Extinction Looms for Lions in Kenya
In 2002, there were 2,749 lions in Kenya. Today, only about 2,000 exist. In an announcement earlier this week by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), conservationists warn that at the current rate of decline, lions in Kenya could face extinction within the next 20 years unless urgent action is taken.
- » See also: Global Honey Bee Population Increasing, Despite Local Losses
- » Get EcoWorldly by RSS or sign up by email.
Considered one of the “Big Five”, the magnificent king of the jungle is also a major attraction for tourists. In fact, more than 75 percent of tourists visit the country for its wildlife or safaris. The tourism industry is a leading source of revenue for Kenya.
Threats to Lions
Kenya is losing approximately 100 lions each year, due to disease, climate change, habitat loss, population growth and increased farming. As more humans spread out on what was once wild land, livestock often becomes fair game for the lion, resulting in loss of income for farmers. Many resort to poison or use other means in retaliation.
Killing lions is also a rite of passage for some tribes. Warriors cut off the lion’s tail, and in order to win the attention from women, the warriors dance with the tail at numerous villages. One group, the Lion Guardians, is taking a proactive approach to this problem. Comprised of young warriors, the Lion Guardians inform and educate others as to how to coexist with the lion and how to protect their livestock from the predator.
Amboseli Lion Project
This week, a team of scientists from the KWS will be replacing two tracking devices on two lions at the Amboseli National Park. In 2007, the Amboseli Lion Project fitted five lions, two males and three females, with electronic tracking device collars to monitor movements and ranges of the lion. The two tracking devices stopped transmitting GSM information and will be replaced. The Project is a joint effort with the KWS, Leiden University and Tshwane University of Technology.
Out of the nine National Parks and Reserves in Kenya, the largest population of lions is in Maasai Mara and Tsavo, with 825 and 675 respectively. Nairobi has 25 lions and Aberdare has just a few.
In order to raise awareness and promote lion conservation, an educational and public awareness strategy by the KWS will be launched soon.
Photo Meaduva via Flickr
Photo of Lion at Masai Mara by SumitPamnana
