It is impossible to give an exact number of lions left in the world. The only figures relating to the numbers of lions in the world available state that over the last century, lion populations have declined not only drastically, but most likely irreversibly, from more than 100,000 to about 23,000.
Then, of course, there are the trophy hunters. Unfortunately, several African countries still allow this lunacy, and where it is illegal, poachers ply their evil trade. There are also some African tribes who regard the hunting of lions as an important ritual.
The lion's own behavior also has an impact on how many lions are in the world. Fights between male lions often lead to fatal injuries, and male lions taking over a pride from an older male tend to kill existing cubs. Due to the huge distances often found between prides, inbreeding has also become a problem in keeping up numbers of lion left in world.
- Defending Lions in the Wild
- The Human Threat
Then, of course, there are the trophy hunters. Unfortunately, several African countries still allow this lunacy, and where it is illegal, poachers ply their evil trade. There are also some African tribes who regard the hunting of lions as an important ritual.
- Other Threats
The lion's own behavior also has an impact on how many lions are in the world. Fights between male lions often lead to fatal injuries, and male lions taking over a pride from an older male tend to kill existing cubs. Due to the huge distances often found between prides, inbreeding has also become a problem in keeping up numbers of lion left in world.
