Download 21 `Most Asked` - Global White Lion Protection Trust

21 'Most Asked'
Questions About
White Lions
Answered!
Q&A with Jason Turner, Senior
Scientific Advisor and Lion
Ecologist of the Global White
Lion Protection Trust
5) Question: Are the White Lions currently classified as
an 'endangered species'?
Turner: No, they are not yet appropriately classified.
Presently, the White Lions are listed as Panthera leo,
under CITES Appendix II, and, therefore, fall under the
classification of a "Vulnerable Species": i.e. “species that
are not necessarily now threatened with extinction but,
they may become so unless trade is closely controlled”.
Appendix II means that White Lions or their derivatives
(e.g. animal parts) can be sold, hunted and traded. In
reality, every permit issued to hunt a lion can be used
to hunt a White Lion. Since there are currently only
3 White Lions in the wild in their endemic range of
Timbavati, they are critically endangered. Any White
Lions born or reintroduced to the wild are not protected.
1) Question: Are the White Lions "albino lions"?
Turner: No, they are not. In 1997 a study by
Cruickshank & Robinson determined conclusively that
White Lions are not albinos. They have blue or gold
colouration in their eyes, black features on the tip of their
noses as well as "eye-lining" and, dark patches behind
their ears ("follow-me signs"). By contrast, albino lions,
which lack pigmentation, have a characteristic pink or red
colouration to their features. White colouration in White
Lions is similar to blue eyes in humans, which is similarly
due to a recessive gene.
2) Question: Where do the White Lions originate from?
Turner: The White Lions were once a natural occurrence
in a specific distribution range in South Africa: the
Greater Timbavati and southern Kruger Park region.
White Lions made a significant contribution to the
biodiversity of that region. Studies have shown that
White Lions survived successfully in their natural
distribution range for at least 56 years - and in all
likelihood, much longer.
3) Question: How did White Lions disappear from the
Timbavati?
Turner: After they were "discovered" by Europeans in
the 1970s, White Lions were artificially removed from the
wild to captive breeding and hunting operations. These
captive operations as well as zoos specifically bred
White Lions because of their rarity and exploited them for
financial gain. Along with these removals, lion culling in
the Kruger National Park (especially in the 1970’s) and
trophy hunting of pride male lions in the Timbavati have
depleted the gene pool. This has contributed to the
drastic decline in the frequency of occurrence of White
Lions and ultimately a 12-year technical extinction in the
wild.
4) Question: Once the genetic marker is known, how
can this research protect the White Lions?
Turner: This research will be used to classify the White
Lion as genetically distinct, either as a "critically
endangered subspecies / regional polymorphism
(variant)" of Panthera leo that occurs in a specific
geographic range, according to the criteria for the IUCN
Red Data List and CITES Appendix I or III listing. This
unique genotype of Panthera leo needs to be
preserved, and the phenotype restored within its natural
distribution range. Trophy hunting still takes place in the
White Lions’ natural distribution range and the captive
breeding in canned hunting operations has put the
genetic pool under duress. The Trust's Scientific
Research Centre aims to acquire key individual White
Lions of the highest genetic integrity to participate in the
genetic research and preservation program. The Trust
has presented the White Lion Protection Plan™ to the
South African Government [The Select Committee on
Land and Environmental Affairs - a Committee of the
National Council of Provinces] in February 2008. The
outcome was extremely positive, with the Committee
resolving to support the Trust's conservation efforts. A
copy of the parliamentary presentation is available on
www.pmg.org.za. The genetic research process
provides a necessary foundation to have the White
Lions listed on the Schedule of Threatened and
Protected Animals of National Importance.
6) Question: Why are White Lions not classified as
'endangered' and officially protected if they are so rare in
the wild?
Turner: White lions are not classified as a 'subspecies'
of Panthera leo, and as such are not protected in the wild
or in captivity. The lack of objectivity in lion classification
means that there is no legislation that protects 'rare' and
'unique' lion groupings in certain regions [Barnett et al.
