"There seems to be general agreement here that trophy hunting is not the cause of this lion decline," said cat specialist Kristin Nowell.
Tanzania is the top destination for hunters, mostly from the United States and Europe, who pay large sums for the opportunity to shoot a lion.
Kenya however has banned the practice, which sees hundreds of lions bagged every year.
Trophy hunting can generate funds that could help governments deal with problem animals, according to Kate Nicholls, researcher with the Okavango lion conservation project.
"But that will only be the case if it works in tandem with governmental implementation of stringent responses to illegal shooting," she said.
"Theoretically, hunting is a fantastic way to preserve very large ecosystems, but the practicalities of getting that money to the little guys who are paying the costs is a huge issue," said Laurence Franck, conservation biologist with the Wildlife Conservation Society.
American expert Craig Packer said it was possible to target older male lions for trophy hunting to minimize the impact on the pride.
"Our ideas of wildlife come from television, magazines. We see these pretty pictures of mother lions with baby cubs. Looks all cute and sweet, but the reality is that lions in Tanzania alone attack over 100 people every year, and they kill over 70 people every year," he said.
Other than habitat loss, lions are also threatened by the disappearance of wild prey and conflicts with humans.
Name: Lion (
Panthera leo)
Primary Classification: Felidae (Cats)
Location: India and sub-Saharan Africa.
Habitat: Savannah, grasslands and open woodlands.
Diet: Mostly large herbivores like wildebeest, zebra, and impala. Also small rodents and reptiles.
Size: Up to 8.5 ft in length and 550 lbs in weight.
Description: Tawny yellow coat; broad head with rounded ears; muscular shoulders; mature males sport thick manes
Cool Facts: It is the only cat that forms longterm social groups. It spends 15 to 20 hours a day resting. During estrus, females mate once every 20 minutes for 5 days.
Conservation Status: Vulnerable
Major Threat: Habitat loss.
What Can I Do?: Visit the
African Wildlife Foundation for information on how you can help.
