The United States Fish and Wildlife Service recently announced it might add the African lion to its list of endangered animals. This move will enable the U.S. to protect the animal under their law.

It means the United States will be able to protect the African lion although the animal isn't a native of the country. The U.S. is being supported by organizations protecting the welfare of endangered animals.

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Fish and Wildlife Service Director Daniel Ashe said the burden is on Africa to demonstrate to them that its management of the lions is in place and that hunting quotas are set.

"We have substantial leverage that we can apply--we can make a very significant contribution to conservation by leveraging the economic power of U.S. consumers [who hunt lions]," he said.

Jane Goodall, the founder of the Jane Goodall Institute, said she hopes the proposed listing of the African lion as an endangered species will be approved since it will be terrible to lose the "King of Beasts" in Africa.

North American regional director of the International Fund for Animal Welfare Jeff Flocken said they're excited about the idea. He noted African lions are the only big cats not receiving protection. 

TagsAfrican Lion, protect the animals, endangers species list, Additional, under U.S. Law, protected