The decline of West African lion populations | Tunde Folawiyo

February 24, 2014 Editor Africa’s Endangered Primates, Tunde Folawiyo, tunde folawiyo africa, tunde folawiyo bio, tunde folawiyo executive, tunde folawiyo film festival

There has been a dramatic drop in the number of lions in West African countries; a recent study by a non-profit organisation called Panthera suggests that there are now just 400 left in this region. Even more worryingly, only 62.5% of this total number are of breeding age, which means that there is a distinct possibility that the entire population will eventually disappear.

Panthera conducted its research over the course of six years, examining the numbers of lions in 17 countries, including Nigeria – the homeland of Tunde Folawiyo. Nigeria’s population figures are particularly alarming, with just 55 lions left in total. Approximately 35 of these can be found in the Kainji Lake National Park, with the rest residing in the Yankari Game Reserve. Whilst any decline in lion populations is cause for concern, a reduction in West African lions is particularly troubling, as these creatures are classed as being genetically unique, with many physiological traits which are not present in other lions around the continent.

As a wildlife conservation enthusiast, Tunde Folawiyo might wonder what he, and others can do to reverse this trend. Unfortunately, it is not an issue which can be easily resolved, as there are many factors at play. Changes in land usage are one of the many reasons behind the drop in West African lion populations; the cutting down of trees and planting of farms have left a lot of these big cats with nowhere to live. Additionally, locals have begun to kill lions who consume their livestock.

Yet another problem which is contributing to this, is the poaching of the prey usually eaten by lions. Hunters are now essentially ‘stealing’ the bush-meat that would otherwise be eaten by lions, in order to supply the local markets. This reduction in the availability of food has led to many prides starving to death.

The Nigerian Wildlife Conservation Society has created an action plan to protect the few lions that are left within its parks. Its goal is to cut down on the amount of illegal grazing of livestock within Yankari and Kainji, and to support farmers who wish to establish grazing reserves outside of these parks. The society also intends to raise awareness of lion conservation around Nigeria, and to reduce the use of lion meat in traditional medicine.  Last but not least, the society is hoping to protect the lions’ natural prey by increasing the level of security at Kainji and Yankari.

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