Increasing Targeted Poaching of Lions for Trade Has the Potential to Pose an Existential Threat to the Species in Africa

ABSTRACT Lions ( Panthera leo ) in Africa are targeted for the illegal wildlife trade, driven by demand in African and Asian markets, for their body parts. This threat is distinct from traditional drivers of lion decline such as prey depletion, habitat loss, and persecution and is poorly understood, underreported, growing, and prone to the influence of organized transnational crime. Here, we synthesize the current state of knowledge on targeted poaching for lion parts, identify key conservation and legal challenges, and propose a coordinated response agenda, drawing on examples from around the continent. We call for consideration in six critical areas: improving in situ protection, effective engagement of communities in conservation interventions, improved understanding of trade dynamics, disrupting the trade via multiple mechanisms, strengthening legal frameworks, and demand reduction. We recommend a proactive approach to prevent entrenchment of poaching and illicit markets and avert severe impacts on lion populations. Without coordinated action to address targeted poaching, there is a significant risk of lion population declines and extirpations. Urgent action is needed to acknowledge and address this issue, because it represents a potentially existential threat to the species.