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Africa’s disappearing lions have been the subject of animated discussion for years, but just how dire is the situation?
In five decades, the continent’s lion populations have declined by 75%...
Habitat loss and fragmentation due to human population growth and agricultural expansion are among the most significant threats facing most terrestrial vertebrate families.
Lions are considered an umbrella species, meaning that conservation efforts aimed at their protection indirectly confer protection on other sympatric species. They are also a charismatic representative of the range collapse experienced by many of Africa’s large mammals.
Once widespread across Africa, previous research indicates that lions have experienced an 85% reduction in range since the early 16th century.
At last count in 2016, the total surviving lion population was estimated at around 23,000 individuals (though experts believe it may now be under 20,000). This equates to a decline of 70,000 individuals – approximately 1,400 lions per year over five decades.
Vanishing lions – a 75% decline in Africa’s iconic predators in just five decades - Africa Geographic
Africa's lions are disappearing. New research shows that lion populations across the continent have declined by 75% in just five decades
africageographic.com