The Lion: An Endangered Species

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The lion is a big, powerful cat. They are probably the most famous member of the cat family. Sadly they are endangered, due to loss of habitat and hunting.

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In ancient times, lions lived in Europe, the Middle East, India, and much of Africa. But humans have killed thousands of lions as people settled in new areas. As a result, there are no more lions left in the Middle East and northern Africa.

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Only about 300 lions still live in Asia and they are all in a protected area in the Gir Forest of India. Lions still live in Africa but most of these lions live in national parks and areas called reserves, where the animals are protected from hunting.

Photo copyright Becci Crowe

Lions can live in cool climates or in hot semi desert areas. They do not like to live in thick forests.

Most of them live in woodlands, grassy plains, and areas with thorny scrub trees.

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Deer is common prey for a lion. However, deer and other natural prey is hard to find in many areas so lions kill cows, goats, and other livestock for food. And on rare occasions they kill people. So people kill lions to protect themselves and their property.

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The Asiatic lion is an endangered species. The only Asiatic lions that remain in their natural habitat live in India's Gir Forest sanctuary. But the people who live there have destroyed much of the lions' habitat by cutting down trees for fuel and timber.

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African lions have a better chance for survival. Africa has many reserves where lions must not be shot. Hunters are still allowed to kill lions in certain areas, but they must have a special license. However, farmers poison many lions to protect their livestock, and lion numbers are quickly decreasing outside of the reserves.

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Bibliography

http://www.worldbookonline.com/student/article?id=ar325640&st=lion