Did you know that Africa’s lion population has almost halved in the past 25 years?
Habitat loss and fragmentation, illegal wildlife trade, bushmeat poaching and human-lion conflict continue to threaten lions across Africa, which are now classified by the IUCN as Vulnerable, with the West African subspecies Critically Endangered. Yet lions are a resilient species and a turnaround is still possible if these key issues are addressed.
The Lion Recovery Fund (LRF) was established by the Wildlife Conservation Network in 2017, in partnership with the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, to reverse this sharp decline in lion populations. The future of Africa’s irreplaceable wilderness and wildlife and the ecotourism industry are inseparable from the future of the African lion. Wilderness is therefore proud to have partnered with the LRF and other leading ecotourism operators to launch the Lionscape Coalition – an innovative initiative that has seen commercial competitors come together to help secure a future for Africa’s lions and the restoration of their landscapes. By joining forces for lions, we are collectively showcasing our dedication to conservation, and exceeding our reach beyond the mainstream tourism circuit to other areas in dire need of support.
Learn why lions are in trouble and what we can do to help them recover. Film narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio.
Where we are making an impact:
The LRF Impact to date:
42 projects
18 countries
29 partners
USD4 million deployed
23% of Africa’s lion range covered by LRF grantees
30% of Africa’s lion population covered by LRF grantees
20 212 snares removed
250 poachers arrested
355 poachers’ camps destroyed
205 rangers, or community guardians/scouts LRF has helped employ
458 people in total that the LRF has helped employ
110 camera traps deployed
37 lions fitted with tracking collars
Together we can make a difference.
Click here to read more or show your support by making a donation to the LRF here.
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