USA Lists Lions

US Government moves to list African lions as threatened
28/10/2014 13:29:41

The US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) have proposed listing African lions as threatened under the US Endangered Species Act following a recent petition.

The petition was submitted by Born Free USA, Humane Society International (HSI), the Humane Society of the United States, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), and other animal protection groups.

Along with the listing, a new special rule was also proposed which requires permits for the import of sport-hunted lion trophies. Under this rule, permits should only be issued for lions originating from countries that have scientifically sound management plans in place for the species.

Commenting on the rule, Jeff Flocken, North American Regional Director at the International Fund, said: “To allow trophy hunting to continue unabated is kicking an animal while it’s already down. We thank the U.S. government for acknowledging that this iconic species is in grave trouble and that unsustainable trophy hunting is a part of this problem.”

“While we are disappointed that the U.S. government appears poised to continue allowing the import of some lion trophies,” added Teresa Telecky, Director at Wildlife Department, Humane Society International, “it’s vital that protective trophy import standards be put in place and that there will be transparency in that process. American hunters import about 400 trophies of wild lions each year, so we hope that the ESA protection will significantly curtail this destructive activity.”

Each year, the US imports more than half of the hundreds of lion trophies globally that are brought from African by trophy hunters, adding to the species’ decline. Over the past thirty years, the number of wild lions in Africa has decreased by more than 50 per cent, and it is estimated that there are fewer than 32,000 remaining. A recent study found that lions in West Africa were the most critically threatened with only around 400 lions found in just four protected areas, down from 21 in 2005. According to today’s estimates, there are around 2,000 wild lions in Central Africa, 18,000 in East Africa, and 11,000 in Southern Africa.

“Lion populations and the habitat available to them have diminished dramatically in recent years due to trophy hunting, bone trade, meat and organ consumption, disease, and agricultural expansion,” explains Adam M. Roberts, Chief Executive Officer at Born Free USA. “Born Free and our partners on the ground in Africa will keep vigilant watch on lions and lion trade to ensure that the government’s decision today enhances conservation. The lion has no margin for error.”

A 90-day public comment period on USFWS’ proposed ruling will commence on 29th October 2014


WS

WS let's hope the USA does list the African lions as threatened, about time too.

Lai