Lion hunting in Tanzania

Lions may be Africa’s biggest cat and reign supreme over other predators, however they are not considered as dangerous as a wounded Leopard but they will do a lot more damage to a hunter during an attack. In Tanzania, Lions are threatened due to habitat loss. Due to a change in policy by the US Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS) making Lion trophy importations more difficult, many Outfitters surrendered their hunting leases to the government as their concessions were no longer financially viable. These areas have now been inhabited by local people along with their cattle which has caused a conflict of interest and Lions have come off second best. Lions may be hunted throughout the country from the Selous to Masailand. Rungwa boasts one of the densest Lion populations in the country while other areas, like Maswa, Kizigo and Western Tanzania claim to have the best manned Lions. Maneless Lions are found in Southern Tanzania and reputedly have little fear of humans and known to track hunters while actually being hunted themselves. CITES permits and a minimum of a 21 day hunting license is required to hunt Lions in Tanzania. Only adult male Lions over 6 years may be hunted and no Lions may be hunted at night. The USFWS have declared Tanzanian Lions as threatened and will only issue an import permit for Lions hunted from concessions that have implemented a Lion conservation management plan.