BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | Lions 'close to extinction'

BBC NEWS Science/Nature Lions 'close to extinction': "There are now only 23,000 left, compared to an estimated 200,000 two decades ago, according to Laurence Frank, a wildlife biologist from the University of California. Drawing on a study in Kenya, he says that the only hope for lions and other predators is for humans and wildlife to live together. Clare Wallerstein of the International Fund for Wildlife Welfare told the BBC that the problem would get worse as Kenya's human population doubled in the next 12 years. Populations plummeting Interviewed in New Scientist magazine, Dr Frank says 'It's not just lions. Populations of all African predators are plummeting.' There are now only 23,000 left, compared to an estimated 200,000 two decades ago, according to Laurence Frank, a wildlife biologist from the University of California. Drawing on a study in Kenya, he says that the only hope for lions and other predators is for humans and wildlife to live together. Clare Wallerstein of the International Fund for Wildlife Welfare told the BBC that the problem would get worse as Kenya's human population doubled in the next 12 years. Populations plummeting Interviewed in New Scientist magazine, Dr Frank says 'It's not just lions. Populations of all African predators are plummeting.' "