Lions: Kings and Queens of the Savannah

Lions, often referred to as the "kings of the jungle," are one of the most iconic species on the planet. With their majestic manes and powerful roars, lions have long been symbols of strength, courage, and leadership. Once roaming across much of Africa, the Middle East, and even parts of Europe and Asia, lions now face an uncertain future, with populations in sharp decline. Today, lions are primarily found in sub-Saharan Africa, with a small, critically endangered population of Asiatic lions surviving in India’s Gir Forest.

  • As human populations grow, lions' habitats are being destroyed and fragmented by agriculture, infrastructure development, and settlements. This limits their access to prey and territory, leading to increased competition and conflict.

  • As lions venture into human settlements in search of food, they often clash with local communities. Lions may kill livestock, resulting in retaliatory killings. In some cases, lions are also targeted by farmers and poachers who see them as threats.

  • Lions are targeted for their body parts, including their bones, teeth, and claws, which are sold in illegal wildlife markets. Trophy hunting, although regulated, also poses a serious threat to lion populations.

  • Lions depend on healthy populations of herbivores like wildebeests, zebras, and buffalo for food. However, poaching, habitat destruction, and climate change have reduced the number of prey animals, which puts further pressure on lion populations.

The decline of lions

Over the past century, lion populations have declined by as much as 43%. From around 200,000 lions in the wild at the beginning of the 20th century, fewer than 25,000 lions remain today. Habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, poaching, and a decline in prey species have all contributed to this sharp reduction in numbers.

The past and present of lion subspecies

Extinct Lion Subspecies

Sadly, two lion subspecies have already been lost due to habitat destruction, hunting, and declining prey populations:

  • Barbary Lion – Once found across North Africa, from Morocco to Egypt, the Barbary lion was known for its large size and dark mane. It became extinct in the wild by the early 20th century due to excessive hunting and habitat loss. Though some individuals are believed to survive in captivity, true Barbary lions have not been seen in the wild for over 100 years.

  • Caspian Lion – Roaming the areas surrounding the Caspian Sea, including parts of modern-day Türkiye, Iran, and Central Asia, the Caspian lion was once one of the largest lion subspecies. It was wiped out by the mid-20th century, primarily due to overhunting and habitat destruction. Genetic research later revealed that Caspian lions were closely related to the Asiatic lions still surviving in India today.

Surviving Lion Subspecies

Despite their struggles, two lion subspecies still survive today - though both face serious threats to their survival:

  • African Lion (Vulnerable) – The most widespread and iconic subspecies of lion, found across sub-Saharan Africa. Though once abundant, African lions now face a dramatic decline in numbers due to habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching. An estimated 20,000 to 25,000 remain in the wild today, and their populations continue to decline.

  • Asiatic Lion (Endangered) – Once spread across much of the Middle East and India, the Asiatic lion is now found only in India's Gir Forest, where it has been the subject of intensive conservation efforts. Fewer than 700 individuals remain, making it one of the most endangered big cats in the world. Conservation programs have shown success, with population numbers increasing, though the species still faces significant threats from habitat fragmentation and human-wildlife conflict.

Barbary Lion

Conservation efforts


While the challenges facing lions are daunting, there is hope. Conservation efforts are underway in several countries, focusing on protecting lions and their habitats.

  • Protected Areas & National Parks: Wildlife reserves like the Serengeti, Maasai Mara, and Kruger National Park offer safe havens for lions. Expanding these protected areas and improving management practices ensures that lions have secure habitats to thrive in.

  • Community-Based Conservation: Many conservation programs work alongside local communities, providing them with the tools and knowledge to protect lions. These programs aim to reduce human-wildlife conflict by promoting livestock protection and ecotourism, which benefits both people and lions.

  • Anti-Poaching & Law Enforcement: Efforts to combat poaching have been stepped up, with stronger laws, better enforcement, and new technologies like drones, camera traps, and GPS collars being used to monitor lion populations and protect them from illegal hunting.

  • Rewilding & Translocation: In areas where lion populations have declined, translocation programs have successfully reintroduced lions to their former habitats. Conservationists have also moved lions to areas where their presence helps restore ecosystem balance.

  • International Collaboration: Global conservation initiatives, such as the Lion Recovery Fund, are helping coordinate efforts across countries to secure lion populations. These programs focus on fundraising, research, and sharing best practices to ensure lions' survival.

  • Asiatic Lions in India

    The Gir Forest in India remains the primary habitat for Asiatic lions. Conservation efforts have led to a significant increase in their population, from 411 individuals in 2010 to approximately 674 by 2020. However, the growing lion population has led to them dispersing into surrounding human-dominated areas, resulting in increased human-lion conflicts. To address this, the Indian government launched "Project Lion" in 2020, aiming to establish new habitats and mitigate human-lion conflicts.

  • Lions in West Africa

    It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

  • Captive Lion Breeding in South Africa

    South Africa has implemented a ban on captive big-game breeding and the commercial use of lions. Announced in April 2024, this policy affects the country's substantial captive lion population, leading to concerns among breeders about their livelihoods and the future of these lions. Conservationists support the ban, suggesting that resources should shift towards genuine conservation efforts.

How you can help save lions


Even from afar, you can play an important role in lion conservation:

  • Support Conservation Organizations: Donating to or volunteering with organizations like Panthera, the Lion Recovery Fund, and African Parks helps fund essential lion conservation projects.

  • Promote Responsible Tourism: If you visit Africa, choose eco-friendly safari companies that prioritize conservation efforts and do not exploit lions or other wildlife for entertainment purposes.

  • Raise Awareness: Spread the word about the threats lions face and the importance of protecting them through social media, advocacy, and education.

  • Support Legislation: Advocate for stronger anti-poaching laws, better enforcement of wildlife protection, and stricter regulations on trophy hunting.

Lions are more than just symbols of power and grace - they are keystone species that play an essential role in maintaining the balance of their ecosystems. While lions continue to face significant challenges, the success of various conservation efforts proves that they can make a comeback. By working together, we can ensure that future generations will continue to witness the majesty of these incredible animals in the wild. The battle for lion conservation is far from over, but hope remains, and with continued dedication, we can secure a future where lions continue to roam freely across Africa and beyond.

Next is

Leopard conservation