African Lion Cub
Photograph by Beverly Joubert
An
African lion cub rests in the tall grasses of Botswana’s Okavango
Delta. Once ranging across the African continent and into Syria, Israel,
Iraq, Pakistan, Iran, and even northwest India, lions have declined to
as few as 20,000 animals from about 450,000 just 50 years ago.
Asiatic Leopard Cub
Photograph by Steve Winter
An
Asiatic leopard cub in the Hukawng Valley in Myanmar (Burma) became an
orphan after hunters killed its mother to sell her body parts for use in
traditional medicine. In 2010, the entire valley—about the size of
Vermont—was designated by the government of Myanmar as a tiger
sanctuary, a major conservation step that protects big cats and other
rare species throughout the territory.
Lion Cubs Playing
Photograph by Beverly Joubert
Lion
cubs play in the Okavango Delta in Botswana. Loss of habitat, prey
decline, pesticides, and even canine distemper and tuberculosis have
caused lion numbers to quickly decline across Africa.
Big Cats Initiative
National Geographic is working to avert the extinction of lions, tigers, and other big cats with the Big Cats Initiative, a comprehensive program that supports innovative projects. Learn how you can help save these animals.
For just $5, you can help save big cats by uploading a photo of your little kitty here.
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