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Lions are threatened throughout most of their African range. But nowhere is their condition as perilous as in Kenyan Maasailand, where this large male was photographed. Lions there, which number fewer than 150, are under imminent threat of extinction from Maasai herdsmen thought to be retaliating against prides who prey on their cattle. Big Cats Initiative
National Geographic is working to avert the extinction of lions, cheetahs, and other big cats with the Big Cats Initiative, a comprehensive program that supports innovative projects. Learn how you can help save these animals.
Photograph by John Eastcott and Yva Momatiuk

Big Cats

See pictures of lions, tigers, cheetahs, jaguars, and more in this big cats photo gallery from National Geographic.

Published October 20, 2009