Lions in Crisis

Over the past 20 years, there has been a dramatic decline in African lion numbers – there might now be as few as 15,000 lions remaining from possibly 200,000 in the 1980’s. We estimate that there are possibly only four long-term viable groups of lions with a good chance of future survival: these populations are in the Serengeti/Mara, northern Botswana, Kruger National Park, and maybe the Selous in Tanzania. Conflict with humans and livestock, and loss of habitat have largely contributed to this pan-African decline.

Numbers do not tell the whole story. In all large populations studied in Africa, over 90% of the lions are infected with lion lentivirus (LLV), a close relative of feline immunodeficiency virus in cats and HIV in humans. Recent data indicates that this virus can have a significant impact on lions’ immune systems, longevity, reproduction, and cub survival.

We are committed to preventing further declines in lion populations by carefully investigating the effects of disease, conducting in-depth studies of reproduction, preventing further unsustainable offtake, and lobbying to expand lion habitat.

Please help us conserve this magnificent species by helping us achieve these objectives.