Lion hunting in Ethiopia

Lions may be Africa's largest cat but are not considered as dangerous as a wounded leopard. However, due to their size, they can inflict much more damage on a hunter during an attack. In Ethiopia, two subspecies of African Lions occur in the country. Somali Lions are primarily found in the southern and eastern regions and Roosevelt's Lion in the west. In Ethiopia, Lions are threatened due to habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict. Due to a change in policy by the US Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS), lion trophy importations are now more difficult. Limited Lions may be hunted throughout the country, from the Omo Valley to the Bale Mountains and the Ogaden region. Only adult male lions over 6 years may be hunted. Hunters should always ensure that they have the latest information regarding the most recent importation and exportation regulations before booking a hunt. Lion hunts need to be booked at least two years in advance due to their popularity and limited availability. CITES permits are required to hunt lions in Ethiopia.