South Africa’s Captive-Bred Lion Trade Soon to End

A government study in South Africa may have just begun the process of eliminating the use of captivity-raised lions for trophy hunting and other practices that are deemed inhumane. This shift could be seen as a positive development for many conservationists who desire the end of South Africa's dependence on big game hunting in wildlife tourism.

Lion farms in South Africa pose massive resistance

The soon-to-be illegal lion breeding practice has been one of the many sources of controversy in the country. There are some farms that boast all the best resources for raising the vulnerable species, all while claiming to operate in alignment with conservation goals and regulations.

In reality, however, these farms are just barely regulated and the blindspots have led to all sorts of abuses. Experts say that a lion's life in these farms is far from healthy. The food has often been substandard (if not diseased). Their enclosures are cramped, and their development is greatly impaired by routine domestication.

Cubs are often reduced to petting zoo props, and when they become too old and aggressive to be near visitors, they are then shipped off to become hunted in low-quality hunting sessions. All of this is also further funded by demand for lion skin, bone and claws to be used in jewelry and traditional medicines.

The real challenge, however, is that this trend grew into an industry that has (at least in part) contributed to more funds for poor, local communities.

Some critics argue that is a new form of exploitation that has replaced poaching and yet, any measure that will see the banning of this trade could have unintended economic consequences.

Does illegal lion breeding fuel big game hunting?

While the study has set the possibility of a ban in motion, it may not necessarily result in a ban on trophy hunting. In fact, the government was specific in targeting the captive-bred lion industry and the domestication of the big cat. To date, it was estimated that about 10,000 lions are born into these farms as opposed to less than half that number officially documented in the wild.

Meanwhile, the same wild lions are still within the sights of many high-profile big game hunters who continue to support what they believe to be an integral part of wildlife tourism. Big game hunting reservations also take responsibility in ensuring wild lions are not poached illegally and prevent the animals from attacking livestock.

And much like the lion farms, a hasty ban on all hunting activities could cut off economic support for poorer communities (who have nothing but the maintenance of these game reserves to sustain them).

It would seem that the more realistic expectation would be that the ban on captive lions is aimed towards returning more big cats to the wild, and see further restoration to South Africa's ecosystems. This may entail a need to provide a more 'authentic' experience of hunting lions in the wild for high-paying tourists, but there are still signs of hope for a future with less conflict between lion and man.