Species after species have been subjected to illegal hunting and poaching with numbers increasing at gut-wrenching rates. Our wildlife species co-exist in pristine wilderness areas; places of such serenity and beauty; that it is almost unfathomable to comprehend such atrocious acts of selfishness. How can humanity be so brutal, without even batting an eyelid? Do harm to one species and you do harm to all; including the natural habitat in which they exist.
Can you imagine Africa without its lions?
In Africa, we’ve seen alarming spikes in the demand for rhino horn, elephant tusks, leopard fur and the bones of our wild lions, to name a few. Can you imagine never seeing the African lion in the wild again? Well, start visualising, because this iconic cat is becoming more and more under threat from the likes of trophy hunters and senseless poaching. Africa’s wild lions are teetering precariously on the brink of extinction.
The threat is three fold:
- Retaliatory persecution by herders and farms surrounding our national parks and reserves, who perceive these cats as a threat to their livelihood
- Loss of habitat and fragmentation as a result of expanding agricultural developments
- Illegal hunting, trophy hunting and poaching of both lions themselves, as well as the wild prey which they feed on
All of these exist hand in hand and an increase in awareness is in dire need. Ultimately the common denominator between all three of these threats is that of a “conflict with human beings”. We, as human beings are killing off our very own wildlife heritage.
The facts
Nearly a century ago at least 200 000 wild lions left their paw prints all across the African continent.
Today, an estimated 30 000 wild lions roam our pristine parks and reserves.
Lions are currently listed as “vulnerable” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list of threatened species.
Lions are classified as “endangered” in West and Central Africa.
Africa’s lions have vanished from over 80% of their historic range, currently existing in only 28 countries in Africa and 1 in Asia (India). Lions are now extinct in 26 countries.
Only 7 African countries are believed to each contain more than 1 000 lions: Botswana, Kenya, Ethiopia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Don’t just talk, walk…
“Make a difference in this world;” something which is easier said than done. But something must be done in order to be the difference that makes a difference. Awareness is key, and not just in the sense of acknowledging that something is wrong. We must take responsibility. We, as humans, are the problem. We, as humans, can fix it. We can all do something, however small, which collectively changes a detrimental outcome.
Thankfully, there are many people out there who not only have a soft spot for our wildlife, they also have the courage to stand up and take action to help preserve them. WALKING FOR LIONS is one such initiative which aims to stand up and take action.
As a non-profit organisation, WALKING FOR LIONS is set to depart on an awareness campaign which will cover 532 km between Windhoek, Namibia and Ghanzi, Botswana from 1 - 23 May 2013. This team hopes to make a small difference with every step they take. WALKING FOR LIONS is not just a lengthy walk. It’s also about “talking the talk”. As humans, we are divided between those who don’t understand and do harm, and those who are knowledgeable and recognise what needs to be done in order to turn a horrible situation into something positive. The walk will cover roughly 30 km each day, stopping at various checkpoints, and talking with local communities and schools by imparting knowledge to ensure that those who are not in the know, realise that they too can play a positive part in conserving our wildlife heritage. The team aims to ensure that everywhere they go, they leave behind a community which is better aware of things such as the effects of poaching, illegal and trophy hunting, and the illegal lion bone and fur trade, as well as how this affects the survival of these cats. These communities will also lean how they too, can get involved in volunteering to help make a difference themselves. In this way, the WALKING FOR LIONS team will enable these communities to empower themselves with as much responsibility to make a positive difference.
Respect
WALKING FOR LIONS is an initiative which showcases a shared responsibility amongst us human being, and stands for the protection and survival of all wild lions. Knowledge is power and Africa’s lions need all of our support. Lions are synonymous with “power” and “strength”. When seen in the wild, one can’t help but respect them. The strength and power of their ROAR is being compromised by greed, money and ego. By disrespecting our lions in this way, we are disrespecting ourselves. Our lions need our help. We can ALL do something.
How you can help
· Spread the word: Follow the progress of the walk on social media and share the message of education with your friends and family. The more who know, the better. Follow on Facebook and Twitter
· Donate: your donation will contribute to providing all equipment needed for current and future lion conservation efforts within various national parks / reserves across Africa. These include VHF / GPS collars, darting equipment for vets, building of new bomas for communities and transport of materials to remote areas etc.
Visit www.walkingforlions.org for more information and to “meet the team” who are set to walk and ROAR for lions! You can also make a secure donation via the site. Every little bit DOES make a difference
Story by: Bronwen Kathryn Watson
1 Response to Walking for Lions
lets protect our wildlife!????????also in support of Born Free Foundation @ Shamwari Game Reserve??????touching story.
By Nandipha Ngcai-Nkonki (15 months ago)