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Due to mankind's involvement, they are no longer kings, except in the minds of a few. The mighty is now reduced to 'vulnerable to extinction' and found in threatened and small, scattered populations over the continent as most of their original hunting grounds have been turned into agricultural lands (one reason, but a big one).
The highest, but greatly threatened, wild lion populations are found in southern Africa.
A rapid increase in the poaching of lions has been noticed as bones, teeth, skin and claws are highly sought after in rituals and as usual, used in traditional Chinese medicine – and the abuse of lions for body parts used in traditional Chinese medicine is a less risky operation and a rather lucrative market – hence, the growing destruction of lion populations as the offenders are less severely punished than the criminals found operating in the drugs and arms trade.