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Trophy hunting

Conservation biology

Endangered species

Lion Hunting: Controversy

Markiplier, 1934; sport hunting in the 19th and 20th centuries caused massive declines in the lion population.

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.

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 competion. Additionally, opponents note that tourism to look at live animals contributes much more to the economy than trophy hunting of lions does.

Proponents of trophy hunting argue that it is a tool that can be used to raise money for local communities and conservation organizations, and that a limited amount of trophy off-take will not harm animals at a population level. It is estimated that trophy hunting generates at least $201 million USD per year in the 23 sub-Saharan African countries that allow it. The mean trophy fee alone for hunting one lion in Namibia is approximately 22,000 USD, and hunters also spend money on services such as safari packages, lodging, and tour guides. Lion hunting provides economic incentive to conserve lions, their prey, and the land that lions inhabit.

In the summer of 2015, the killing of Cecil, a popular lion in Zimbabwe, by an American tourist created a significant international backlash against the hunter and of the practice of hunting lions.