Lions - Scientific America article

[thi9elsp]

Reasonable article from a science based magazine vs. environmentalists.

The article has interesting perspective on lions in Africa and even considers trophy hunting on par with eco-tourism:

"Despite the utility of ecotourism and trophy hunting for lion conservation in general, only a small proportion of that revenue typically becomes available to wildlife managers."

http://www.scientificamerican.com/a...ck-but-only-when-they-are-kept-behind-fences/

I think the comments about habitat loss, conflicts with locals and their domestic animals as well as the high cost to fund hit the nail on the head.

John

 

[cpr0312]

Thanks for sharing John

 

[Pheroze]

Thank you for posting this. I wonder, however, what industries manage the lion intensely in the South, thereby allowing the population to grow? From the abstract (I cannot get the full article) it notes that:

"African lion populations are declining everywhere, except in four southern countries (Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe)."

Where is most lion hunting in Africa taking place? Maybe there is more to measure than the dollars getting to the wildlife managers. What else is going on that others are generating the funds need to ensure the lion's survival?

http://m.pnas.org/content/112/48/14894.abstract

 

[Pheroze]

Thinking further on this article: Doesn't the fact that the apex predators are thriving also mean thay their prey base is thriving? I wonder if it is evidence that the countries in the South have a balanced ecosystem.

 

[CAustin]

Now your talking!