Wildlife

Tree Climbing Lions

Just six months has passed since the killing and mutilation of six lions in the Ishasha sector of Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP).

Visitors to the park see these so-called Ishasha lions lazing around in the myriad branches of towering fig trees. This group is one of only two populations of lions known to climb trees, making the majestic beasts fascinating subjects for study and a popular tourist attraction. Sadly, however, these lions face numerous threats, including habitat loss, snaring, human-wildlife conflict, illegal wildlife trade and the trafficking of lion body parts.

Because of these threats, the Ishasha lion population includes just 69 individuals; with increasing threats to these endearing fauna, tourism revenues — which make up close to 8% of Uganda’s gross domestic product (at least before the COVID-19 pandemic) — are also threatened.

from WordPress https://ift.tt/3qPBBj7