This in from Island MP, Andrew Turner’s office. Ed
The Island’s MP, Andrew Turner, last week urged the Government to do more to tackle the major decline in lion populations across Africa and in Western India.
The main cause for concern was the continued practice of ‘sport hunting’ which the UK currently accepts as a legal practice, allowing imports of lion trophies when supported by certificates from game reserves.
Only 20,000 lions in African continent
Mr Turner said, “In the 1960s, it was estimated that there were 200,000 lions on the African continent. Sadly, only 20,000 are left today.
“Sport hunting mostly targets adult male animals. Hunters regard them as the most impressive to kill. Out of the 20,000 lions that remain in Africa, there are lions of all ages and both sexes, from the youngest cub to the most ancient female. However, it is estimated that only 15% at most of any lion population is composed of adult males – the primary trophy targets. Therefore, instead of the figure of 20,000, we must think of 3,000 as the trophy hunting reserve.
“This is clearly a figure that suggests that stronger action should clearly have been taken before now to prevent lion trophy hunting.”
Failures of convention
Mr Turner also raised concerns that CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) set up to conserve endangered species have failed to take action whilst lion numbers have continued to decline. They meet every three years but in both 2007 and 2010 the plight of the wild African lion was not even on the Agenda.
Minister responds
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Richard Benyon MP responded to Mr Turner on behalf of the Government:
“I share his concern and am equally passionate about the subject. I am lucky enough to have seen a considerable number of lions in the wild, and I want my children and grandchildren to have the same experience.
“The UK is presently a member of the CITES animals committee and its standing committee. As a result of recent reports and my hon. Friend’s debate today, I have asked my officials to look into the matter to see what opportunities are presented, and I shall report their findings to him. I hope that he is convinced from what I have said that the Government take seriously the conservation of international wildlife, including the lion, and I look forward to working with him on any further concerns that he has.”
Mr Turner later commented, “I am extremely pleased that the Government has recognised the problem and is prepared to take action now. The next meeting of CITES is not until 2013 and by then it may be too late. It would be awful to think that future generations may miss out on seeing lions in the wild. We clearly need urgent action to preserve one of nature’s most beautiful creatures. I look forward to hearing from the Minister.
“I would also like to congratulate LionAid for their continual hard work on this issue and thank them for the information they have given me which helped me raise this issue in parliament.”
LionAid trustees Chris MacSween and Dr. Pieter Kat said after the debate, “We would like to thank Mr Turner for bringing this issue to Parliament. It has been a great effort on his part, and he gave a wonderful presentation. We are very happy that the Minister gave such positive comments and we hope that this is the beginning of positive steps for the future conservation of Lions.”