2006]. For instance, similar to the White Lion, the lion
populations living in west and central Africa could
possibly be characterized as ‘critically endangered’. But,
because their status as a separate lion 'subspecies' [P. l.
Senegalensis] is unclear, their need for protection has
not been officially recognized [Nowell & Jackson 1996;
Bauer & Van Der Merwe 2002].The subspeciation issue
today is highly controversial. There are “Lumpers”
(scientists who believe in protecting the whole species
only: i.e. lions are lions are lions) and “Splitters”
(scientists who believe that sub-categorising helps to
give specific protection). Although there is evidence to
suggest that White Lions should be classified as a
subspecies, this is after-all only a classification. While
waiting for this elaborate scientific debate to resolve
itself, these rare animals need urgent protection.
7) Question: Is there any 'evidence' indicating that White
Lions can be classified as a subspecies?
Turner: A recent study refutes the hypothesis that
African lions consist of a single panmictic population, and
highlights the importance of preserving populations in
decline rather than prioritizing larger-scale conservation
efforts [Antunes, et al. 2008]. Phylogenetic data and
morphological divergence suggest there are at least four
lion groups in Africa – the south-western populations, the
populations to the east and west of the rift valley and the
Sabi Sands population [Dubach, Patterson, Kays, et al.
2005. Christiansen, 2008]. The lion populations in west
and central Africa could possibly be characterised as
‘critically endangered’; however, because their status as
a separate lion subspecies Panthera leo senegalensis is
unclear, the desperate status of their conservation
situation has not been officially recognised [Nowell &
Jackson 1996; Chardonnet 2002]. While taxonomic
distinctions await further sampling for resolution on the
subspeciation
issue,
these
populations
define
evolutionary significant units (ESU) [Dubach, Patterson,
Kays, et al. 2005] as defined by Crandall et al. (2000)
[Crandall, Mace & Wayne 2000] and accordingly need
preserving for biodiversity conservation [Christiansen
2008]. Similarly, the white lion could be classified as a
critically endangered subspecies or at least an
evolutionary significant unit of Panthera leo that needs
preserving. Alternatively, the White Lions may represent
a unique characteristic of the Sabi Sands population, as
White Lions have only ever been found within the greater
Timbavati region, which borders, but is not separated
from, the Sabi Sands Game Reserve. This could warrant
for White Lions to be classified as a critically endangered
regional polymorphism (variation) of Panthera leo or
even of the possible Sabi Sands subspecies.
Little is known about White Lions and scarcely any
scientific studies have been done on White Lions in terms
of our present day understanding and techniques
[Robinson & De Vos. 1982; Cruickshank & Robinson 1997;
McBride 1977 McBride 1981; Tucker 2003.] After two
years, we are at a fairly early stage of our genetic
research, but there are precedents set by groups working
with other species (s.a Kermode Bear in Canada) to
indicate that White Lions should be classified as a
subspecies, or at least as being genetically distinct.
8) Question: What is the main focus of the Global White
Lion Protection Trust?
Turner: The primary aim of the Global White Lion
Protection Trust (WLT) is to re-establish White Lions within
their natural distribution range in the way they once
occurred naturally. This is done in strict accordance with
current conservation principles. The Trust takes a holistic
approach: in conserving the White Lion as an 'apex
predator': we first conserve its prey, but to conserve the
prey species we have to protect their habitat, and in order
to protect the habitat we involve and include the people
that share that habitat. As a unique contribution to the
biodiversity of the Greater Timbavati region - and as an
animal that is revered by the indigenous people of the
region - the White Lion must be protected. The genetic
marker for the White Lion has now been
determined in a ground-breaking collaborative study
with international geneticists. This will be used to
motivate classification of white lions as critically
endangered by CITES, as a capstone animal for
protecting the Kruger to Canyon Biosphere.
9) Question: Their white colour makes them conspicuous
in the wild - can White Lions camouflage themselves in
order to hunt for themselves?
