Lions Rapidly Approaching Extinction, Population Fell By 2/3 In The Last 50 Years And Lost 3/4 Of Their Previous Range

December 5, 2012 in Animals & Insects

Lions are rapidly approaching extinction in many parts Africa, new research from Panthera has found. In the last 50 years they have seen their population drop to around 1/3 of its previous size, from around 100,000 in 1960, to around 32,000 today. And perhaps more importantly, they have lost an incredible 75% of their habitat in that same time period.

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Their loss of territory has been due primarily to growing human populations and deforestation, and the subsequent acquisition and conversion of lands for agriculture and other uses.

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