Still hailed as the king of the jungle, the lion species has seen an alarming rapid decline in their genetic fitness from their ancestors who lived more than 100 years ago. Following a study conducted by researchers at the Zoological Society of London, the impact of hunting the big cats has seen a worrying decline in their genetic status. However Mr Dures added that while the evidence relating to the timing of their genetic decline and European settlement was 'compelling', the evidence was not 'conclusive'. 'While the timing of genetic decline and colonial settlement is compelling enough to suggest causation, the evidence is not conclusive.' The new study provides further evidence on the importance of protecting the species from hunters and the effects of climate change.

Source: Daily Mail March 31, 2019 08:03 UTC