Lion populations in Africa are likely to decrease by half in the next two decades. Foreign news reports cited a new study led by Hans Bauer. The lion researcher at Oxford University in England analyzed data from 47 of the 67 African lion populations, totaling about 8,221 African lions.
The research team found drastic declines in the lion populations of West and Central Africa. It also explained that in two national parks, Como? and Mole, lions already appeared to be extinct. The study predicted a 67 percent chance that lions in West and Central Africa will be reduced by half within 20 years. The team suggests the lions be classified as endangered species.
Human settlement has invaded the woodlands and open plains where African lions hunt and live. Meat trading also has depleted the prey that the lions depend on for survival. Bauer pointed out that the drastic decline of the lion population may endanger their role as “king of the jungle.”