| The
distribution range of the lion has shrunk
considerably in historic times. It became
extinct in Europe some 2,000 years ago
and disappeared from northern Africa and
most of south west Asia 150 years ago.
Today only a relict population numbering
about 250 of the sub-species P. leo
persica (the Asiatic lion) survives
in the Gir Forest of India. At the turn
of the century the lion was found in all
suitable habitat throughout Africa south
of the Sahara. However, there too it is
becoming increasingly rare outside large
conservation areas. In West Africa numbers
are reported to have fallen drastically
and most lions are now found in east and
southern Africa.
The IUCN
status of the lion is considered to
be Vulnerable. Not surprisingly lions
are generally considered serious problem
animals whose existence is at odds with
human settlement and cattle culture,
so widespread in Africa. Today lions
are mainly confined to the larger conservation
areas and it is on the perimeter of
these that most conflict occurs. A study
in Namibia’s Etosha National Park
has shown two classes of marauding lions.
Occasional raiders are members of a
pride whose territory coincides with
the fenced border of the Park and who
have made a rare transgression. Returning
these animals to their territory often
solves the problem and they do not transgress
again. Habitual stock-killers are non-territorial,
usually subadult animals that usually
return to stock killing if returned
to the Park and so should be removed.
Not that
this should be the final solution to
the problem. There are other measures
that can be taken besides removing offending
animals. In some cases electric fencing
can be very effective in keeping predators
within the boundaries of reserves. There
is also the fact that stock farmers
bordering conservation areas have a
responsibility to implementing sound
stock management practices to protect
their stock from lion predation. Fairly
simple measures such as erecting lion-proof
shelters for livestock at night can
make a big difference.
Dr
Gus Mills |
