A new study has shown that there has been a
"catastrophic drop" in the number of lions in West Africa, with only
around 400 left in the region.
With
fewer than 250 mature lions of breeding age, there are concerns the entire
population could disappear.
The
research by Panthera, a non-profit organisation, was carried out in 17
countries, from Senegal to Nigeria, and took more than six years. West African lions are genetically distinct
from others in Africa.
In 2005, West
African lions were believed to live in 21 different protected areas. But the
survey, published in the scientific journal PLOS One, suggests lions now exist
in just four of those sites.
The
report says lions now roam in just one-point-one-percent of their historic
range in West Africa. Co-author, Philipp Henschel said the majority of their
habitat has been converted for agricultural use.
Panthera is calling
for the lion to be listed as critically endangered in West Africa. (BBC)
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