What is World Lion Day about?
Scientists believe that there were 200,000 lions living on Earth 100 years ago. Now there are less than 25,000 lions remaining in the wild. Most lions live in East and Southern Africa. But there are also some lions in Central and West Africa, and a small number of lions in India too. World Lion Day exists to raise awareness about threats to these magnificent big cats and to gather support for their protection.
Some reasons why there are fewer lions now include the loss of their habitat and wild prey, illegal hunting of lions, and conflicts with humans. It can be hard for people to live alongside lions. Lions sometimes kill livestock like goats and cattle that people rely on for food and income. Occasionally lions attack people.
Why is it important for there to be lions? Lions are top predators. They help control numbers of herbivores (plant-eating animals) like giraffes, wildebeest, and zebras. If you remove lions from a landscape, the number of herbivores goes up, meaning more leaves and grass will be eaten. Without the top predator, the ecosystem goes out of balance.
Did you know? Lions are the only big cat that lives in groups. Humans have both feared and admired these majestic cats for thousands of years. Conservationists and communities are working hard to achieve a future where people, livestock, and lions can coexist.
More learning resources
Lion art & craft projects!
For parents, carers, & educators:
University of Minnesota Lion Center: Learn all about lions and learn about ongoing lion research and conservation work being carried out by this longtime lion research group.
Panthera.org: Read about threats to lions and some actions being taken to reduce human-lion conflict and help protect lions. Panthera is a conservation organization dedicated to conserving wild cats and their habitats.
World Wildlife Fund: Lion species page
