Lions and African savanna are inseparable. The sight of these majestic predators lurking around the herds of deer or buffaloes is what comes to anyone’s mind when we think of Africa. But even the lions are disappearing fast from the Kenyan national parks and the National Geographic Society has already hit the panic button.
This is in fact another case of conflict of interests between the nature and mankind. Lions are being killed regularly and most of them can be attributed to the Masai tribesmen in the region. As their economy largely depends upon breeding cattle and lions are a big threat to them, it is only likely that they will be harsh on the lions. Actually we can’t really blame them as it is important for their own survival. Also, a lot of primitive practices and beliefs still exits in those parts of the world and killing a lion is still seen as a sign of bravery and hence improved social status. Another reason for the decline is the illegal poaching of lions as there is a huge demand for parts lions like teeth and claws among tourists.
The recent reports said that education programs in some places have helped to some extent. This is what is necessary to make people aware of the bigger picture and help them see beyond the immediate economic benefits. Also, tourism is an important part of their economy and it should be understood that without lions there will be no tourists at all. There is also a need of more severe action towards the tourists who pay for poached objects. They are not illiterate or poor. They should at least realize the gravity of the situation.
Finally having said all these, it is good to see that international organizations like national geographic helping out the locals. They have also granted a big amount to be used for paying the herdsmen who lose their cattle to lions. This would at least keep them away from killing the ‘king of the jungle’.