African Lion
Lions in the Wild
Lions are incredible and formidable hunters of the African bush.
One of the most recognizable animals in the world, the lion once roamed across Africa, Europe and Asia. There is a small remnant population of
Asiatic lions still living in India. It is estimated that the wild lion population has halved since the 1950’s. Threats to the lions survival include population fragmentation due to habitat loss, scarcity of prey and human wildlife conflict.
Conservation organizations have been working with local farmers to improve livestock pens to protect farm animals from predation. Lionesses will give birth to a litter of 1 - 4 cubs when they reach sexual maturity around the age of four. In order to remain secretive with her cubs, a mother will change dens several
times a month. The cubs will stay with the mom until they are about 16 months old.
A female lion in the Chobe National Park in Botswana.
A male lion patrols its territory along the Etosha Pan in Etosha National Park in Namibia.
A young male lion walks in front of several impala - a staple food source for this predator in the bush.
Living with Lions
In the Mara region in Kenya, local Masai Warriors used to hunt lions as a right of passage in the community. But thanks to the work of conservation organizations in the regions, the warriors are now the caretakers of the lion population. They use radio tracking technology to follow the lions and study their distribution as well as other important behavioral attributes. By working together, they are saving the lion in Kenya.
Jeneria Lekilelei is the Field Officer for Ewaso Lions. He is dedicated to the conservation of African lions and works with his research staff and community to make the world a better and more suitable place for these incredible African predators.
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