I was wondering why the extirpation of lions from Eurasia was so much more rapid and complete han the other large predators, ie wolves, tigers and bears.

Lions disappeared from Greece around 400 AD, and the last from Europe (Georgia) around 1000 AD, but even in 1800 they spanned from what is now western Turkey and Arabia to India and the various “Stans”. There are a few hundred of them now all within a tiny park in India.

I suppose the threats to human life and livestock were the main drivers of the wipeout, but as I say, the other big three are doing much better.

The brown bear still ranges from Scandinavia and the Baltics to Japan.

Sun bears, sloth bears, and Asian black bears also cover decent territory.

The wolf ranges are also wide.

The tiger has lost a lot of ground but still has populations from eastern Russia to India to Indonesia and China.

The Piraeus Lion. Ancient Greek sculpture c.360 BC, about 3 metres tall.

Originally in Piraeus harbour of Athens, but looted by the Italians in the 17th century and now in Venice.

Bubblecar said:

The Piraeus Lion. Ancient Greek sculpture c.360 BC, about 3 metres tall.

Originally in Piraeus harbour of Athens, but looted by the Italians in the 17th century and now in Venice.

I’d like one of them in my garden. I wouldn’t mind a weeping angel either. When the headstone was remade for Mum/Dad/Karen’s grave, I did request the old one to put in my garden. It only had Karen’s name on it, but I was the only one left who was alive when she was. No, I haven’t got any memory of her, I was one year old when she died. I’ve got some photos of the two of us being cheeky children. I think my request got lost somewhere along the way. It’s not something I’ll bother chasing up though.

buffy said:

Bubblecar said:

The Piraeus Lion. Ancient Greek sculpture c.360 BC, about 3 metres tall.

Originally in Piraeus harbour of Athens, but looted by the Italians in the 17th century and now in Venice.

I’d like one of them in my garden. I wouldn’t mind a weeping angel either. When the headstone was remade for Mum/Dad/Karen’s grave, I did request the old one to put in my garden. It only had Karen’s name on it, but I was the only one left who was alive when she was. No, I haven’t got any memory of her, I was one year old when she died. I’ve got some photos of the two of us being cheeky children. I think my request got lost somewhere along the way. It’s not something I’ll bother chasing up though.

Here we are. I think Mum told me this one was taken when Karen was quite sick. I’m the curly haired one at the front. And looking at us, our ages are about right for not long to go.

I’ve got a print of this one on my desk – I think I might have wet my nappy in my excitement.

Maybe they were too proud and not loners like the Siberian tiger.

Sorry, I shouldn’t have sidetracked.

buffy said:

buffy said:

Bubblecar said:

The Piraeus Lion. Ancient Greek sculpture c.360 BC, about 3 metres tall.

Originally in Piraeus harbour of Athens, but looted by the Italians in the 17th century and now in Venice.

I’d like one of them in my garden. I wouldn’t mind a weeping angel either. When the headstone was remade for Mum/Dad/Karen’s grave, I did request the old one to put in my garden. It only had Karen’s name on it, but I was the only one left who was alive when she was. No, I haven’t got any memory of her, I was one year old when she died. I’ve got some photos of the two of us being cheeky children. I think my request got lost somewhere along the way. It’s not something I’ll bother chasing up though.

Here we are. I think Mum told me this one was taken when Karen was quite sick. I’m the curly haired one at the front. And looking at us, our ages are about right for not long to go.

I’ve got a print of this one on my desk – I think I might have wet my nappy in my excitement.

:)

Looks she had at least a little bit of happy childhood.

Peak Warming Man said:

Maybe they were too proud and not loners like the Siberian tiger.

Is this a pride of lions joke?