ON THE EDGE OF EXTINCTION - B - THE LION (Panthera leo)

[peter]

THE CRAIG PACKER INTERVIEW - A FEW POINTS TO REMEMBER


a - Hunters, trophy hunters, outfitters and pressure groups

Packer described hunters as 'tourists'. They often believe whatever they are told: " ... A lot of clients head off into the bush believing that $ 50,000 will save the world - when in fact virtually none of that money goes to conservation ... ". Furthermore, " ... the true costs of conservation are far higher ... ".

Although not too harsh on the dentist who finished male lion 'Cecil', Packer had to bit his lips when he was in the trophy room of another American billionaire 'lion hunter'. What he saw, was " ... a chilling tableau of animals frozen in death ... ".  
  
When there are millionaire and billionaire trophy hunters, there are outfitters. Some are ok, but many are not: " ... The corrupt companies all have connections with government. They are ruthless. The good ones fear that they will not be able to carry on if I name them. Hunting in Tanzania has been a bad thing. Kenia is just as bad ... ". Based on what I read, Zimbabwe most probably also features on the list.

As to organisations in favour of this or that and their opponents. In general, Packer tries to stay away from them. The reason is the most organisations pro or contra this or that have to be considered as lobbyists. Most focus on a few issues only and the result is a lack of overview.  


b - Hunters

Although very pessimistic about the future of lions, Packer isn't opposed to hunting per se. It depends on the way it is done and the philosophy: " ... If hunters take care of entire eco systems - the land, the plants and the herbivores - they would be rewarded with healthy numbers of lions ... ".

The way he talks about hunting and managing eco systems reminds me of Russia. Researchers and others involved in conservation in Sichote-Alin concluded that both hunters and locals are needed to make conservation work. Although the 60 000 hunters with a license in Sichote-Alin don't like to compete with Amur tigers, they know wolves are far more destructive. They also know wolves avoid Amur tigers. When you connect both, the conclusion is Amur tigers are not the worst option. Hunters agreed and the result is less poaching and more Amur tigers. Not thousands of tigers, but more than a few decades ago. Problem solved, although it's unlikely there will be more than a thousand (adult) Amur tigers in the near future. 

There are three major differences between Sichote-Alin and Africa.

One is Amur tigers only very seldom kill humans. As they are quite modest regarding cattle as well, they earned a bit of goodwill. Two is outfitters and government didn't start a secret operation to make a few more bucks in Sichote-Alin. Could be a result of a bit more supervision (Putin seems to be quite interested in Amur tigers), but my guess is national pride, culture and, to a degree, prosperity could be as important. When the Sovjet-Union had collapsed and poverty struck, many tigers were poached. Today, the situation seems to be a bit better. Three is hunters in Sichote-Alin don't come from the USA. They live in Sichote-Alin and seem to be more connected to Wild Russia. Furthermore, they don't need outfitters to hunt. They are there, but trophy hunting isn't big business and Amur tigers are out, whereas lions in Africa are fair game. Or made fair game.   


c - The future of lions in Africa

There are three reasons to be pessimistic about the future of eco systems and apex predators. One reason was mentioined above. Another is population pressure. The last reason is a lack of funding. The only way to prevent a total destruction " ... is for the world to recognise that the great African reserves are true heritage sites and that protection should be paid out of global funds. If the giga-bucks do not come, then there is no hope ... ".

Quite a statement from a giga-researcher, but that's the way to do business these days. Business? But we was talking Africa, reserves and lions, remember? Yes, but times have changed. In the old days, there was principles acknowledged by many. Today, everything of value has no value. Unless you add it yourself. This means a researcher, no matter how competent, has to include public relations and money to his skills if he wants to get a result. Packer knows. The next step is to contact the World Bank himself: " ... Packer here to talk money ... ".


d - Book

The interview says there is a Packer book available. As I'd like to read a lion book written by a lion, I will order it. Reply