Some problem lions are facing today
Some solutions
- Lions are facing an indirect threat from climate change called co-infection. Lions periodically face outbreaks of the disease distemper, and usually weather them with little mortality. However, distemper outbreaks in 1994 and 2001 caused massive die-offs. Researchers found that the key environmental factor in the 1994 and 2001 epidemics was the occurrence of a severe drought.
- Lions are also facing many human threats such as population growth and agricultural expansion resulting in loss of natural habitat, as well as hunting, poisoning and poaching by livestock ranchers.
Some solutions
- Defenders of Wildlife is working to pass legislation that would help conserve 15 species of great cats and rare canines that exist outside the U.S. In April 2009, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the Great Cats and Rare Canids Act (HR 411) aimed at conserving 15 of the world’s rarest wild cats and canids, including lions.
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