In 2023 the IUCN Red List categorised the lion as Vulnerable with a 36% decline in the species range over three generations.
Their main threats include:
Expanding human populations and the resulting increase of agriculture, settlements and roads.
The resulting human-wildlife conflict as they are forced into closer quarters with humans.
The loss of their natural prey causing them to attack livestock, resulting in retaliatory killings.
They are hunted by humans. They are being killed in rituals of bravery, prized as hunting trophies, and, increasingly, for their body parts’ perceived medicinal and magical powers.
Oil on canvas. 100cm x 80cm x 4cm
