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Examining the extinction of the Barbary Lion and its implications for felid conservation

Black, Simon A., Fellous, Amina, Yamaguchi, Nobuyuki, Roberts, David L. (2013) Examining the extinction of the Barbary Lion and its implications for felid conservation. PLoS ONE, 8 (4). e60174. ISSN 19326203 (ISSN). (doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0060174) (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:33809)

The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided. (Contact us about this Publication)
Official URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0060174

Abstract

Estimations of species extinction dates are rarely definitive, yet declarations of extinction or extirpation are important as they define when conservation efforts may cease. Erroneous declarations of extinctions not only destabilize conservation efforts but also corrode local community support. Mismatches in perceptions by the scientific and local communities risk undermining sensitive, but important partnerships. We examine observations relating to the decline and extinction of Barbary lions in North Africa. Whilst the extinction predates the era of the scientific conservation movement, the decline is relatively well documented in historical records. Recently unearthed accounts suggest Barbary lions survived later than previously assumed. We use probabilistic methods to estimate a more recent extinction date for the subspecies. The evidence presented for a much later persistence of lions in North Africa, including generations when sightings were nil, suggests caution when considering felid populations as extinct in the wild. The case raises the possibility that captive animals descended from the Moroccan royal collection are closer contemporaries to wild Barbary lions. Furthermore, our results highlight the vulnerability of very small lion populations and the significance of continued conservation of remnant lion populations in Central and West Africa. © 2013 Black et al.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1371/journal.pone.0060174
Additional information: Unmapped bibliographic data: PY - 2013/// [EPrints field already has value set] JA - PLoS ONE [Field not mapped to EPrints] AD - Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom [Field not mapped to EPrints] AD - Agence Nationale pour la Conservation de la Nature, Algiers, Algeria [Field not mapped to EPrints] AD - Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Qatar, Doha, Qatar [Field not mapped to EPrints]
Subjects: Q Science
Q Science > QH Natural history
Q Science > QH Natural history > QH75 Conservation (Biology)
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Anthropology and Conservation
Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Anthropology and Conservation > DICE (Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology)
Depositing User: David Roberts
Date Deposited: 20 Feb 2014 14:50 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Feb 2021 12:45 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/33809 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Black, Simon A..

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CReDIT Contributor Roles:

Roberts, David L..

Creator's ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6788-2691
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