Poaching
A sad story ...
African lions are not on the endangered species list but the Asian lion is. In 2005, the Gujarat government reported that only 359 Asiatic lions were sighted in the Gir forest. Both lions are protected against poaching because of the decline in lion populations. The reason for poaching is to make profit on the animals body parts. In Asia lion bones, claws and skulls are used in traditional medicine and in India the claws are used as protective amulets.
Where Africa still had 200 thousand lions during the ninety fifties, the continent is left with only a mere 20 thousand at this moment witch is a decline of 90% in only fifty years! Corruption, hunger, witchcraft, poverty, loss of cattle and crops and an international demand for exotic products all for the sake of money are at the costs of the African lion.
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Lioness Speared to Death in Massailand
A lioness with three cubs was stabbed to death yesterday in Africa; it was a retaliatory killing for the killing of two goats by a lioness. In accordance with tradition, a hunting party of morans (warriors) left to kill the lioness they thought responsible for the killings. They stabbed her through the heart and head with two spears and killed her. Then they cut off her feet, ears, and tail and buried her collar. The fate of her cubs rests on the remaining pride members and Lomunyak, the mighty male. Since Narika’s death, Lomunyak has been heard roaring through the day, calling to his lost pride member.
Lion Guardians, a local conservation group that tries to protect African lions in Kenya’s Massailand, was trying to help keep the lioness alive by any means necessary but unfortunately in this case could not stop the hunters from killing her. The Lion Guardians play a vital role in this area because they help reduce conflict between humans and lions by educating communities, assisting herders, improving livestock enclosures and so on. Since the start of the project, Guardians have actively prevented over 20 hunting parties from killing lions.
Lion poaching on the increase...
With dwindling numbers, rapid habitat loss including poisoning by farming communities, increasingly high numbers of lions are being both targeted and have become victims of reckless snaring. Below are some heart breaking images:
This website is NOT intended to give lions a negative image. We think lions are one of the beautiful creations God put on this planet. This website shows you what damage they can do but also what impressive and magnificent creatures they are. BUT! To be handled with caution! If a lion attacks it’s because people are invading their territory or take dumb risks. Lions should not live as a pet or in captivity.
For more information on big cats protection go to: www.bigcatrescue.org