Our generation is especially familiar with and fond of the Disney classic The Lion King. It was always one of my absolute favorites growing up; my sisters and I played the pretend game of “lions,” with unrealistic imitations of pouncing and roaring, for years. Lions are a symbol of power, bravery, and loyalty in many cultures and they have always been one of my favorite animals. And yet despite powerful connotations associated with the lions it was surprising to discover that lions have been and continued to be threatened by climate changes and primarily human encroachment. The king of the food chain is vital to the balance of life (also known as a an “apex” and “keystone” species). And yet it has also been labeled as “vulnerable” because they are disappearing in droves.
Lions were once rulers of all of Africa; it was their primary domain. But they are now only to be found in the Subsaharan regions. They are critically endangered in India - their only other natural habitat. How did it come to this? How did the king of the animal kingdom suffer such critical loss? In the past couple of decades lions have suffered serious losses due to climate change and consequent outbreaks of Distemper epidemics. Higher temperatures have caused droughts that have infested and endangered their prey, and thereby them. But by far the “steepest challenge that lions currently face” are humans. “Population growth and agricultural expansion resulting in loss of natural habitat, as well as hunting, poisoning and poaching by livestock ranchers” are all threatening the lion.
Sentimental reasons aside, the lion’s presence must be preserved because of its central role in the ecosystem it influences. It is an “apex” or top of the food chain and “keystone” species, without which the tenuous balance of the ecosystem would surely crumble. For centuries mankind has taken heart from the royal courage portrayed by the symbolic lion. The lion is just as influential and crucial in human culture and pride as it is in its environment. We cannot allow for this magnificent beast to fade out of existence in its wild domain. He is the king of the savannah and king in our hearts.
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