Turner: Yes, studies show that White Lions are endemic to
one place only on earth: the Greater Timbavati region in
South Africa. This region is characterised by white sandy
riverbeds and in the winter the long grass in this area is
scorched pale. In this habitat they are very well
camouflaged. In their natural habitat, the White Lions are
"apex predators" - i.e. they have been recorded as
hunting successfully during the day and at night, killing prey
as large as giraffe. It is important to note that most lion
prey animals are colour-blind and, therefore, the difference
in sightability between tawny and white lions is not nearly
so drastic. Also, lions hunt co-operatively in groups and
mostly at night [Smuts 1982] and hence hair colouration is
less significant than it would be in diurnal or solitary
predators. Eye-witness reports indicate that White Lions
were often dominant in their prides in the wild,
successfully raising litters and leading hunting expeditions
(Mario Cesare 2003). Moreover, our own scientific monitoring
team recorded more than 95 kills within our founding pride's
first year of release in the lions’ natural habitat. Significantly,
the founding pride was an all white pride and did not
require wild tawny lions to teach them how to hunt. Scientifically,
the hunting success of the Trust's three groups of white lions
was not significantly different to that of the wild tawny lions
studied in the same study area (Turner & Vasicek under review
2013).
10) Question: How do the Trust's objectives fit into those
of the IUCN?
Turner: Our research objectives are in complete
accordance with those of the IUCN: i) we aim to restore the
natural biodiversity of the area; ii) we aim to enhance the
long-term survival of a species; iii) we aim to provide longterm economic benefits to the local community; iv) we aim
to re-establish a key-stone species in both the ecological
and cultural sense; and v) we aim to promote conservation
awareness.
11) Question: You indicated that the Global White Lion
Protection Trust is following precedents to classify the
White Lions. Can you elaborate?
Turner: One important example is the global precedent set
by a scientific team working in British Columbia (Canada)
with the so-called "Spirit Bear" (a.k.a. the Kermode Bear).
Similar to the White Lion, the Spirit Bear is a unique genetic
variant of the Black Bear (Ursus americanus), and occurs in
only one place in the world, the temperate rainforests of
British-Columbia. Also similar to the White Lion, the white
coat of the Spirit Bear is believed to be the result of a
double recessive allele. The Spirit Bear has been classified
as a 'sub-species' (Ursus americanus kermodei). Since the
mode of genetic inheritance is similar to that of the White
Lions, indications are that the White Lions will also be
classified as a 'sub-species' of (Panthera leo).
15) Question: Can one expect any casualties in your
Reintroduction Programme?
18) Question: Has anyone else ever tried to
reintroduce White Lions back into the wild?
Turner: With the risks involved in hunting in the wild,
Turner: Yes, there were two attempts made by the
lion mortality is high - 80% of lion cubs do not survive to
Timbavati themselves: the first was in the late 1980s
become adults. White Lions have to face these odds
and the second took place in 1993. Sadly,
over and above all the dangers which humans pose for
reintroduction techniques were not as sophisticated
them. The tragic death of our founding lioness, Marah
as they are today and the attempts failed. Since then,
has highlighted the critical nature of White Lion
reintroductions have been increasingly proposed and
conservation. Following a year of superb performance
practiced as a conservation strategy and method to
in the wild (with more than 95 recorded kills, for which
return 'extirpated' populations to their former range.
she was primarily responsible), she died while hunting
for her cubs. Marah's offspring have survived to
adulthood and her daughter has now raised her own
19) Question: Will the White Lions in your project
offspring to hunt successfully in their natural habitat.
ever be in contact with other lions?
