Extinction of The King?

Africa's lions are in serious decline. We need to act now to save them.

Can you imagine Africa without the lions?

Unfortunately, these mighty beasts are in serious trouble. In just a couple of decades, the African lion population fell from an estimated more than 75,000 to fewer than 40,000 — a staggering decline of nearly 50%.

If we don’t take dramatic action right now, Africa’s lions could disappear in the wild.

Fortunately, it’s not too late to save the king of the beasts.

Please take action now to save something wild: Urge Interior Secretary Ken Salazar to help save lions by listing these great cats under the Endangered Species Act.

Habitat loss, decline in prey and conflicts with humans are all taking their toll on these beloved big cats. In fact, lions have largely disappeared from three quarters of their historic African range.

Worse, African lions are still being hunted as trophies despite these threats, winding up stuffed and mounted rather than living in the wild.

The U.S. is the world’s largest importer of African lion products — and the number of lion trophies imported into this country is increasing.

Will you join our effort to save African lions? Please sign our petition today.

Earlier this week, Defenders and our conservation partners petitioned the U.S. Department of the Interior to list African lions as endangered under the Endangered Species Act.

This listing would provide a critical first step to help save lions by prohibiting U.S. imports of lions and lion parts, increasing conservation funding and helping foreign governments conserve lions.

Interior Secretary Salazar needs to hear from you: Sign our petition today urging him to list African lions as endangered.

The decline of one of the world’s most iconic animals can be stopped. With your voice, you can save something wild — and help ensure the lasting survival of Africa’s lions.