Facts: Lion hunting is a subject of controversy in modern times. Currently, the lion is listed as a vulnerable species by the IUCN, and some subspecies are listed as endangered. Fewer than 20,000 survive in the wild, a reduction of 60% in the last two decades. There were estimated to be 1.2 million lions in 1880. This decline is mainly due to poaching of them and their prey, further influenced by excessive legal trophy hunting and habitat destruction. In addition to the direct population loss from trophy hunting, opponents argue that trophy hunting of lions primarily kills large males, leading to a smaller and potentially less healthy lion population. Also, when a dominant male is killed it often leads to other deaths when male lions fight for the slain lion’s pride and then kill its cubs to eliminate genetic competition.
via 500px http://bit.ly/1RvJUZb
My Weblog 