We are pleased to report that 3 groups of white lions
have now been successfully introduced, hunting
Turner: Yes they will. The Trust's ultimate goal is to
successfully on their own, killing prey as large as adult
once again integrate wild-born White Lions into the
kudu and eland. The vitally important scientific
reintroduction is continuing as planned. The lions' natural lion population within their natural distribution range.
prey base is increased when necessary and 2 new blood In this way the natural dynamics of their endemic
region will be restored. Also, if successful, this will
lines of highest genetic pedigree were introduced.
help validate the 'meta-population management'
approach for lions in South Africa. As an important
16) Question: When were White Lions last spotted
being born wild in the Timbavati region? Can any lion step in the carefully phased long-term Reintroduction
Programme members of the founder White Lion pride
produce white offspring?
have already been integrated with wild tawny lions
12) Question: What evidence exists to show that the
Global
White
Lion
Protection
Trust's
'Scientific
Turner: In May, 2006 two White Lion cubs were born - within their natural habitat at the Tsau! Conservancy.
Reintroduction Project' has been successful?
amidst tawny cubs - in the Umbabat Private Nature The pride interacts with other tawny lions at the
electrified boundary fences between the Tsau!
Reserve (neighbouring Timbavati). In October 2006,
Conservancy and the neighbouring private nature
Turner: The aim of the Reintroduction Programme is to
another 2 cubs were born at Tabby's Crossing
reintroduce White Lions back to the wild in their natural
in the Timbavati Reserve. Unfortunately, none of the reserves, showing natural territorial behaviour. These
distribution range in the Greater Timbavati. Our
white cubs - or their tawny siblings - survived. At the wild tawny lions were specifically identified as they
originate from the Greater Timbavati region and will,
reintroduction protocol was developed over the past seven
best of times, the survival rate of lion cubs to
adulthood is only 20%. Trophy hunting in the region therefore, not disturb the existing natural pride
years with input from experts and specialists in numerous
structures. At every stage, our procedure is to
fields. The Trust's Reintroduction Programme utilizes
made it even less likely that the cubs would survive,
One of the two dominant male lions of both prides support the processes of nature and not to disturb
pedigreed White Lions - meaning that they are of the
them.
highest genetic integrity - whose lineage is directly
that gave birth to the white cubs
traceable to Timbavati. By 2013 three prides of un-imprinted was trophy hunted [Reported in Sunday Independent 20) Question: What is your response to the 'purist'
White Lions had been successfully reintroduced to the
May 28th 2006]. This increased the likelihood that a scientific view that "nature should take its own
free-roaming conditions on the Trust's 2000 hectare wildlife
nomadic coalition killed the cubs. Only lions that are course"?
area in the natural habitat of the white lions of Greater
white or are carrying the rare white lion gene can
Timbavati, and were hunting self-sufficiently. Two of the
produce white offspring. Both parents need to be Turner: In reality, there are very few ecosystems
white lion groups were then successfully integrated with wild
carrying the gene to ensure the possibility that some of today that are not in some way 'managed'. The
tawny lions, since white lions were naturally born to tawny
the offspring will be white. According to Mendel’s Kruger National Park (KNP), in spite of its large size
prides.
principles of gene inheritance: (i) if both parents are (greater than 20 000 km) is not an entirely 'selfcontained system in nature'. It is managed: i.e.
tawny and carrying the white gene they have a 25%
vegetation is burnt on a rotational basis; species are
chance of having white cubs, (ii) if one parent is
white and the other is tawny but carries the white gene, trans-located to and from the KNP and an elephant
there is a 50% chance of white cubs, and (iii) if both culling programme is imminent. If indeed we were to
13) Question: Some say the White Lions in your
parents are white, 100% of the offspring will be white. follow pure conservation principles, we should
Reintroduction project are being 'bred in captivity' because
In 2008, three white cubs were born to the WLT project acknowledge that i) White Lions once occurred
naturally, ii) their frequency of occurrence had
the lions are kept in cages. Is this true?
and since that time, 8 more white cubs (from 3 different
increased before they were artificially removed from
prides) have been spotted on neighbouring reserves the Timbavati and iii) their gene pool in the KNP was
Turner: No, the White Lions participating in our project are
of Timbavati and Umbabat.
depleted by the lion culling program in the 1970’s.
not kept in cages. This would oppose everything our project
Only time will tell whether the management policies Strictly speaking then, White Lions should rightfully
stands for. The White Lions in our Reintroduction
(especially regarding hunting and eco-tourism impact)
be restored within their natural distribution range.
