In Africa, Lions are present in a number of large and well-managed protected areas, and most range states in East and Southern Africa have an infrastructure that supports wildlife tourism. In this way Lions generate significant revenue for park management and local communities and provide a strong incentive for wild land conservation.
The number of African Lions has been declining in range and numbers, a population decrease of approximately 30 per cent has occurred over the past two decades (approximately three Lion generations). The causes of this reduction (primarily indiscriminate killing in defence of life and livestock, coupled with prey base depletion: Bauer 2008), have not ceased. This estimated reduction is based on direct observation; appropriate indices of abundance; a decline in area of occupation, extent of occupation and habitat quality; and actual and potential levels of exploitation.
There have been many studies on the population and distribution of the Lion over the years, to try to obtain the most accurate numbers. The comparison between Lions that live in protected areas and those that do not has shown that the numbers of Lions in protected areas are more stable and possibly increasing, while those outside these areas are decreasing.
another collage http://365project.org/annied/the-ones-i-left/2013-05-14
So hard to decide which collage I like the most. So in the end I've decided to say which shots I like the most you've given us so many to choose from! I like the left one from here and the middle one and the one where she is looking at you straight in the face from your other collage! Showing all her characteristics then!
Lions are a big draw card in reserves here in South Africa, even though they are difficult to find in the reserves (as they are essentially wild) and visitors are not always guaranteed to see them. My nephew and his wife (who are trained game rangers) actually worked on a lion project once. Their stories are fascinating.
@dibzgreasley oh Debs - what does your nephew do as a game ranger? I am very interested - my youngest would love to get to Africa - she has just returned from a trip to Borneo to see the orangutans
@annied He's not currently game ranging but he does live on a private game farm. But there are loads of volunteer programmes for people to come over and work with animals. She should try one of those. For example, one private reserve near us offers a programme for between 2 and 8 weeks. If you give me an email address I'll send you their details.
Hope your doing ok hun.xx
Lions are a big draw card in reserves here in South Africa, even though they are difficult to find in the reserves (as they are essentially wild) and visitors are not always guaranteed to see them. My nephew and his wife (who are trained game rangers) actually worked on a lion project once. Their stories are fascinating.