West African Lion Facing Extinction
According to a new study funded by Panthera and National Geographic’s Big Cat Initiative, there are less than 400 lions in West Africa. Of the remaining lions, an estimated 250 are of breeding age.
“The situation is most critical for the geographically isolated populations in West Africa, where the species is considered regionally endangered.”
Field studies were conducted in 13 large areas where the lions are protected to establish the presence and size of any populations. Another eight areas were evaluated based on interviews and existing data.
Most of the data that was compiled came from track surveys, in which lions were tracked by following their footprints.
The report states that lions in West Africa have undergone a “catastrophic collapse.” They have lost more that 99% of their historic range, with 88% of the current population (approximately 350 lions) living in one single population.
You can read the study here.
Photo Credit: Cubinnigeria Philipphenschel Panthera
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