IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Funston, P.J. | |
| General Introduction Kalahari Transfrontier Lion Project | |
| 2001 Full Book | |
Although the lion (Panthera leo) achieved a terrestrial range greater than that of any other non-domestical land mammal, in Africa today free-ranging lions exist almost exclusively only in large conservation areas. There is also a restricted population of about 300 individuals in the Gir Forest in western India. This marked reduction in both the number and distribution of lions, and indeed other large carnivores, can be attributed largely to increased conflict with human development mainly in the form of settlers and pastoralists (Stander 1993, Nowell & Jackson 1996). In the process of protecting their livestock, pastoralists have in most areas virtually destroyed large carnivore populations through indiscriminate control methods. Such actions lead to conflict and poor relations between local communities and conservation authorities, which may jeopardize all conservation efforts in that region (Stander 1993). Increasing human activities coupled with increasing population growth are ultimately causing habitat loss and persecution of carnivores such as lion, and hence the decline of wild populations (Myers 1986, Orford et al. 1988, Quigley & Crawshaw 1992, Stander 1997). Furthermore, local inhabitants and pastoralists view large carnivores with antagonism and as a nuisance, and tend to see little financial or aesthetic value in carnivores (Stander 1993). Myers (1986) identified three inter-related factors that are the primary causes of the decline in the number of lions throughout Africa, namely, loss of prey animals, loss of living space and habitat, and conflict with livestock farmers. Other factors that may influence their conservation status, such as trophy hunting and diseases are only now being investigated. This collective pressure has resulted in the shrinking of the ranges of most species and to their confinement to marginal habitats or within conservation areas (Hanks et al. 1981, Myers 1986). However, even conservation areas do not offer full protection and most large carnivore species, especially lions, which often cause livestock losses along the borders, and are persecuted (Van der Meulen 1977, Mills et al. 1978, Anderson 1981, Stander 1990): |
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