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 is still permitted in the wild and South Africa specifically breeds lions for captive hunting,- "canned hunting".
Sport hunting refers to animals killed for the prize of an animal trophy, usually the skin or mounted head of the animal. That can be done legally in a few places, such as game reserves. However, illegal sport hunting across Africa and poachers selling on lion trophies to the rest of the world is a real issue.
Sport hunting mostly targets adult male animals. Hunters regard them as the most impressive to kill. It is estimated that only 15 percent at most of any lion population is composed of adult males--the primary trophy targets. Specific removal from any population, particulaly one in free-fall, is neither ethical nor sustainable. Taking out male lions that cannot be replaced is called "mining".
We ask that the United States ban importing these "trophies" of male lions from sports hunting.
SOURCE:http://advocacy.britannica.com/blog/advocacy/2012/12/an-assault-on-reason/#more-11406
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Department of the Interior
Ken Salazar
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Phone: (202) 208-3100
E-Mail: feedback@ios.doi.gov
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 is still permitted in the wild and South Africa specifically breeds lions for captive hunting,- "canned hunting".
Sport hunting refers to animals killed for the prize of an animal trophy, usually the skin or mounted head of the animal. That can be done legally in a few places, such as game reserves. However, illegal sport hunting across Africa and poachers selling on lion trophies to the rest of the world is a real issue.
Sport hunting mostly targets adult male animals. Hunters regard them as the most impressive to kill. It is estimated that only 15 percent at most of any lion population is composed of adult males--the primary trophy targets. Specific removal from any population, particulaly one in free-fall, is neither ethical nor sustainable. Taking out male lions that cannot be replaced is called "mining".
We ask that the United States ban importing these "trophies" of male lions from sports hunting.
