens
were killed for this purpose. Some figures that are maintained in the past few
years when the population of cats does not reach the 1500 issues. An
indefinite moratorium is compulsory for trying to safeguard the future of the
lion. Separate cases are those in South Africa and Tanzania. Both countries
are so grim that lead ranking in regard to the killing of lions to satisfy the
pockets of wealthy people. Tanzania has exported 1955 Lions for this
purpose in this period. It is a very large number, but taking into account that
the population of lions in the country round the 16000 issues, the %
earmarked for such an industry in proportion to the total number of cats is
the smallest of all the countries that allow the lion hunting.
South Africa is a case apart because it is the only country in all the allowing
such aberrant practice where the number of lions killed in this decade
exceeds the number of lions that roam in freedom in the country. With a
population of about 2200 stipulated lions, 2651 issues have been killed by
trophy hunters. Good part of the blame lies with the activity to create farms
where they are reared lions for relending to trophy hunting. This is a cruel
practice done the animal never have a chance to survive, due to the fact that
on many occasions to the lions fired at them in enclosures infinitely small to
ensure that the customer does not fail their shot. In addition as the cats get
used to the man to be bred by these, in many occasions do not make any
gesture by flee or attack, but that look indifferent until they reach the final
draft. The lion is sentenced from birth. In his day as George Schaller said: " All
hunter who feels the need to prove himself by killing a lion, you would want
to see your name inscribed in the column of obituaries of a book of trophies,
you should consider a while his future victim. With luck, there will come a
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE THREAT OF
TROPHY HUNTING.- 52
time that, seized with a feeling of brotherhood, can no longer kill for
pleasure".
Many of the countries mentioned set annual quotas in terms of the number
of lions that may be mown down by trophy hunters and in what time of the
year may be mown down. Adult males constitute a small proportion of the
total population of lions (about 20 % ), so the game fees have to be rather
conservative. In many occasions the government authorities turn a blind eye
and allow the number of lions far exceed the quotas established initially.
Taking into account that the hunting safaris are a business much more
lucrative than the photographic safaris, have more than enough reasons to
allow more lions fall if fulminated by such activity. To get an idea, the
industry of the lion hunting trophy as moves in Tanzania, for example, more
than 25 mill$ a year and indirectly generates many jobs. The vast majority of
the countries allow only male lions fold and with a minimum age for three
years, but the reality is that many times this is not enforced and males of less
age and females are victims of this heinous practice. Of course, a male lion in
its full swing is the victim more precious by the hunter by what fold a male
has an average cost of between 17500 and 22000 $ on average, whereas
down a female assumes a disbursement of between 7500 and 9000 $ on
average. Unfortunately, for a hunter it is almost impossible to know if the
male is about to tip comes from a sends in its heyday, is a lion banished or is
part of a coalition; thus the argument that the companies dedicated to
hunting that the lions that are folded issues are sick or older, for nothing is
true; as well there could be a male in full physical fullness that is part of a
herd and the loss of one copy of such features can condition very negatively
the future of the remaining herd.
The reality is that the population of lions in Africa drops each year at an
alarming rate and the practice of trophy hunting, far from helping to
maintain the species as ironically say defenders of this practice, but does not
reduce the chances of survival of the feline. Cannot be set quotas for hunting
without having complete certainty of which is the current population of these
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE THREAT OF
TROPHY HUNTING.- 53
felines in the area devoted to this purpose or in the country. The censuses of
lions were carried out to date are informational only, so for nothing can
protect on them to set quotas of annual hunting. There is a need for a more
comprehensive study and with greater scientific rigor in the census of lions
before determining how many lions may be mown down for this purpose.
We cannot grasp the idea that this practice produces many foreign currency
into the country and so many jobs, as if this practice is done without
supervision or control by the authorities of the wildlife population in each
country there is a risk that in the short or medium term, the survival of the
lion run serious danger and then it will be when will destroy thousands of
jobs and will no longer receive currency. We have to remember that millions
of tourists choose many of these countries to enjoy the photographic safaris,
that is if that is an industry that in their computation total annual generates
hundreds of millions of foreign currency into the country, in addition to
thousands and thousands of jobs result of tourism. And here, let us not fool
ourselves, the lion plays an important role, as any park or reserve that is
worth its salt will require their good flocks of lions that every visitor you want
to capture with your camera. Therefore, the slogan is that a lion live is worth
significantly more than one dead, and it is necessary to raise the local
communities who kills their lions of some form is killing your future.
There is no doubt that the biggest problem for today for the survival of the
lion is the human being, as is the fact that only and exclusively with the will of
the man will save the species. No animal better represents the fauna of the
continent as the lion, the symbol of Africa. I do not think a morning without
the lions prowl the plains and African savannahs and for this reason, more
urgent than ever that a moratorium on the hunting of this majestic predator.
Only in this way, and in instilling that the future of the species is closely
linked to the future of local communities, it will be possible to provide an
opportunity to this majestic animal. It is imperative that ranchers, farmers
and other people who live day to day in territories with these cats, see this
animal as an opportunity and not a threat to their lives and/or livestock and
for the competent authorities have to mediate precisely for each loss of
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE THREAT OF
TROPHY HUNTING.- 54
cattle that local communities suffer. Just finding a harmony between the lion
and the human being we can ensure the survival of this powerful animal.
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE THREAT OF
TROPHY HUNTING.- 55
1.8) GLOSSARY.-
NP: national park
NR: national reserve
GR: game reserve
CA: conservation area
FR: Forest reserve
PA: Protected area
KWS: Kenya Wildlife Service
UWA: Uganda Wildlife Authority
ZAWA: Zambia Wildlife Authority
TP: transfrontier park
C.A.R.: Central African Republik
D.R.C.: Democratic Republik of Congo
HZ: Hunting zone
WA: West Africa
EA: East Africa
SA: Southern Africa
CA: Central Africa
IUCN: International Union for the Conservation of the Nature
SSA: Sub-Saharian Africa
WCS: Wildlife and Conservation Society
LCU: Lion Conservation Unit
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CURRENT AFRICAN LION AND THE THREAT OF
TROPHY HUNTING.- 56
1.9) REFERENCES.-
• Status and distribution of the lion (Panthera leo) in east and southern
Africa (dec.2005, H.Bauer, P. Chardonnet & K.Nowell)
• Regional lion conservation strategy for the lion (Panthera leo) in
eastern and southern Africa (dec.2006)
• Conservation strategy for the lion (Panthera leo) in west and central
Africa (feb.2006)
• Summary Report: Trophy hunting and lion population status in Eastern,
western and central, and southern Africa (LionAid 2011)
• The african lion (Panthera leo leo): a continent-wide species
distribution study and population analysis (J.Riggio, Dr.Stuart L.Pimm,
may 2011)
• Conservation status of the lion (Panthera leo Linnaeus, 1758) in
Tanzania (june 2010, P.Mesochina, O.Mbangwa, P.Chardonnet,
R.Mosha, B.Mtui, N.Drouet, W.Crosmary and B.Kissui)
• Bauer, H. and Van Der Merwe, S.2004. Inventory of the free-ranging
lions in Africa
• Chardonnet, P. (ed.) 2002 Conservation of the african lion: contribution
to a status survey. International Foundation for the Conservation of
Wildlife, France & Conservation Force, USA
• Diario de grandes felinos: Leones (Jonathan y Angela Scott, 2006)
• www.lionalert.org
• www.iucnredlist.org
• www.panthera.org
• www.africasalvaje.org