It is almost impossible for me to imagine Africa without lions and yet it is a frightening possibility. I wanted to paint lions as I see them, magnificent, powerful, territorial top predators. Partly inspired by what happened to Cecil part commentary on the brutal lives they lead living in male coalitions fighting for dominance over prides of females I hope that this painting shows them in all their raw power.
But they face a bleak future unless change comes about to ensure their survival. Trophy hunting, canned lion hunts, habitat destruction and persecution have contributed to massive declines in lion populations throughout Africa. Once roaming in hundreds of thousands their numbers have dropped to current estimates of around 20,000 - 30,000. Lions are now officially classified as endangered.
But they face a bleak future unless change comes about to ensure their survival. Trophy hunting, canned lion hunts, habitat destruction and persecution have contributed to massive declines in lion populations throughout Africa. Once roaming in hundreds of thousands their numbers have dropped to current estimates of around 20,000 - 30,000. Lions are now officially classified as endangered.
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