Frightening big cat statistics

[GI Jane]

So I'm doing a bit of reading for a proposed trip to the Kalahari in March. Particularly interested in the lion research that is ongoing in the Kalahari, in fact all the way from central to southern africa. I came across some frightening statistics of diminishing big cat populations and projections for the future. Lion populations have decreased from 450 000 just 50 years ago, down to 20 000, at the present moment, with an estimate of about 4000 males in that count. The projection figure for the extinction of the lion population is 2020.. just around the corner... The leopard population has decreased from an estimated 700 000 to 50 000 in just 50 years... Have'nt even got to the stats for cheetah yet... Watched a programme by Dereck and Beverly Joubert, nat geo photographers and film makers, who have done extensive photography and research in Botswana where they voice their serious concerns about the diminishing lion population and also the small genetic pool and the impact that is having on the future of lions. Have heard of serious problems in the Kalahari linked to some genetic problems in the gene pool there too.. Scarey, that maybe one day your children, or grand children may only see lion in photographs or maybe the odd zoo or two...

Some interesting reading and utube video's

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/explo ... /jouberts/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

And for anyone that has been to the Kalahari recently or in the future and would like to assist with ongoing research ie sending photographs and locations of lion populations, another website

http://www.ckgrlionresearch.org/Blog/contact" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; (Seems there has'nt been any action on this site for a while, maybe that project is finished, but am trying to hunt down some research that is in operation at the moment, know of a couple there this year doing their thesis..

Those of us that care may be the last hope for some of our cat friends....

Another great site to google the nat geo "The big cats initiative."

http://www.natgeotakeaction.org/explore ... 35CF6E3AB8" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Very, very sad.... but true

[Digger]

Just as frightening are the human population stats,we(mankind) gobble up everything we lay eyes uppon(pacman like!!)How to avoid our own destruction is the question? Won't just be pictures of lions we'll show our (grand)kids !!

[GI Jane]

Just as frightening are the human population stats,we(mankind) gobble up everything we lay eyes uppon(pacman like!!)How to avoid our own destruction is the question? Won't just be pictures of lions we'll show our (grand)kids !!

Unfortunately your right, rhino's elephant, the cats all of there numbers are diminishing. Because of the population growth and spreading farmlands to feed the population, these animal movement patterns are limited to smaller areas and become isolated from other areas affecting gene pools, attempts to reach other areas means crossing people settlements and farms where livestock and people feel threatened.

[Froll]

Sad, but very true. The world should take measures to take hold of the population growth. The shortages of water and food are not due to less rain and global warming but to overpopulation. Sorry to hijack the post, but I see what goes into production boost as I live and work on a vegetable farm. m2cw.

[kfxnando]

humans are the cancer of this planet!!

[4x4Maniac]

Thx Val, I'll spread the word and post a couple of pics to the mail address from our recent trip to CKGR.

[GI Jane]

Thanks Werner, that will be great. I'm hoping to see a lion on our trip, and have a gps that takes photo's and will have gps locations of any sightings... Hope the photo's won't be the only lion my grandchildren ever see....