We are a small but highly effective NGO based in the UK focused mainly but not exclusively on the conservation concerns of lions. From an estimated population of 200,000 fifty years ago, we now estimate there to be only about 15,000 lions remaining on the very large African continent and only five viable populations left on the entire African continent.
This drastic reduction in population numbers has not received much attention compared to the current crises enveloping rhinos, elephants, tigers, sharks, etc. Unless considered action is taken, this could lead to a silent extinction of one of the world’s most iconic species.
LionAid seeks to address the implementation of much stronger conservation measures by directly involving decision makers in lion range states and those that facilitate the import of lion products such as skins and hunting trophies. We are therefore working with Members of European Parliament, the UK Parliament, the USA Fish and Wildlife Service, and the governments of Senegal, Nigeria, Cameroon, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Kenya and Ethiopia to ensure national and international protection.
This drastic reduction in population numbers has not received much attention compared to the current crises enveloping rhinos, elephants, tigers, sharks, etc. Unless considered action is taken, this could lead to a silent extinction of one of the world’s most iconic species.
LionAid seeks to address the implementation of much stronger conservation measures by directly involving decision makers in lion range states and those that facilitate the import of lion products such as skins and hunting trophies. We are therefore working with Members of European Parliament, the UK Parliament, the USA Fish and Wildlife Service, and the governments of Senegal, Nigeria, Cameroon, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Kenya and Ethiopia to ensure national and international protection.
LIONAID AND THE ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRADE
With the value of lion bones as a substitute for tiger bones in the Traditional Chinese Medicine trade approaching $500/kg, we are increasingly concerned that commercial poaching of lions will become a further factor reducing already fragile populations. The lion bone trade is now well established in South Africa – indeed, kingpin Chumlong Lemtongthai, recently jailed for 40 years in South Africa for illegal rhino horn trade, was originally sent to South Africa by his employers in the Lao People’s Republic to engage in the lion bone trade. The illegal trade in wildlife knows no species boundaries – it is only guided by the profits to be made from commercially valuable wildlife products.
In addition to lion bones, lion cubs are traded illegally from wild populations to supply the captive breeding industry in South Africa (an estimated 4000-5000 lions provide the hunting industry with trophy animals) and the pet trade in the United Arab Emirates. Lion skins from wild origins are also traded on the open market.
LionAid has therefore also become involved in monitoring the illegal trade in species like rhinos and elephants as we strongly believe the same organized crime networks are involved.
In addition to lion bones, lion cubs are traded illegally from wild populations to supply the captive breeding industry in South Africa (an estimated 4000-5000 lions provide the hunting industry with trophy animals) and the pet trade in the United Arab Emirates. Lion skins from wild origins are also traded on the open market.
LionAid has therefore also become involved in monitoring the illegal trade in species like rhinos and elephants as we strongly believe the same organized crime networks are involved.
LIONAID OBJECTIVES
- The implementation of much stronger conservation measures to ensure National and International protection of the African Lion
- Investigation of the illegal wildlife trade in lion bones, rhino horn and elephant ivory
- Investigation of the illegal trade in lion cubs from wild populations
- Seek ways to mitigate lion/human conflict with cooperation from pastoral communities and Kenyan authorities
- Conserve Maasai lion oral history as a means of incorporating cultural history with conservation measures
- Have the Lion declared as a World Heritage Species by UNESCO
We rely 100% on funding to complete our objectives and we would ask all to give generously to help us save the iconic lion before it is too late.
You can visit Lionaid’s website here www.lionaid.org and you can DONATE to our work here http://www.lionaid.org/lion-aid-support-giving.php
Trustees/Directors: Dr. Pieter Kat and Ms. Christine Macsween
LionAid Ltd. Email: info@lionaid.org Tel: +44 1304 449491
You can visit Lionaid’s website here www.lionaid.org and you can DONATE to our work here http://www.lionaid.org/lion-aid-support-giving.php
Trustees/Directors: Dr. Pieter Kat and Ms. Christine Macsween
LionAid Ltd. Email: info@lionaid.org Tel: +44 1304 449491