The Situation...
At The current rate of habitat loss and poaching, African Lions could be extinct by 2050
Lions are a very important apex predator in their ecosystems and are also one of the most beloved animals among people today. However, 'with the current rate of habitat loss, lions could be completely extinct by 2050'. Lions are now classed as a critically endangered animal as there are only an estimated 23,000 left in the wild today. This has shown an almost 43% decline in the past two decades alone (Born Free, 2022).
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One hundred years ago, there were as many as 200,000 lions roaming the wild in Africa. They are currently listed as Vulnerable on the ICN Red list, however, due to the extreme declines in certain areas of Africa, they are considered Critically Endangered there (AZ Animals, 2022).
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the threats to lions today
poaching
The Born Free Foundation states that 'the illegal wildlife trade is growing at an astonishing rate and accounts for 35% of all known human caused lion killings'. In certain parts of the world, lion body parts are in demand and products like Lion Bone wine are becoming popular. This level of poaching can have an effect on the size of prides which can in turn affect the lions' hunting effectiveness (Born Free, 2022).
loss of habitat
African Lions have been reduced to living in only 8% of the land they once occupied. This can in turn lead to populations becoming smaller and isolated (WWF, 2024). Most of the land that has been lost to lions is being converted into agriculture. This level of habitat loss causes lions to have limited access to food and so in turn, leads them closer to humans. This increases conflict and many lions die as a way to protect human livestock. (Born Free, 2022).
climate change
Extreme weather conditions brought about by climate change often have disastrous effects on lions. This type of weather means that the lions' ability to find prey and water available is reduced. Again, this can lead lions to search closer to human territories and so increase conflict between species (Born Free, 2022).
How you can help
Support Charities and Fundraiser events
There are many charities that have been set up around the world to help support lions and safeguarding their future. Some examples can be found below. Even just small donations can go a long way in supporting this key species.
Spread the word
As I have done with my film, bringing the issue to more people's attention will provide a bigger chance of a difference being made. 'Every action, big or small, will help to slow this rapid declining population and provide lions with the chance of survival' (Born Free, 2022).
References
1) (2022, 09, 14) Will Lions Be Extinct by 2050+? . Born Free. https://www.bornfree.org.uk/news/will-lions-be-extinct-by-2050/
2) Schubiger, V. (2022,10,12) How Many Lions are Left in the World? . AZ Animals. https://a-z-animals.com/blog/how-many-lions-are-left-in-the-world/
3) The Magnificent Lion: The Symbol of Africa. WWF UK. https://www.wwf.org.uk/learn/wildlife/african-lions
Film References
All footage, images and sound effects used in the final film, trailer and website are all copyright free and protected under the Creative Commons Licence.
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Live action clips from the film are from:
- Pexels (Marius Axinte, Gal Shapira, Anil Sharma, Leon Aschemann, Coverr and others)
- Openplanet.org (All content featured on Open Planet is free to use for educational, environmental and impact storytelling)
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Photos from the website are from:
- Pexels (Pixabay, Elena Blessing, Susanne Jutzeler, Frans Van Heerden, Gary Whyte and others)
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Sound effects from the film and trailer are sourced from:
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Fonts used are:
- Arsenal by Andriy Shevchenko
- Finish by wep
- Bebas Neue by Dharma Type
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Any other assets that aren't mentioned here or that I've forgotten are under the creative commons licence and are free to use.