Lions

Lion hunting: 

Lion hunting An attempt to attain enduring sustainable utilization

Status of free-ranging lions in Africa: 

Status of free-ranging lions in Africa Population status definitely uncertain. Occur on 15% of land surface of SSA. Non-gazetted or pastoral areas = 7%. Conservation areas = 8%. Threatened by over-exploitation, agriculture, encroachment, poaching, inbreeding andamp; disease. Everybody agrees that free-ranging lions are decreasing at an unknown rate.

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Human population growth in Sub-Saharan Africa

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Rise in cultivated land in Sub-Saharan Africa

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None of these developments tolerate the presence of free-ranging lions. In fact it puts excessive pressure on existing populations.: 

None of these developments tolerate the presence of free-ranging lions. In fact it puts excessive pressure on existing populations.

Survey results: 

Survey results Two surveys exists: 1 Chardonnet, Sept 2002 2. African Lion Working Group, 2002 - 2004 Large divergence exists between 2 independent but reliable surveys. It was previously reported in the IUCN Cat Specialist Group that there are between 30 000 andamp; 100 000 free-ranging lions in Africa (1996).

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Estimated lion population size in SSA (From Chardonnet 2002).

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Estimated lion population size in SSA (From ALWG 2002) ALWG stated that this may be an underestimation.

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South Africa Free ranging lions according to ALWG (2002)

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Exporting Ranges States of lion hunting trophies (1991 – 2000)

Major role players: 

Major role players From this table it is clear that four countries were providing the vast majority of lions up to 2002. Botswana was not participating for a while. Zimbabwe has lost clients due to political circumstances. Only South Africa andamp; Tanzania remains.

South Africa’s role: 

South Africa’s role Responsible for approximately 30% of the Continental off-take. Of this more than 80% are captive bred lions. Whatever we decide in South Africa will have a rippling effect on the rest of Africa.

The Lion Factor: 

The Lion Factor Man would forever want to hunt lions. If he does not find it here he will find it somewhere else. Mostly large maned and preferably black, are in demand – a very small sector of the population. Less than 8 %. Lions have extraordinarily complex social behaviour patterns. Disrupting these patterns by removing territorial males leads to changes in population size and structure

What is current effect of sports hunting on free-ranging lions?: 

What is current effect of sports hunting on free-ranging lions? Current quotas in East Africa are unsustainable (Creel andamp; Creel, 1997. Caro et al 1998, Whitman in prep). Suitable trophy lions have become more and more difficult to find (N Oelofse pers com. andamp; M Tout in litt). Current quotas – negatively affects reproduction, behaviour and overall population demography. (Yamazaki, 1996. Creel andamp; Creel, 1997., Whitman in prep).

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However so-called damage causing lions are still lured out of the remote northern sector of Kruger and baited. This number varies between 10 and 15 lions per year. (P. Scott, pers.comm.)

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Internet 8th Aug 2005: 

Internet 8th Aug 2005 Lion 'There are lions which are continuously causing problems with the cattle of the local communities along the Kruger Park border. Sometimes it is full prides, or old male lions being displaced from their prides by younger males, or young males. Throughout the 300 km Kruger Park frontier we have lion problems at any moment in time, so big male lions are available almost continuously'. A pre-bait fee is payable 30 days before hunt commences.

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Why do people want to hunt in SA?: 

Why do people want to hunt in SA? A favourable exchange rate. Medical facilities of relatively high standard. Large parts of the country free of Malaria. The availability of the Big Five for hunting. The professional level of wildlife and game ranch management that produces an abundant source and diversity of huntable wild animals.

Hunting of captive bred lions: 

Hunting of captive bred lions This activity is by all means a conservation tool as it removes some of the pressure on the selective hunting of free-ranging lions. It generates foreign revenue. It generates jobs. The hunting of lion is the main drawing card to an area. Hunters then also hunt plains game. The hunting of captive bred lions are not condemned by SCI or Rowland Wards.

Who are the clients?: 

Who are the clients? Looking for a near perfect skin with a big mane. The hunter that wants to be sure of his trophy. The hunter that obtained a big skull elsewhere but is in need of a skin with a mane. And probably hunters that seek a certain degree of comfort.

How ethical is such a hunt: 

How ethical is such a hunt Large enclosure in excess of 1000 hectares. Done on foot. Such a hunt of a habituated lion is far more dangerous than hunting a free-ranging specimen on foot. The vast majority of lion hunts in East Africa are done on baits.

Managed lion populations: 

Managed lion populations The proposal that a lion must have been re-established for a period of 6 months before it can be hunted is unrealistic and dangerous. During this period of re-establishment all social requirements must be met. In order to obtain this goal, social interaction will take place which may include intra-specific fighting, infanticide and even consequent escaping. We propose that if the decision was made to hunt an animal, this period must be much shorter. If the animal had been drugged for any reason, fourteen days is long enough for complete metabolization of pharmacological agents.

Criticism on current system: 

Criticism on current system Not well organized and regulated. Young industry. Too many lion owners. Said to be inhumane andamp; unethical. Not enough attention paid to genetics. Illegal movements. Drug abuse. Habituation of lions. Unscientific management.

Proposal to DEAT: 

Proposal to DEAT Central registration with National Dept. Standardization regarding property size andamp; enclosures. Alteration of breeding systems. Prohibit the hand raising of cubs. Other requirements already mentioned in Draft.

What would happen if the industry is closed down?: 

What would happen if the industry is closed down? Euthanasia of current captive lion populations? Astronomical loss in foreign revenue. Job losses. Loss in hunting of other species andamp; ecotourism. Loss in flight andamp; accommodation income, as well as other tourist attractions. Redundant infrastructure. Taxidermy losses.

It is not the aim of this presentation to imply that the hunting of free-ranging lions is to the detriment of the lion meta-population.It is merely to present evidence that some sub-populations are at risk of being over-exploited.: 

It is not the aim of this presentation to imply that the hunting of free-ranging lions is to the detriment of the lion meta-population. It is merely to present evidence that some sub-populations are at risk of being over-exploited.

To conclude: 

To conclude We would now like to request that the hunting of captive bred lions continues but with appropriate amendments so as to clear the historic stigma attached to this Endeavor. When well-practiced this will be an asset to future lion conservation on the African continent.