There are now only 23,000 left compared to an estimated 200,000 in the early 1980s. As a consequence, the whole ecosystem on the Afro plains is in danger. You'll be familiar with the reason for this tragedy. Once again, it's mankind.
According to New Scientist magazine, it's not just lions. Populations of all African predators are plummeting, and there are fewer than 4,000 wild dogs left and only about 15,000 cheetahs.
We cannot – simply cannot – allow the grim destruction to continue unabated. How about an emergency fund to help predators in distress? Stronger anti-poaching patrols across Africa to protect the predator? Infra-red cameras to guard important predator habitat? And free compensation schemes to help farmers who have lost livestock?
World governments has millions to spend. We have to make sure that a tough new wildlife law gets introduced, soon. We may never have another chance to save these disappearing species.
The planet would certainly be a sadder place without them.