Programme have been reintroduced to semi free-roaming
in these reserves will allow these cubs a fair chance
White lions are a unique contribution to the
conditions in a 2000 ha wildlife area in their natural
of survival.
biodiversity of the Greater Timbavati / KNP region,
endemic habitat in the wild. The Reintroduction Programme
and they are revered by indigenous communities in
is in line with current strategies for lion conservation that
the area. The balance was once disturbed through
follow the 'meta-population' management approach. This
human intervention and we need to restore it.
approach is already in use in southern Africa [Nowell &
Jackson 1996; Barnett et al. 2006]. In order to completely
introduce White Lions back into the wild, and to ensure
21) Question: What are the 'critical next steps' to
genetic diversity, the Trust aims to establish and manage a
having the White Lions protected?
number of separate sub-populations before reintegrating
the White Lions with resident tawny prides within their core
Turner: South African legislation pertaining to the
distribution area of the Greater Timbavati region. The only
management of large predators has to change
time the Trust's White Lions are temporarily held in an
drastically. Currently, White Lions are not protected
enclosed area or boma, is for the standard acclimation
by South African law because they are not classified
period when introducing lions to a new area or when
appropriately on the Schedule of Threatened and
bonding the White Lions with wild tawny lions prior to
Protected Animals of National Importance. White
reintroduction. We follow the IUCN’s (World Conservation
Lions are important because of their
Union) ‘soft release’ approach and in this way the White
conservation value and also due to their cultural and
Lions are being progressively introduced to larger sized
eco-tourism value in the region. They hold enormous
wildlife areas within their natural distribution range.
17) Question: When were White Lions first spotted in cultural and spiritual significance for the indigenous
the wild and how many are there world-wide?
communities of the region. The white lion is a
14) Question: How do you monitor the progress of the
capstone animal for protecting the lion population
White Lions in your Reintroduction Project?
Turner: They were first spotted by a European witness in the Greater Kruger National Park, and the
in 1938 and documented in the 1970s, although African Kruger to Canyon Biosphere - 3rd largest
Turner: Our scientific monitoring team monitors and
records indicate they were resident in this region for a canyon in the world. With the breakthorugh
records the behavioural and predation patterns of the White
much longer period. There were 12 recorded births in 9 discovery of the secret genetic code for the white
Lions in the Reintroduction Programme three times a day
prides in the Timbavati and Kruger National Park lions in November 2012, the Trust now has the
during their peak activity periods. The lions are radiobetween 1975 and 1980. Due to the artificial removals necessary evidence to prove that white lions are
collared so as to track them whilst hunting. The lions are
in Timbavati [McBride 1981; Tucker 2001] and the lion genetically distinct and therefore motivate that white
never approached on foot. We have a strict scientific
culling in the KNP in the 1970s [Mills, Biggs & Whyte lions be classified by CITES as a critically
protocol and any visitor to the project must be accompanied
1995], there were less than a handful of births from endangered subpopulation or subspecies of the
by a member of the monitoring team. The cubs are raised
1980 to 1993, and none from 1993 to 2006. It is hard to African lion. The Trust is formally collaborating
by their mother, and are never approached or touched. We
determine exactly how many White Lions there are with the South African Government at
are completely opposed to the concept of 'lion petting', as
today, because they are held in captive breeding and national level to refine legislation
human imprinted lions cannot be easily reintroduced to freecanned hunting operations which don’t keep adequate to protect the White Lions.
roaming conditions.
records. Based on available evidence, we estimate
there are less than 300 White Lions world-wide. There
are seven White Lions free-roaming in the WLT’s
Read More at www.whitelions.org
reintroduction project, with at least seven additional
known births in surrounding reserves reported in the
last two years.