Poaching and trophy hunting wreaks havoc in nature, with spectacular animals facing the brink of extinction.
One such species to suffer at the hands of trophy hunters are lions, the legendary king of the jungle. In fact, lions are extinct in 26 African countries. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) claims the number of lions left in the world is frightening. The IUCN claims there are only approximately 20 000 lions.
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However, it seems there is a chance that the species can be brought back from the brink of extinction. How so? It seems the answer to the dwindling numbers can be found right here in South Africa.
Did you know South Africa has made scientific history through the birth of the two lion cubs, through artificial insemination? That’s right, the two healthy cubs were born on August 25 and live at the Ukutula private game conservation centre, northwest of Pretoria.
How did this come to be?
Artificial insemination with animals is no new breakthrough. But this is a first for lions. Scientists from the University of Pretoria worked on the project, working on several techniques. One of the techniques was collecting sperm from a healthy male. The research then measures the hormone levels of the female lion population on the Ukutula private game conservation centre. Once the scientists determine which female is a viable recipient, they select her for the artificial insemination process.
Andre Ganswindt says the breakthrough in the scientific project took place after 18 months of intensive trials. This outstanding finding forms part of the research done by Isabel Callealta, A Spanish veterinarian and PhD student at the University of Pretoria.
Through this successful experiment, lions will no longer have to be moved for breeding purposes. Instead, breeders can now transport the semen to a lioness which will be receptive.
Artificial insemination is done with other animals, right? So what makes these two cubs so special?
A scientist involved in the study, Imke Lueders, claims that having lion cubs born from artificial insemination in their natural range country, and not in a foreign zoo is a massive milestone for South Africa.
Furthermore, she claims that through the technology the endangered species now has a better chance of survival.
But there are those who are not happy about the scientific breakthrough. Some animal welfare organisations feel the captive lion breeding industry is extremely profit-driven.
Because of the income it generates, these organisations feel there are those who will take advantage of the technique to generate a profit.
What are your thoughts on the situation? Do you think this is the ideal way to save lions from extinction? Or do you feel it allows mankind to generate an income from magnificent animals which should be running free?
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