The King of the Jungle in a very worrying situation.

Lions are one of the most iconic animals on the planet. With their majestic manes and their power, they have long been considered the kings of the jungle. However, the situation of lions around the world is worrying, as their numbers have declined significantly in recent decades. In this article, we will explore the situation of lions around the world, the threats to them and the efforts being made to protect them.

Lions are native to Africa and a small part of Asia, but their natural habitat has shrunk considerably over the years. It is estimated that there are only 20,000 lions left in the world, down from more than 200,000 a century ago. Lion populations have declined in every country in Africa where they live, with a decline of nearly 50% over the past 25 years. In Asia, there are only 500 Asiatic lions left in the wild, spread across just two countries, India and Nepal.

The main threat to lions is the loss of their natural habitat. Population growth and the expansion of human activities have led to deforestation, habitat fragmentation and land conversion for agriculture and ranching. Lions also face illegal hunting, poaching, competition with local people for natural resources, and dwindling populations of prey, such as antelopes and zebras.

However, efforts are being made to protect the lions and their natural habitat. Organizations like the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and Panthera work closely with local governments to protect natural habitats, strengthen measures against illegal hunting and educate local populations about the importance of conservation. Conservation programs also include the reintroduction of lions to areas where they have been exterminated in the past, such as Akagera National Park in Rwanda, where seven lions were reintroduced in 2015 after an absence of more than 20 years.

More surprisingly, a few days ago, a lioness was spotted in the Sena Oura National Park located in southwestern Chad on the border with Cameroon. A presence that is all the more surprising since no lion reintroduction program has been set up in Chad; a country in which the lion has been declared an extinct species. So it would seem that this lioness came by herself. It remains to know the reasons for its presence and perhaps see it as an opportunity to develop a program to make the species grow again in this region of the world.

It is also important to highlight the crucial role of national parks and nature reserves in protecting lions and their natural habitat. These protected areas provide a safe haven for lions and other wildlife, as well as jobs and sources of income for local people through ecotourism.

In conclusion, the situation of lions around the world is worrying, but there are reasons for hope. Efforts to protect lions and their natural habitat are paying off, but much more needs to be done to reverse the declining lion population trend. Protecting natural habitats, combating illegal hunting and raising awareness among local populations are essential elements to ensure the survival of lions around the world.