A HUNTER'S GUIDE TO AGING LIONS IN EASTERN AND SOUTHERN AFRICA. By Karyl L. Whitman and Craig Packer.

2007 1st edition. 8vo spiral-bound landscape paperback (216 x 141mm). Pp46 + 3pp ads. Colour photographs and illustrations throughout.

"In recent years, the population numbers of the wild African lion have become a cause of concern. These large cats are under increasing pressure from habitat destruction and livestock owners. Anti-hunters have used this as an opportunity to try to shut down lion hunting, a move that would make the survival chances of the wild African lion much worse. In an effort to promote responsible and sustainable harvests of older male lions, Conservation Force has asked Safari Press to publish this field guide. Designed with a lay-flat binding, it is intended to be taken on a lion hunt in the bush. It shows how to differentiate a young lion from a medium-age one and goes into detail about how to spot an old lion. Field-judging an older lion is not nearly as hard as it would seem since the color of the nose, the condition of the teeth, the condition of the mane, and the markings on the rear legs are all important clues. All these indicators are clearly described and illustrated in this well-researched, high-quality publication. This guide is an invaluable tool for anyone who wishes to hunt or observe lions. It is the most detailed publication on the subject, bar none. Royalties from the sale of each guide go to Conservation Force, the foremost advocate of sustainable hunting and wise use of our environmental resources."