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Wild African lion populations have declined at an alarming rate in recent years, an international animal welfare group said on Tuesday, as killings linked to the global wildlife trade increase.
The African lion population has declined dramatically over the past 25 years, Edith Kabesiime, World Animal Protection’s wildlife campaign manager, said on World Lions Day on August 10.
“Many lions are being killed in Africa due to habitat loss and land fragmentation, wildlife trade, bushmeat poaching and human conflict, which continue to threaten lions,” Kabesiime said.
If this is not stopped urgently, Africa will no longer be a tourist destination known to animal lovers, she added.
Lions are also said to be killed by poachers and cattle ranchers who live near the game parks to prevent them from killing their animals.
According to Kabesiime, countries must quickly take bold action by enacting and implementing laws that prescribe stiff penalties for those involved in the illegal wildlife trade.
Uganda Wildlife Authority spokesperson Bashir Hangi noted that the organization issued a statement to mark World Lions Day, saying it will continue to conserve and protect lions in wildlife parks. Ugandan.
He said there are currently 400 lions in Uganda, adding that it is unfortunate that some lions are being killed by illegal human activities.
Tom Kabale, a wildlife conservation expert, said that over the past 25 years, more than 1,200 lions have been killed in different parts of Africa.
In March 2021, six lions were killed by people living near Queen Elizabeth National Park in western Uganda. Five people suspected of being involved in the act were arrested and later confessed that they had been hired by others who wanted to use the body parts of the lions to make charms.
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