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.
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.